Leaky Dumpster Spews Chemicals Near Silver Lake

BRISTOL, PA —The borough's four fire crews and Bucks County Hazmat spent more than 12 hours on the scene working to contain a leaky dumpster spewing chemicals near Silver Lake.

The Bristol Consolidated Fire Station 50 was dispatched around 8 p.m. Wednesday to assist Station 52 with a fumes outside call in their area.

As fire crews arrived, it was determined that a large amount of household laundry detergent and cleaners had been emptied into a large dumpster, and the dumpster was leaking.

Chief 99 from Dow Chemical was requested to the scene to assist in identifying potential hazardous materials involved and provided additional equipment during the beginning stages of the incident.

Fire officials said that even though these items might not cause an immediate health hazard to humans, they will affect the environment and wildlife.

Since the spill was near Silver Lake, the Bucks County Hazmat Team was dispatched to assist, fire officials said.

Bristol Borough Public Works dumped two tons of sand on the site, and firefighters used that, in conjunction with booms and pads, to prevent any more product from getting into the storm drains.

Fire crews remained on scene until 8:45 a.m. Thursday and the scene was turned over to an environmental cleanup company.

All four Bristol Borough fire companies responded to the incident and were assisted by the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Team, Dow Chemical Emergency Response, Bucks County EMA, Bristol Borough EMA, Bristol Borough Public Works, PA DEP, Bucks County 9-1-1 Dispatch and the Bensalem Rescue Squad.

(Photos Courtesy of Bristol Consolidated Fire Station 50)