Allen Co. library cleans up after diesel spill

FORT WAYNE – Allen County Public Library officials say they have completed the cleanup of more than 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel that leaked into the ground beneath the building more than two years ago.

Library spokeswoman Cheryl Ferverda said the cleanup cost more than $370,000.
Holes were drilled through the concrete floor of the underground parking garage of the library in downtown Fort Wayne. After most of the fuel was pumped out, diesel-eating bacteria was placed beneath the garage.

Officials have hired an engineer to help determine what caused a leak in the fuel pipe used to power the library’s emergency generator. The leak occurred as the new main library was under construction as part of a $65 million renovation and expansion.