FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2010


Missouri State Highway Patrol, state agencies respond to hazardous material spill in Cameron


The Missouri State Highway Patrol is working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, local law enforcement, the Cameron fire department and other Missouri state agencies on a coordinated response to a hazardous material spill at a truck stop near the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. 36 Highway in Cameron.
Interstate 35 and U.S. 36 Highway are closed at Cameron and a half-mile area has been evacuated due to the spill. Approximately 20,000 pounds of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, manufactured by Dyno Nobel of Salt Lake City, is reported to have spilled on a parking lot at Jones Travel Mart in Cameron. Ammonium nitrate is explosive, but requires an ignition source.
The spill has been contained and the area is secure, but clean-up efforts are ongoing. Motorists traveling in the area should expect delays. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) encourages motorists to seek alternate routes and to avoid the area due to heavy traffic congestion.
According to MoDOT, the northbound and southbound exits on Interstate 35 at Cameron are closed. Northbound I-35 traffic is being diverted onto Business Loop 35. Southbound I-35 traffic is being routed through Cameron on U.S. 69 Highway.  U.S. 36 Highway is closed eastbound at U.S. 69 Highway and westbound at Route D and J. Motorists at this location are being directed to side roads.
The spill occurred as a result of damage to a tank trailer. Fire officials report the truck is owned by Esterbrook Trucking of West Jordan, Utah. Clean-up efforts will be overseen by emergency environmental responders from the Department of Natural Resources. 

For up-to-date information on road closures, motorists can call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636).



  

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov