The City of Galesburg has closed Lake Storey to all water access — including boating, swimming, and wading — in the wake of a recent diesel fuel leak near the lake.
The closure is “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a news release co-issued by Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Don Miles.
The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a diesel fuel leak near 3150 Log City Trail near South Lake Storey on Thursday, and utilized large absorbent booms to help mitigate the spill. As the owner of the original leak contamination site, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services is currently utilizing a remediation contractor, in conjunction with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, to complete a thorough remediation of the spill.
To allow ample space for clean-up efforts, and proactively prevent residents and pets from exposure to any potential water contamination, the lake is currently closed to all water activity. Signage will be posted at lake access points and parking areas to notify park patrons that water access at Lake Storey Park is currently closed.
The closure is anticipated to be temporary, and the City of Galesburg will issue further information once the lake is once again open for water access.
The Galesburg Fire Department assisted the State of Illinois and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency with an immediate hazard mitigation response to minimize impacts. The Illinois Department of Central Management Services will manage the ongoing mitigation process in correspondence with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Any updates or information regarding the diesel fuel leak or the status of remediation efforts will be issued by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. The City will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure public safety until the remediation is complete.
