Oil Spill Shuts Down Roadway Between Pt. Reyes and Petaluma

Posted 2pm Friday

A waste oil spill Friday afternoon on the Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road north of Novato has shut down eight miles of the scenic road, Marin County fire officials said.

The incident occurred around 12:40pm when a hazardous waste truck carrying 5,000 pounds of recycled oil lost control on a curve and veered off the road in the 5900 block Pt. Reyes Road.

About 100 pounds spilled and crews were working to mop up the spill. The incident occurred near McEvoy Ranch, although the oil came from area restaurants. No injuries were reported and no other vehicles were involved.

As of 1:15 p.m., Point Reyes-Petaluma Road was closed to traffic between Hicks Valley and San Antonio Road as crews worked to clean up the slick. Firefighters are building an earthen dam to stop the flow of the waste oil on the pavement and the side of the road, said Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber.

The road is expected to be closed until 5pm.