Context: The above video initially aired on March 19, 2026.
RILEY COUNTY (KSNT) – Kansas health officials have pulled back a health advisory for part of Tuttle Creek Reservoir following a recent diesel fuel spill.
Jill Bronaugh with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a press release that a stream advisory for Tuttle Creek Cove is officially rescinded as of March 25. She said the KDHE has evaluated the lake and found that conditions are now safe for human contact.
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The KDHE issued the stream advisory on March 16 after a fuel cell from a commercial barge sank into the reservoir the day before. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and other partners to retrieve the tank on March 19.
“Water quality samples collected by KDHE and USACE have shown no fuel-related contaminants above drinking water standards. These samples were taken from both the spill location in the cove and downstream at the confluence of the Big Blue and Kansas Rivers. Water quality testing will continue downstream to monitor releases from Tuttle Creek Lake.
KDHE press release excerpt
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