July 05, 2025
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Barto Landing reopens to watercraft after oil spill

By Kim Shute

A worker with Environmental Restoration LLC, pressure washes the boat ramp at Barto Landing in Spring Valley on Tuesday May 25, 2021. (Scott Anderson)

SPRING VALLEY — Barto Landing is once again open to recreational watercraft after an oil spill traveled into the Illinois River.

Bureau County Emergency Management Agency Director Keenan Campbell reported that oil was leaked into the river by an unknown person at approximately 5 a.m. Saturday, May 22, shutting down water traffic.

Spring Valley Fire Department requested assistance from Bureau County EMA, Spring Valley Police, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Mabas 25 & 39 Hazardous Materials Team, U.S. Coast Guard and Illinois EMA.

Mitigation was completed Tuesday evening by the Illinois EPA, the U.S. EPA and Environmental Resources.

Barto Landing waterway, boat docks and walkways were cleaned and the area is fully open to recreation, according to a news release issued by Bureau County EMA on Tuesday.

Booms will remain in place for the next couple weeks to ensure any residue is collected. The public is asked to not disturb the booms.