Non-hazardous dye found in Flashpoint Creek

(From the City of Springfield)

City Officials report that a green substance found in Fassnight Creek Thursday afternoon is most likely a non-hazardous substance such as fluorescein dye.

At 2 p.m. the Springfield Fire Department received a call reporting a green substance flowing through Fassnight Creek where it emerges from underground near the Springfield Art Museum at National Avenue and Bennett Street. The Fire Department’s hazmat team responded to the scene. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Emergency Response was also contacted and responded.

The water was tested at the scene. Based on test results and the appearance of the substance, water quality experts are 99% sure the substance is a dye commonly used in testing of plumbing or groundwater dye tracing.

The dye is not hazardous or harmful to the environment or people. Environmental Services Department is actively looking in the stormwater system upstream but have not yet identified the source.

“This is a great reminder that anything you put in a storm drain ends up in the nearest creek,” said Water Quality Coordinator Carrie Lamb. “Not dumping or disposing of any substances in the stormwater system is important for protecting our water quality and our community. Although this substance is not harmful, it caused a visual impact to the creek and caused alarm.”