Gwinnett intersection reopens after hazmat situation involving tractor-trailer leaking fuel

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A busy Gwinnett County intersection has reopened hours after a tractor trailer overturned and started leaking fuel.

Firefighters had to set up a 500-foot “hot zone perimeter” at Braselton Highway and Hamilton Mill Road around 7 a.m. The tanker was carrying 8,500 gallons of fuel when it flipped and leaked about 3,000 gallons.

Three business were evacuated out as a precaution: a QT station, BP gas station and nearby day care.

The road reopened hours later around 5:45 p.m.

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There was concerns about the fuel going into a storm drain. The Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources officials want neighbors to know the sewage system is not impacted, only the drain.

“Initial concerns whether there were large amounts of that gas going into the storm drain. Not sure how much has hit the storm drain but we want to let residents know the sewage system has not been impacted only the storm drain,” said Gwinnett County Fire Lt. Donald Strother.

Officials said the hazmat team had to syphon the other 5,000 gallons out of the tank to avoid additional spills.

“We have put equipment down to absorb as much as the fuel to keep it from going further into the storm drain because of the amount obviously some has got to the pond,” Strother said.

Crews are monitoring gas readings and air quality in the area.

The driver of the tractor trailer complained of minor injuries in the accident. No other cars were involved.

Cox Media Group