Shungnak tank farm where spill took place after the surrounding brush had been clearedon July 2, 2020. (Photo by J. Miller/ADEC)

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation officials say they will continue to monitor a fuel spill in the Northwest Arctic Village of Shungnak.

According to DEC officials, a fuel tank for the Shungnak school was overfilled at about 12:30 p.m. on June 20 during a barge delivery. About 15,000 gallons of heating oil spilled. 

The fuel was intended for the tank that supplies the local Native store and the Alaska Village Electric Co-op. It shares the same marine header as the school tank. But the valve leading to the school tank was not closed, which led to the overflow of that tank. 

DEC officials say the spill site and the nearby Kobuk River are monitored twice daily. So far, no visual evidence has been seen that any fuel leaked into the river, which is about 160 feet from the spill area. Contaminated soil is being moved to a containment area west of the village. 

A DEC contractor is expected to head to Shungnak on Monday, July 13 to determine the size of contamination and collect water samples from the local drinking water facility, which is 295 feet from the spill.