Smith Canal Hazmat Incident

Provides information on the local emergency of the Smith Canal Hazmat incident that occurred on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Up to 280 gallons of Hazardous Waste Release of petroleum products was released into Smith Canal. A Unified Command (UC) was established and is comprised of US Coast Guard (USCG), Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Fish and Wildlife (OSPR).

The Office of Emergency Services (OES) provided USCG and performed unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flights the morning of September 28, 2024, to capture aerial imagery of the canal to document affected areas. The spill is contained to just the Smith Canal and there are no reports of environmental or wildlife impacts.

Safety zone remains in place on the Smith Canal from Louis Park to Yosemite Lake, while operations are ongoing. Mariners are discouraged from using the canal but are asked to proceed with caution if operating in the safety zone due to in-water hazards and ongoing clean-up efforts.

For the safety of San Joaquin County community members and the safety of the wildlife, do not attempt to capture oiled wildlife.

Stay up to date with the latest information on this incident, please continue to monitor OES’ social media handles and website.

• OES Website: https://www.sjgov.org/department/oes/home

• SJReady Website: https://sjready.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjcoes/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjc_oes/

• X: https://x.com/SJC_OES

• Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/city/feed/