San Diego

Transmission Fluid Leaks Into Storm Drain in Chula Vista

Investigators weren't sure how much fluid spilled into the street or how much made it into the storm drain.

A leak in a 300-gallon tank filled with automatic transmission fluid left a mess of hazardous material along a Chula Vista street and spilled into a storm drain below.

The Chula Vista Fire Department was first called to an automotive business on Broadway near F Street for a report of an oil-like substance leak.

A San Diego Fire Department Hazmat crew was called and it determined the liquid was transmission fluid.

CVFD Batallion Chief Darrell Roberts said investigators weren't sure how much fluid spilled into the street, or how much made it into the storm drain.

A San Diego County Hazmat team discovered the fluid pooled in a dry area of the sewer system and said it didn't make it into any waterways, according to Roberts.

Crews were expected to be on the scene into the morning cleaning up the mess. Roberts said they received reports of people slipping on the fluid, which is slightly less viscous than motor oil.

“We were getting reports of people slipping and sliding so it became a safety hazard not only because of the hazardous materials but a safety hazard to folks not knowing it was out there,” he said.

Roberts said Broadway between E and F streets were expected to be closed while crews were on scene.

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