Officials advise residents to avoid area near airport after glycol tank spill; tests ongoing

Whitehall — City officials announced May 20 that crews were responding to a glycol tank spill near the airport and advised residents who live near Mason Run and Turkey Run to avoid the immediate area while officials determine whether the spilled glycol is toxic.

Why it matters: City officials said there is an odor associated with the spill; emergency crews and fire services responded and are monitoring containment and cleanup. Glycol is a common aircraft and vehicle coolant; different formulations have different toxicity profiles, and officials said tests are underway to determine the exact type.

Mayor Bivens told the council that Chief Preston Moore and responding crews were on scene and that Homeland Security personnel were also involved. “There is a smell that is associated with this spill. We are determining whether what type of glycol it is, whether or not it is toxic or nontoxic,” she said, and urged residents in the Mason Run and Turkey Run areas to avoid the site until officials release further information.

City officials said they will share more details with the public as sample results and cleanup progress become available. No injuries or evacuations were reported in the council meeting remarks.

Residents with concerns or who observe issues near the spill were advised to avoid the area and await further guidance from public safety officials.