Arlington County, Virginia, is warning residents to keep themselves and their pets out of Four Mile Run following a spill from an underground oil tank Thursday.
In an update just before 3:30 p.m., Arlington Fire said the source of the spill had come from an underground oil tank in the area of S. Carlin Springs Road and Columbia Pike, at the border of Arlington County.
A hazmat crew was initially dispatched around 6:30 a.m. Thursday to the 4200 block of S. Four Mile Run Drive after reports of a chemical odor and sheen on the water. When the hazmat team investigated, they found what they assumed to be a petroleum product leaving the sheen. The team then deployed special booms to try to contain the product.
“A cleanup contractor and our hazmat team are on scene. Use caution in the area as there is a sheen of product on the roadway,” Arlington Fire tweeted.
With a number of dog parks nearby, and many people who like to let their dogs play in the water, officials are recommending that everyone stay clear of Four Mile Run until they give the all clear.
Arlington Fire Capt. Justin Tirelli said they will reassess the waterway in 24-48 hours to determine if the water is safe to re-enter.
The county also said to avoid fishing in the area until further notice.
#FollowUp: Please keep all pets out of Four Mile Run until the #HazMat situation can be full mitigated. #PetSafety pic.twitter.com/rKqyPbE5zm
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) October 31, 2019
Anyone who has been in Four Mile Run and is experiencing health issues such as a sore throat or eye irritation is being advised to seek medical attention.
Below is a map of the area of the underground oil tank, according to Arlington Fire.
