(Denison, Iowa) – Officials with the Crawford County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), today (Wednesday), said that at around 2-p.m., Tuesday,  the EMA was notified by a City of Denison employee, about a spill of an unknown substance having occurred at the intersection of Avenue C and 7th Street, in Denison. Denison Public Works, Denison Fire Department and Crawford County Emergency Management responded immediately. Officials say the incident occurred when a bottle containing approximately one gallon of porta-pot holding tank deodorizer fell from a vehicle owned and operated by Moores Portable Toilets. Shortly after landing in the roadway, the bottle was struck by a passing vehicle, causing it to rupture and release the liquid across the surface of the street. During the rupture, a small portion of the deodorizer made it into the grass. The area where the liquid entered the grass was removed and properly disposed of.

A report was made to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who advised emergency crews on how to appropriately clean up the liquid. The deodorizer is not considered hazardous but can cause irritation with direct contact. Emergency personnel, public works personnel and employees of Moores Portable Toilets worked quickly to contain and neutralize the spill. The roadway was temporarily blocked by the Denison Police Department to ensure safety of those cleaning the spill, but has since reopened.

A containment area was established by constructing a dam using sandbags and floor dry. The liquid was washed into the containment area and then removed utilizing a vacuum pump from Moores Portable Toilets.

No injuries were reported, and there was no impact to water or air quality.

Crawford County Emergency Management encourages the public to report any chemical or unknown spills immediately. Early notification allows emergency personnel to manage situations quickly, safely, and in a way that protects both the public and the environment.