Roofing asphalt debris leaks into Larkfield storm drain

A leaking tank containing emulsified asphalt used in roofing posed a potential environmental threat Friday when it spilled into a storm drain in Larkfield, authorities said.

Emergency personnel spent most of the afternoon and evening dealing with the hazardous spill near the Lark Center on Old Redwood Highway.

The spill, discovered shortly before 4 p.m., stemmed from a leak in a roofing trailer parked outside the Lark Center on Old Redwood Highway, the CHP said.

Crews lifted a manhole cover and found the substance had entered the storm drain but was contained to an area about 10- or 15-feet in diameter, on dry concrete, CHP Sgt. Ed Rodriguez said.

Crews monitored the site all afternoon and evening, ensuring that the spill didn't spread, and ultimately arranged to use large vacuuming machines to suck it up, he said.

Cleanup crews arrived shortly before 10 p.m., the CHPsaid.

The trailer belongs to a Marin County roofing firm, which apparently had parked it while waiting for clear weather to complete a job, Rodriguez said.