The Yancey County Health Department & Emergency Management in conjunction with NC Division of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, NC Department of Environmental Quality are issuing a precautionary advisory pending a water quality investigation for the Little Crabtree Creek area.
There was a release of petroleum fuel on January 18, 2024 in the early morning affecting Little Crabtree Creek near the intersection of Main Street and Hwy 19 in Burnsville.
At this time, you may witness a petroleum smell in the air and might notice oil sheen on the water.
- The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) is investigating to determine the extent of the spill to mitigate the contamination in Little Crabtree Creek and those bodies of water connected to Little Crabtree Creek.
- Fuel will possibly continue to migrate downstream in the coming weeks and months.
- The responsible party is in the process of removing fuel at the release site and has deployed absorbent booms to remove the fuel in the stream.
- Residents and visitors should be mindful of any petroleum smell and sheen and report that to Yancey County Emergency Management 828-284-0725
Until the water is tested and declared safe, environmental and public health officials recommend:
- Avoid swimming, wading or fishing in the Little Crabtree Creek until further notice.
- Avoid skin contact with water, soil and sediment in or near Little Crabtree Creek.
- If skin comes into contact with the contaminated sediment or water, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Avoid allowing pets and livestock to consume surface water from the creek.
