Lake Merritt Spill Cleaned Up; Source Remains Unknown
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - A diesel fuel spill that spread to about 4 or 5 acres in Oakland's Lake Merritt on Tuesday has been cleaned up, but the source of the spill remains unclear, an Oakland Fire Department battalion chief said today.
Battalion Chief Darin White said crews began cleaning up the spill on Tuesday afternoon and wrapped up their work that evening.
White said it's not yet known whether the spill was caused by a leak, illegal dumping or something else.
The fuel ran into the lake from a storm drain at Harrison Street and Grand Avenue near the Cathedral of Christ the Light Church, White said.
Although the cleanup work is done, a long oil containment boom was still in the water Wednesday near where the spill occurred. However, there was no obvious sign of oil in the water.
White said there's no indication that the spill caused any problems for people or for wildlife.
A portion of the lake was cordoned off from pedestrians and joggers while the cleanup work was taking place on Tuesday, but there were no restricted areas as of Wednesday.
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