Crash spills hot tar into a California river. Here’s why officials aren’t worried

A crash on a California highway spilled hot tar into the Smith River at Six Rivers National Forest, forestry officials reported.

But the asphalt binder spilled in the crash remains liquid only at temperatures above 125 degrees Fahrenheit, the U.S. Forestry Service reported on Facebook.

When it hit the cold water of the river, it turned into a solid and sank, officials said.

“Although we are still concerned with possible harm done to natural resources, knowing more about the substance reassures us the spread of liquid material in the river is minimal,” the post read.

Del Norte County officials determined the spill poses no threat to water quality, the release said.

The spill took place April 26 when a truck with a damaged tire hauling 2,000 gallons of hot tar in a trailer hit a power pole on Highway 199, California Highway Patrol officers told SFGate.

The driver, who faces a charge of driving under the influence, continued on for another mile before the trailer overturned near Gasquet, the publication reported.

The Six Rivers National Forest covers nearly 1 million acres near the Oregon border.

This story was originally published May 2, 2022 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Crash spills hot tar into a California river. Here’s why officials aren’t worried."