Joplin fire crews respond to report of oily sheen on Joplin Creek water at 5th and Murphy

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

On Friday, 23 August 2019, at 11:03 AM the Joplin Fire Department responded to a report of an oily sheen on water flowing along Joplin Creek in the vicinity of 5th / Murphy.

The first fire crew arrived on scene to find that there was an oily sheen of some unknown substance, floating on top of the water. 

 Crews deployed oil absorbent booms at five locations upstream and downstream on Joplin Creek in order to stop and absorb the substance. Fire crews remained on scene until 2:21 PM.

Water samples were taken. The Department of Natural Resources was contacted. It will be the DNR’s responsibility to determine both the substance and the source of release.

The Joplin Fire Department responded with four units and nine personnel and was assisted by the Joplin Police Department and Public Works.

The cause remains under investigation.