PAGE COUNTY, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says an estimated 300 gallons of diesel fuel entered East Tariko Creek in Page County following a traffic accident Friday.

Friday morning the Iowa DNR Atlantic Field Office was notified of a collision involving two semis near N Avenue and 140th Street, which caused diesel fuels and engine fuels to reach the East Tarkio Creek, which runs near Clarinda.

Authorities say one semi was turning left when it was struck from behind by another semi, owned by Preston McNees, which then entered East Tarkio Creek. The Iowa DNR says the semi was transporting wet distiller’s grain, which did not reach East Tariko Creek; however, an estimated 300 gallons of diesel fuel, oil, and transmission fluid entered East Tariko Creek.

The semi that entered East Tariko Creek was removed and cleanup crews are working to deploy booms and peat moss to contain and collect the contaminants. The Iowa DNR says cleanup efforts are expected to continue through the weekend.

The public is advised to avoid the area until cleanup is complete. No dead fish have been reported to the Iowa DNR at this time.

To report a release after hours, please call the DNR’s emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.