AREAWIDE — We have been sent a message from Stephen Mansfield, Director of Health, Ledge Light Health District for immediate publication:
This afternoon, a tractor trailer was traveling northbound on I-95 in North Stonington and crashed into the bridge over Rte 49. The truck and trailer caught fire and was extinguished.
It has been determined that the tractor trailer was carrying various herbicides and pesticides. Though much of the materials were consumed by fire, DEEP is currently assessing the possible effects on surface and groundwater, including assessing water quality in the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries.
Residents are advised to avoid the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries from the junction of I-95 and Rte. 49, south to the mouth of the Pawcatuck River. [Our bold]
DEEP, the state agency leading this response, is working with the cargo carrier, CT DPH Drinking Water Section, Ledge Light Health District, Westerly Water Dept. and local officials regarding this incident, and will be providing more details as they become available.