Source of green substance in Fassnight Creek confirmed

(From the City of Springfield)

City officials have confirmed that the green substance found in Fassnight Creek Thursday afternoon was a non-hazardous fluorescein dye. A nearby facility used the dye to determine where some patio drains at the facility were connected.

The drains were connected to the stormwater system, which flows directly into Fassnight Creek. Placing dye in the stormwater system without prior approval is a violation of City Code Sec. 96-27 and a notice of violation will be sent. In general, dye should not be used to determine the connection of outside drains since they are most likely connected to the stormwater system rather than the sanitary sewer system.

When using dye to determine indoor sanitary sewer connections, a non-fluorescein dye is recommended. The use of fluorescein dye is required to be registered with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Fluorescein dye is used in groundwater tracing studies. Use of flourescein dye for sewer tracing can increase the prevalence of fluorescein dye in the environment, causing interference with groundwater tracing studies.

“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.”