| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5696 | 2012-02-16 | Troop F | **Update** Haz-mat Incident in West Monroe |
TROOP F - NEWS RELEASE February 15, 2012 **Update** Haz-mat Incident in West Monroe Louisiana State Police Haz-mat Technicians, the West Monroe Fire Department, and several local and state agencies continue to work to identify the source of the gasoline contamination. Crews worked throughout the night and day to ensure the safety of the citizens in the affected areas. Today, crews began flushing the sewer lines with water to reduce and remove the contaminant and have seen a steady decrease in the presence of gasoline fumes. This evening, crews will begin taking and testing soil samples to narrow down the search for the originating source of the gasoline. All of the families that voluntarily evacuated due to the odor of gasoline have returned to their homes at this time. Authorities ask that anyone who detects the odor of gasoline in or around their homes to call the West Monroe Police Department at (318)396-2722 so a technician can check the air quality in and around their homes. The investigation is ongoing. Original Release: Early this evening, emergency officials began receiving calls in reference to the odor of gasoline in the sewer system around the area of Arkansas Rd and North 12th Street in West Monroe. State and local officials responded to the area and detected gasoline fumes in the sewer system north of Arkansas Rd between Jersey St to the west and Ferndale St to the east. Four homes have been voluntarily evacuated after the residents reported smelling the gasoline fumes in their homes. There are no road closures at this time. If you live in or near this area and believe you smell the odor of gasoline in or around your home, please call the West Monroe Police Department at (318)396-2722 so a responder can check the air quality in and around your home for safety. Residents in this area should be alert for any signs or symptoms of sickness from gasoline fumes, like red, watery eyes, dizziness, nausea, etc. As a precaution, eliminate the use of any open flames in or near sewer lines in and around your home. The source of the gasoline leak or release has not yet been determined. This incident is still under investigation. Contact Information: TFC Mark Dennis Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop F Office: (318) 345-2810 Mark.Dennis@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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