Watch CBS News

Sudden, heavy rain interrupts oil spill cleanup in Robbinsdale

Oil spill cleanup interrupted by rain
Oil spill cleanup interrupted by rain 00:33

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. -- Officials in Robbinsdale say a sudden downpour caused oil to enter the sewer system late Friday afternoon.

Around 4:45 p.m., the Robbinsdale Fire Department responded to a report of an oil spill at the Sipe and Gray Oil Station at 4200 West Broadway.

When they arrived, firefighters say they found an oil container in the rear of the building that had started to leak.

Shortly after containing the oil, torrential rains comprised the efforts, resulting in some of the oil entering the storm sewer system. 

There is a light sheen of oil on the southwest area of South Twin Lake. Officials say absorption efforts have been slightly successful, and the rest will biodegrade over the course of the next few days. A Bay West representative said there is no indication that there will be any long-term effects to the lake's ecology or shoreline.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.