A one-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck pulling a tanker-type trailer full of "Rhino Sealer" asphalt seal resulted in 4,000 gallons spill into a creek that acts as a tributary of the Osage River.
The accident occurred about 8:50 a.m., Wed., May 18, near the bottom of the Bagnell Dam Boulevard exit ramp off the Highway 54 Expressway in Lake Ozark.
The truck, which was apparently turning left at the end of the Bagnell Dam Boulevard exit ramp, rolled over onto its right side and came to rest against a guardrail. The tank ruptured on impact allowing the load of asphalt sealer to spill onto the shoulder of the road and run down an embankment into a nearby creek.
According to the Lake Ozark Police Department, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was called to the scene to determine the impact of the spill on the creek and surrounding environment and to supervise clean-up efforts.
The exit ramp and overpass area which connects the expressway to Bagnell Dam Boulevard (old Highway 54) was closed for four hours while the tanker was lifted upright and the DNR assessed the damage done by the spill.
The driver of the truck received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
The Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, the Osage Beach Fire Protection District, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the DNR aided Lake Ozark Police in dealing with the accident.