AFD, Austin Water responding to 'hazardous spill' in west Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is responding to what it called a "hazardous spill" in west Austin Tuesday morning. AFD later said the chemical released in the spill was ferric sulphate, but the agency couldn't identify what it's used for.

AFD posted on X at 9:55 a.m. that it was on the scene of the spill in the 1000 block of Forest View Drive. The department asked drivers to avoid the area.

In an update at 10:08 a.m., the department said the leak had been stopped and crews were working to clean the spill.

The Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant is located at 1000 Forest View Drive, but it's not clear if the spill is related to the treatment facility. AFD noted in its post that Austin Water was also on the scene. Austin Water told KXAN that plant operations and water service have not been affected.

AFD said Redbud Trail from Lake Austin Boulevard to Forest View Drive is closed while crews worked to contain the spill and protect the area.

The following intersections are closed while crews clean the spill, according to AFD:

• Lake Austin and Redbud Trail
• Stratford Drive and Redbud Trail
• Forest View Drive and Redbud Trail

AFD, Austin Water and the Watershed Protection Department released a unified update saying the chemical spilled was ferric sulphate.

They said in the form it was released, the ferric sulphate was not as threatening as it could have been, and it is not posing a threat to the waterway. AFD was not able to confirm what the chemical is used for and said it's not something they typically interact with.

AFD said drivers should expect closures in the area for hours, and crews are working on a traffic control plan.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.