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Source of 150-gallon fuel spill in Little Sugar Creek still a mystery

By John Paul, wsoctv.com
By John Paul, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City and county officials are trying to find the source of a fuel spill into Little Sugar Creek just outside uptown Charlotte.

"Right now our investigators are out there trying to find the source of this. It's been a little bit difficult," Mark Boone, with Charlotte Storm Water Services, said.

Stormwater officials were notified Sunday night that about 150 gallons of diesel spilled into the creek near Belmont Avenue and Brevard Street.

Much of the dark red fuel is being pumped out of the creek into tanker trucks, and there is a strong smell along miles of the creek.

"A little bit of oil can pollute a lot of water, so you're talking about waterfowl, fish in the creek, as well as any contact with human or animal is bad," Boone said.

Officials inspected areas downstream to see how far the spill went. Investigators said it reached as far as Freedom Park.

The sight and smell has residents concerned.

"Major problem. Major problem. Not only does that take away from my sons going out and having a good time, but you're taking away from life; you're killing life," said Laurie Tapia, who lives right along the creek.

Tapia’s two boys like to go fishing and wading in the water. Now some of those fish are dead

County officials are combing the area near several construction sites to find out where the fuel came from.

"It might take us a little while, but we feel pretty confident we should be able to find the source,” Boone said.

The city of Charlotte is on the hook for the cleanup until officials find out who is responsible for the spill.

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