Indiana Conservation Officers Investigating Chemical Spill (Shelby County)

DNR NEWS            
Division of Law Enforcement

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748

For immediate release: May 25, 2017

Indiana Conservation Officers Investigating Chemical Spill (Shelby County)

Flat Rock- Indiana Conservation Officers along with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) are investigating a chemical spill into a small tributary of Little Tough Creek in Flat Rock, IN.

Yesterday, at approximately 1:30 P.M., Indiana Conservation Officers were requested to respond to the area of County Road 1200 South, just east of State Road 9 in Shelby County.  Initial investigation revealed that a farmer was transporting a trailer of nitrogen fertilizer from one property to another, when he ran off the road while attempting to let a vehicle pass him on the narrow roadway.

This accident caused a small amount of the chemical to spill into the tributary.  Steps were immediately taken to contain the chemical.  IDEM Emergency Response and IDNR responded to the scene.  Even with the quick action, a small fish kill occurred.

This joint investigation is still ongoing and cleanup of the area will be taking place today.