CACHE COUNTY, Utah -- Hundreds of North Logan residents are without access to irrigation water due to an oil spill into a canal that runs through Logan, North Logan and Hyde Park, but officials said that water should be available again by Monday.
Cleanup efforts continue Sunday as crews attempt to divert the spill and pull out clumps of tar that have accumulated along the sides of the 5-mile stretch of canal.
Officials with the Bear River Health Department said haz-mat crews were first sent to Hyde Park around 7 p.m. Saturday. The oil came from a chip and seal road project on 1800 North. North Logan Mayor Lloyd Berentzen said a rainstorm washed the oil into the canal before the seal could firm up.
Residents have been asked to close off their systems while the cleanup efforts continue. Water users in the area include many people with farms and ranches with livestock.
Hyde Park Mayor Bryan Cox said he thinks the threat of contamination has passed, as the water again appears clear and free of the oily sheen seen Saturday. Health department officials agreed with the mayor's assessment, and their visual demonstration can be seen in the video above. Those who use the system are being told they can start using the water again starting Monday.
The Bear River Health Department and The Utah Department of Environmental Quality are investigating the incident. Tests are still being conducted on the canal water, but Cache County officials said the haz-mat crew is wrapping up their efforts in the area for the day.
Bear River Health Department officials said anyone in the area who feels sick can contact a hotline they've set up. That number is:(435) 792-6576.
