https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BQKFCKrjNwT2W4PCMfZH5t9h6?domain=response.epa.gov
If you feel your vehicle may have been impacted by the spill that occurred on December 31st, please contact Sarah Burkhart so we can begin gathering information.
Please reach out by phone call, text, or email no later than noon tomorrow, January 4th, to:
785-822-8584.
shulcy@andersoncountyks.org
When contacting us, please be prepared to provide the following information:
* Name
* Phone number
* Date and time contact was made
* Vehicle description
* Description of any damage
* Cleaning methods used to date
This information will help us gather accurate details. We appreciate your cooperation.
* Cleaning methods used to date
This information will help us gather accurate details. We appreciate your cooperation.
Garnett’s drinking water system has not been affected, as it is supplied from the Cedar Valley Reservoir and is not connected to the stormwater system. At this time, no contaminants have been observed in the stormwater system. The stormwater drainage system will continue to be monitored.
At this time, response agencies have not identified the substance involved. However, responders have determined the material to be a thick, clear, slick liquid with no noticeable odor that left a sticky residue. Agencies are working diligently and collaboratively to further identify the substance and ensure public safety.
Based on current information, the main portion of the spill extended from the north side of the Maple Street and Park Road intersection south to 6th Avenue, then proceeded east along 6th Avenue to Highway 169. From there, response agencies believe the involved truck continued southbound on Highway 169. Officials understand that the substance spread beyond the main path as vehicles initially drove through the material before the problem was identified.
On Wednesday night, after the spill was noted, KDOT, under the direction of KDHE, applied absorbent material to the roadway to help stop the spread of the material. As of today, EPA has mobilized a contractor to remove the substance and associated absorbent materials from the roadway and to properly dispose of them in accordance with environmental regulations.
Currently, there is no indication that the substance entered the wastewater system, nor is there any indication that air quality or drinking water have been affected. Out of an abundance of caution, response officials continue to actively monitor the wastewater and drinking water systems.
While investigators have obtained images from business security cameras along Maple Street, as well as reviewed camera footage along Highway 59 and Highway 169, the truck involved did not display any company name or identifying markings, and a license plate was not visible in the footage. At this time, officials have been unable to identify or contact the company or driver involved.
If you have any information on the vehicle involved in this incident, please contact Sarah Burkhart with Anderson County Emergency Management at 785-448-8584. Please monitor the Anderson County Emergency Management Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ANCOKSEM) for additional information and updates as the response continues.
City officials are actively working with county partners, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
There is no additional information to release at this time. Updates will be provided as more details become available. The public is encouraged to avoid the area and follow posted detours until the situation is resolved.
If you have any information regarding the truck or the substance involved, please contact Sarah with Emergency Management at 785-822-8584.
City officials are actively working with county partners, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
There is no additional information to release at this time. Updates will be provided as more details become available. The public is encouraged to avoid the area and follow posted detours until the situation is resolved.
If you have any information regarding the truck or the substance involved, please contact Sarah with Emergency Management at 785-822-8584.
If you are experiencing a power outage, please contact City Hall at 785-448-5496.
North Lake Road guardrail repairs are complete and the road is now open. Thank you for your patience while repairs were being made.
The City of Garnett has NO ACTIVE SOLITORS at this time. (it is required by the City to obtain a solicitors permit prior to going door to door).
If you see a gentleman in a tie dye shirt, jeans, driving a blue vehicle with New York plates, claiming to be with ADT Security Systems, please contact the Garnett Police Department immediately.
If someone knocks on your door, please take their name and company name, then contact City Hall and leave that information. City Staff will be in contact with those companies. Thank you for your assistance with this matter. If you are uncomfortable with solicitors on your property, please contact the Garnett Police Department.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Garnett Water Department to Conduct Water Utility Maintenance “Chlorine Burn” Starting October 6, 2025.
The City of Garnett Water Department will be conducting a free chlorine burn for disinfection of the water distribution system beginning October 6th, 2025. This process will last about three to four weeks. Flushing and chlorine burns are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection. Chlorine burns also reduce the potential future occurrence of coliform or other types of bacteria in the system.
During this free chlorine burn, the water disinfection process will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. The fire hydrants will be opened to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice open fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. At the end of the free burn, the standard chemicals used for disinfections will be reintroduced to the system and be returned to normal operating conditions.
Possible Noticeable Effects: It is important to understand that during this temporary change there may be some discoloration or cloudiness in the water and possibly a chlorine odor or taste. If this is experienced, please run the water through the tap until it clears. Minor pressure fluctuations and small air pockets may also occur. Fire hydrant flushing should remove most of the color and odor, but some may reach customer lines during the process. Discoloration in laundry is also possible during this time. It is recommended that customers check for discolored water before adding clothes to their washing machine. If discolored water appears, customers can set their washing machine to spin cycle to purge the water, and then refill the machine with clear water. In addition, customers may wish to purchase and use a cleaning additive to help prevent or remove any discoloration that may occur.
Is the Water Safe to Drink? Yes, the water is safe to drink throughout this process and boiling water is not necessary. Customers may notice a change to the taste and smell from the water and may want to let their water tap run for 15 minutes or until the water runs clear. Any odor and color issues will subside as the flushing is completed. Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should properly monitor their process for complete neutralization of disinfectant residual and should contact their doctor for more information. Customers utilizing the water for aquariums should monitor the chlorine residuals.
Why is this burn out necessary? The City routinely collects samples and monitors the water quality. The Garnett Water Department is tasked with ensuring that water in all points of the system is acceptable to our customers. Over time minerals and metals, which are naturally present in water sources, can increase and attach to pipes and release when there are changes in pressure, resulting in discoloration, odor or affected taste. Other processes such as nitrification and the growth of biofilm can also occur in water distribution pipes. The biofilm growth can cause a reduction in the effectiveness of residual disinfectants over time. This free chlorine “burn-out” will help cleanse the lines, reduce the occurrence of nitrification and biofilm, and ensure that we provide quality water for the citizens.
If you have questions please contact Garnett City Hall, 785-448-5496, and the Garnett Water Department will return your call.
Public Meeting for Proposed Sales Tax Increase
There has been a lot of discussion about the Proposed Sales Tax Increase. Mayor Locke has drafted a letter to the citizens of Garnett, to clear up some of the confusion. Please read, and plan on attending the Community Meeting to discuss the Proposed Sales Tax on October 7, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall Center.
There Will Be No Brush Picked Up During Cleanup Week.
Please Note The Following Changes:
The City of Garnett (municipality) will be charged by Anderson County for dumping fees for items picked up during Clean-Up Week, just like any other week. For this year (2025), this cost will not be passed on to our refuse customers. Note: This is NOT a free dump week. If you choose to take your unwanted items to the county landfill, you will be charged a fee.
Visit our website for more information on items that can be picked up: https://www.simplygarnett.com/o/cgks/page/clean-up-week
During City-Wide Clean-Up Week city crews will start on the north side of town and proceed south until the entire town has been covered. City Crews Will Not Go Back once they have been through.
