The EPA and State Fire Marshal’s Office will follow-up on a haz-mat emergency in Watseka. The Watseka fire chief says there’s no concern to the public.

A suspected gas leak turned out to be just that Monday. Watseka Fire Chief Kenny Baier said a smell of gas had city work crews checking out the concern and then Tuesday it was determined a gas leak was traced to the Shell Gas Station in the 11-hundred block of E. Walnut. A product released from the city storm sewer was traced to the local holding-ponds near City Hall. The odor was traced back to the Shell Station where a leak was discovered.

The MABAS 7 Haz-Mat Team from Kankakee responded along with the State Fire Marshal and EPA.

Chief Baier said the leak was contained, mitigation measures put in place and the clean-up will be monitored by the state agencies. Baier adds there was no contamination of drinking water or any product found in the river.

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