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Unknown Substance Garnett

 
Site Contact:
Yvonne Smith
On-Scene Coordinator

(smith.yvonne@epa.gov)

Site Location:
Maple and 31st Street
Garnett, KS 66032
 scribenet.response.epa.gov/unknowngarnett
NRC#: 1451787

Monday, Jan. 12:

EPA ended its no cost car treatment operations to prevent potential human exposure to the spilled material at the end of the day, Friday, Jan. 9.

EPA treated 62 total vehicles on Friday, Jan. 9.

Throughout the week of Jan. 4, 2026, EPA treated 266 impacted vehicles.

EPA's air monitoring results are online for review.

EPA's surface water monitoring results have also been posted for review.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) rescinded the stream advisory for the City of Garnett’s stormwater drainage system, which extended to its confluence with Lake Garnett, on Sunday, Jan. 11.

EPA's pH field screening results from the impacted road surface are also online for review.

Questions about impacted vehicles should be directed to Anderson County Emergency Manager Sarah Burkhart at 785-822-8584 or shulcy@andersoncountyks.org.

Questions about EPA’s response operations between Jan. 2 and Jan. 9 should be directed to EPA Region 7 Public Information Officer Kellen Ashford at ashford.kellen@epa.gov.

 

Substance Update:

Additional analytical testing has yielded more information about the spilled substance in Garnett, Kansas. EPA has identified the material as an inorganic, strongly basic, sodium-based compound with a pH of 14 that is very caustic. Substances with a pH of greater than or equal to 12.5 are considered to be hazardous substances.

As a strong base, this sodium-based compound is a reactive chemical. Reactive chemicals undergo various chemical changes when they are exposed to the elements, making the collection of a pure sample for broad-spectrum analysis much more difficult.

Further identification, such as a trade name, will likely require the chemical container or safety data sheet that would be in possession of the party responsible for the spill, which is still part of an ongoing investigation.

 

Response Actions to Date:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has collected samples of the material spilled along the Garnett roadway. While the material has yet to be identified, field tests have confirmed that it is a basic, caustic liquid with pH readings of 14. Ongoing treatment has proven effective at reducing pH levels below hazardous levels. 

EPA Region 7 and the coordinating agencies encourage all individuals to avoid contact with this spilled material. Should you accidently come into contact, or believe you may have previously come into contact, please contact the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department at 785-448-6559 or your primary care physician.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) initial actions to remove and treat the spilled material were effective at reducing impact. KDOT utilized vacuum trucks and absorbent in an initial effort to contain and control the material.   

Responding agencies are investigating all reports and reviewing camera footage along the roadway that may identify a potentially responsible party.

 

Background:

On Jan. 1, 2026, at approximately 6:15pm, the National Response Center (NRC) notified EPA Region 7 of a release of an unknown substance onto a roadway from a commercial vehicle in Garnett, Kansas. The release occurred around 6:00pm on Dec. 31, 2025, affecting approximately two miles of roadway. The commercial vehicle left the scene. As of Jan. 4, 2026, a potentially responsible party has not yet been identified. 

KDOT reported the incident to the NRC and is collaborating with Anderson County officials, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the City of Garnett to coordinate response operations. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) requested federal assistance from the EPA to identify the substance and provide guidance on cleanup and disposal.

EPA Region 7 deployed one On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) and contractors to assess the situation on Jan. 2, 2026.

EPA and coordinating agencies have entered into Unified Command to coordinate all response and cleanup operations.

 

Coordinating Agencies:

Agencies currently, or previously, involved in this response include:

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
  • Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)
  • Anderson County Emergency Management
  • City of Garnett, Kansas


A rear wheel and wheel well after EPA's car treatment. A rear wheel and wheel well before the car treatment. Running board after the car treatment. Running board before the car treatment. A vehicle before treatment. EPA contractors at the EPA no cost car treatment at night. An EPA contractor performs a pH test on a vehicle at the EPA no cost car treatment in Garnett, KS on the evening on Jan. 7, 2026. An EPA contractor sprays an Anderson County Sheriff cruiser with the water/vinegar solution to neutralize the caustic material before the car is washed. Kansas Department of Transportation message board publicizing the EPA car treatment and directions to the car treatment in Garnett, KS. EPA's car treatment operations at night on Jan. 8. A car being washed by hand on Jan. 8 while another car is being washed in the automatic car wash. Cars were washed after being treated with the water/vinegar solution. A line of cars at night on Jan. 8.
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