The black asphalt continues to escape the booms at the Highway 199 crash site and actively flowing down the steep slope into the river in the midday sun. While the flow is very slow, it continues to drip material into the river. Asphalt tar pieces are seen on the bottom of the river and on beaches downstream for miles.
The Smith River, the most pristine river in California needs to be properly cleaned up!
The toxic material is demonstrably volatile and has a strong tar smell. As it breaks up with weathering, smaller pieces are more likely to be taken up biologically by wildlife.
This is an active and ongoing toxic spill and action is required to safeguard and restore our river! Learn more here.