An odor investigation led to two containment booms, or floating barriers, to be put onto the Fox River at the end of E. Jefferson St. in Ottawa. The barriers are normally used after a oil spill. Ottawa Fire Chief Brian Bressner says the fire department was called out Wednesday for an odor that smelled similar to diesel fuel. There was a visible sheen on the top of the water also. A hazmat team was called and placed the containment booms on the Fox River and into the storm sewer piping to control the unknown substance from making it in to the river. Gas monitoring also was used on the Fox River, Jefferson, St. and all storm sewer openings to make sure the area was safe for the public. The incident is still being investigated.
A view of the pollutant containment barrier on the Fox River off the east end of Jefferson St. in Ottawa, January 27, 2023