POWAY (CBS 8) - County Hazmat crews were mobilized Wednesday to quickly contain and clean up a small chemical spill into a stagnant part of Poway Creek.
Approximately 40 gallons of hydraulic fluid escaped into the creek bed after a hydraulic hose on a tractor used to mow the channel of Poway Creek - essential for flood control - somehow came loose late Tuesday, according to the Sheriff's Department.
"We were able to contain the spill immediately, and because we are in a stagnant part of the creek there was no movement," said Leah Browder, Director of Public Works for the city of Poway.
The possibility of rain storms moving into the area also made Wednesday's rapid response by Haz Mat crews, with assistance from a specialty contractor, all the more critical.
"We're hitting it hard to try to beat any rain that may be on its way," Browder said.
Soil samples were also collected Wednesday evening, to be tested for any signs of lingering contamination.