The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is responding to reports of fuel oil in a private storm drain system near Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo. Early reports indicate oil from a leaking residential heating fuel tank has pooled beneath a house and is now flowing into a nearby storm drain. The outfall empties to Commencement Bay near Ruston Way. The City of Tacoma placed oil-adsorbing “sweep” at the outfall to prevent oily stormwater from extending into Commencement Bay. State-hired environmental contractors are on their way to collect the pooled fuel oil from the storm drains and underneath the house. They will also take additional measures around the outfall to contain any oil.

For updates on this story, visit http://www.ecy.wa.gov .