Richardson Highway tank spill totals more than 3,500 gallons

ANCHORAGE — Alaska state environmental officials said a fuel spill from an overturned fuel tank off the Richardson Highway totaled more than 3,500 gallons.

The Department of Environmental Conservation said Wednesday the cleanup continues at mile 306 of the highway, where the accident involving the Big State Logistics tank occurred Monday afternoon.

Only the secondary tank was involved, not the main fuel tank or the cab of the truck, which remained on the roadway. Officials said the accident was caused by equipment failure.

DEC officials said two pits have been excavated in the affected area. They said fuel is floating on pooled water in the collection areas because of high groundwater conditions.

According to officials, a small roadside pond and some marsh land have been affected by the spill.

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