Crime & Safety

White Foamy Material Found in Alcovy River Saturday

The Gwinnett County Fire Department said it may take some time for the foam to dissipate.

Officials don't know who was responsible for the white foamy substance found floating on the surface of the Alcovy River Saturday, March 23, near Lawrenceville, but they believe it wasn't toxic or hazardous.

  • See photos from the Gwinnett Fire Department attached to this file

Gwinnett County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge said firefighters responded to a call around 5:30 p.m. Saturday after a report of the substance on a four-mile stretch of the river between Hurricane Shoals Road and Freemans Mill Road.

Rutledge said the source of the foam was traced to a feeder pipe behind an industrial complex off Petty Road near Lawrenceville. The substance was believed to be a "soap or detergent material." He said the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Division were notifed as a precaution.

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"We are relieved that the substance was found to be non-hazardous and non-toxic and was not a true hazardous material," Rutledge said in an email. "It may take some time before the soapy substance dilutes or completely dissipates in the water. "

The scene was terminated around 8:30 p.m. An official report will be filed with the EPD, Rutledge said.

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