Asphalt tar binder floating in Smith River

 

Taken on May 22, 2022. Video provided by Craig Strong. On April 28, a semi-truck, containing an estimated 2,000 gallons of asphalt tar, collided with a power pole on U.S. Highway 199 and delivered a payload of contamination, potentially harmful to fish, plants, wildlife and humans into the Middle Fork of the Smith River. The driver of the truck was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and a misdemeanor hit and run. In the week following the toxic spill, the road was cleaned, limited material was removed from the site and some cleanup efforts were made by US Forest Service, CalTrans and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This video shows asphalt tar from the collision floating into the Smith River, as well as shows it has not solidified while outside of the water, potentially contaminating the Smith River, weeks since the original incident.