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Fuel Spill in Placencia Clears, Source Still Unknown According to the fire department, the fuel spill that alarmed Placencia residents over the weekend has now dissipated, but questions remain about where it came from and whether it could happen again. Initial tests by the Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed the substance was gasoline, not oil. A key detail, as gasoline spreads quickly and evaporates faster than heavier fuels. Officials estimate the spill covered roughly 0.3 acres of water in the Placencia Channel, just before the point. Residents first reported a strong smell of gas and a rainbow-like sheen on the water late Saturday evening. Many suspected a nearby gas station, but inspections of its pipelines, dispensers, sumps, and tanks found no leaks. The DOE told News Five that the station is located slightly south of the affected area and that the contamination likely came from another source. Locals have pointed to other possible sources. Some say an old crane had been stationed nearby, and a sailboat reportedly sank two to three months ago. There is also a boatyard in the area, though officials confirmed that no incident occurred there. “We’ll have to investigate further,” the DOE said. “We don’t want this to continue or happen again.” While the immediate threat seems to have passed, the search for answers continues.
