Company says pipeline failed, leaking jet fuel in Indiana river

DECATUR, Ind. (WANE/AP) – A Texas company says one of its pipelines has spilled more than 8,000 gallons of jet fuel into a river in northeastern Indiana.

Residents in Decatur have been warned to avoid Monmouth Road in the area of Riverview Bar after a large fuel leak was discovered south of that area Friday night.

The pipeline company, Buckeye Pipe Line Company, confirmed Saturday that a pipeline failure happened around around 6:17 Friday evening, resulting in a spill of around 195 barrels of jet fuel into the St. Marys River. 

The company is currently investigating the failure. The pipeline was shut down immediately, and crews from Buckeye’s Emergency Response Team are continuing to clean up the area and remediate any environmental impact. 

The company says it is working with public safety officials as well as state and federal authorities to address the situation quickly and safely.

Adams County EMA Director John August said the Environmental Protection Agency came from Indianapolis to check the air quality. August said residents may smell something but there won’t be any danger. Drinking water shouldn’t be contaminated in Decatur because this won’t affect well water, only river water. 

The pipeline will remain shut down until it is repaired and deemed safe to return to service.

The plan is to boom the river at W 900 N in Adams County to stop the spread of the leak, and also at the Allen County line. Private contractors are also en route to assist. Monmouth Road is shut down. Police are warning people who live along the St. Marys River in Decatur not to smoke or use open flames at this time near the river.