Sprinker system leak dumps fire suppression liquid at the 'Y' parking lot

UPDATED: A sprinkler system that was being tested ended up in a mishap, dumping about 200 gallons of fire suppression liquid across the South Raley's at the "Y" shopping center.

Fire agencies from South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County responded to the spill, which was reported at about 2:30 this afternoon. Crews managed to close the spigot and hose line that had inadvertently released the liquid. The liquid, which is said to be non-toxic and biodegradable but has elements of anti-freeze in it, according to police scanner traffic, poured down the entrance of a business and into the parking lot.

Firefighters who arrived at the scene put up booms and laid down material meant to absorb the liquid. Environmental Management, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board have been notified.

The spill is not contained to the storm drain and it is unknown the amounts that went down the drain or released onto the parking lot, according to scanner traffic. It is not believed to be threatening any local water supply, according to police scanner traffic. The material in the liquid is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Traffic in and around the shopping center is being diverted away from the spill area. The substance, which is slippery and slimy, has been tracked and carried by vehicle traffic. Cleanup is also being handled by Raley's maintenance, according to police scanner traffic.

The following information has been released from the City of South Lake Tahoe
Today at approximately 2:25 p.m., an alarm technician working on behalf of Raley’s (at the Y) accidentally tripped the fire sprinkler system that contained water with an additive, which included non-toxic glycerin. A total of approximately 200 gallons of the water spilled into the parking lot between Raley’s and Tahoe Donuts area creating slippery conditions. There is no danger to the public and multiple agencies responded to the scene which had been erroneously reported as an oil spill. El Dorado County Environmental Health responded along with Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the City’s Fire Department along with the Fire Marshal. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Game were contacted by the City’s Fire Department. The situation was resolved without incident.