Fire crews allowed 14 businesses to reopen Friday after determining a fuel leak from a nearby refinery was no longer hazardous.

Eight homeowners, who had gas shut off to their furnaces and other appliances, also resumed normal activities.South Davis Fire crews pulled off the scene at Crysen refinery late Thursday after overseeing a partial cleanup of a fuel additive that had leaked into the water table and sewer lines.

Workers dug trenches around a large tank holding about 5,500 barrels of an additive that raises the octane level of gasoline. Refinery officials determined Thursday the tank was leaking but have not yet repaired the leak.

"They've put a slotted pipe and an absorbent in the ditch," said Chief John Speed. "It should catch any additional material that leaks."

Crysen workers have filled the suspect tank with water, which settles at the bottom of the tank.

"If it continues to leak, it will be just water," Speed said.

South Davis kept about 30 firefighters on the scene throughout the leaking, which was first detected Wednesday. Speed estimates the department spent about 36 hours on site, time the department can charge Crysen for, according to federal law.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.