CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. — An investigation is underway after hydraulic oil found its way into the Tippecanoe River due to a cap “malfunction” near a dam in northwest Indiana Monday.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s emergency response team was called to the Oakdale Dam, a hydroelectric power plant located in Monticello, after receiving reports of a potential oil spill in the Tippecanoe River.
In a statement sent to FOX59/CSB4 Tuesday, IDEM confirmed a tank near the dam experienced a cap malfunction that “resulted in the release of hydraulic oil into the river.”
IDEM added that first responders and environmental contractors utilized containment booms downstream of the river in an effort to reduce the effects of the spill.
No hazardous impacts to the local fish or wildlife have been reported at this time due to the spill, IDEM said.
“IDEM ER is working with local and federal agencies to monitor the site to ensure clean-up is completed in accordance with state and federal law,” the statement concluded.
