Emergency Team Responds to Fuel Leak at Northpointe Higgins School in Ketchikan

In a recent meeting held in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, officials gathered to address a significant fuel spill incident that has raised concerns among the community. The meeting, marked by a sense of urgency, focused on the response efforts following the discharge of approximately 2,700 gallons of fuel from a generator room at Northpointe Higgins.

Emergency Manager Steve Rydey opened the discussion by confirming that the incident response team was activated on August 22, shortly after the spill was detected. The team, which includes various local and state agencies, has been working diligently to contain and clean up the spill. Morgan Berry, the Public Works Director, detailed the immediate actions taken, including the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Coast Guard, who were on-site to assist with containment measures.

Berry explained that the fuel discharge was traced back to an ongoing project in the generator room, where the fuel had soaked into the ground. Fortunately, assessments revealed that the diesel had not reached the ocean, minimizing potential environmental damage. The team has been actively monitoring downstream properties and conducting clean-up operations in affected areas.

Communication has been a key focus, with officials emphasizing the importance of keeping the community informed. A joint statement was released on August 22, outlining the situation and response efforts. The borough has taken the lead in managing communications due to its resources and ownership of the property involved.

As the meeting progressed, questions arose regarding the safety of the Northpointe Higgins facility and the timeline for reopening. Officials assured attendees that safety remains the top priority, with air quality monitoring being conducted to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. Jason Ginter from Nortek Engineering reported that air quality readings in the school were within safe limits, with no detectable diesel odors.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing communication and transparency as the situation develops. Officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved, highlighting the importance of community safety and environmental protection in the wake of this incident. As cleanup efforts continue, the borough remains focused on restoring normalcy while ensuring the health and safety of its residents.