Crews prepare for incoming rain amidst diesel spill in Padden Creek

Bellingham officials are mobilizing to mitigate the impact of a diesel spill at Padden Creek ahead of anticipated rainfall. The Washington Department of Ecology reported that crews have set up temporary coffer dams to collect rainwater and prevent diesel from washing downstream. Staff will remain at the site overnight to monitor conditions and replace sorbents as necessary. During cleanup operations, crews discovered that a tree's roots were heavily impacted by the spill, prompting plans for its removal to ensure safety and effective excavation. The urgency of these actions has increased with rain expected to begin on Thursday.

Local environmental advocates have expressed concerns about potential harm to wildlife and water quality. Previous diesel spills in the area have raised alarms about the region's ecological health. Effective containment efforts are critical to safeguarding the local environment during this rainy period.