PORT ANGELES, Wash. — Access to water is being temporarily restricted to some people in the Port Angeles area after a Petro fuel tanker overturned and spilled into Indian Creek on Friday afternoon.
The crash happened on Highway 101 at milepost 238, where the truck left the roadway and ended up upside down in the creek.
The truck had 6,000 gallons of diesel and 4,000 gallons of gasoline. It;s unclear how much was leaking into the water.
Authorities said the vehicle began leaking petroleum following the crash.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said the Washington State Department of Health has issued the following restrictions for the waterways downstream from the spill location:
- Do not enter or fish from the closed/boomed zone.
- Do not enter or fish from sheening areas
- Do not eat fish that is oiled or smells oily.
- Do not touch or eat dead fish.
Additionally, this has caused the temporary closure of the City of Port Angeles and Dry Creek municipal water sources.
Water usage restrictions are currently in place. Per the City of Port Angeles, city staff are closely monitoring the city’s water supply and working closely with the Department of Ecology to determine appropriate next steps.
“Voluntary water conservation remains in effect. Residents and businesses should limit their water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Please restrict unnecessary activities, like lawn irrigation and non-commercial car washing, until further guidance is provided by the Department of Ecology,” the city said on its website.
Monitor the city’s website for more information.
Gov. Bob Ferguson said he will be visiting the site within the next few days.
“This is a devastating accident for Indian Creek and the Elwha River. This spill is nothing short of heartbreaking for local tribes and other Washingtonians who rely on clean, healthy rivers and streams for their food and livelihoods. I am closely monitoring the situation with responding agencies — including its impact on local salmon populations —and will visit the site in the next few days," Ferguson said in a statement.
No new updates are expected until Saturday.
©2025 Cox Media Group
