Ely, Nev.—The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Ely Field Office has temporarily closed to the public the Little Ash Springs Recreation site because of diesel fuel contamination. Ash Springs is along U.S. Hwy 93, about a two-hour drive north of Las Vegas. It is a popular recreation area for Clark County residents. The spring is also home to the White River springfish, a federally listed endangered species.

“The site will remain closed until it is determined to be safe for the public,” said Jeff Weeks, Ely assistant field manager. “As soon as the cleanup is completed and we can assure it is safe to return to the area, the site will be reopened.”

The BLM is investigating the hazardous incident with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, it is estimated that about five gallons of diesel fuel was poured into the spring earlier this week.

“Five gallons may not seem like a lot,” said Jeanette Matovich, BLM Ely environmental protection specialist, “but diesel fuel is hazardous—especially to young children and the elderly.”

The cleanup is being conducted in consultation with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.