UPDATE:  Highway 59 is now open to all traffic.

The Nacogdoches County Emergency Management Office has provided an update concerning the chemical spill which occurred this morning on Highway 59 south of Garrison.

The Texas Department of Transportation in collaboration with a hazardous material
clean-up crew have contained a chemical spill south of Garrison, TX.  Shortly after 8:00 a.m., a truck carrying containers of ScavSol 7T (hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulphate) lost two of its containers on US Hwy 59, just north of County Road 267. The scene was quickly contained and clean-up measures begun. While the chemical is considered a hazardous material, there have been no reports of injury or illness.

As precautionary measures, residents within a quarter mile of the scene were evacuated, and Garrison ISD has been given orders to shelter-in-place. There is no immediate threat to the public at this time.

TxDOT has closed US Hwy 59 north and southbound lanes, and drivers are directed to use alternate routes until further notice. According to DriveTexas.org, portions of the detours may remain in place until late tonight.  This closure extends from just south of Garrison to US 84 in Timpson. Please choose alternate routes or detour US 84 south from Timpson to maneuver around the closure.

Nacogdoches and Garrison Fire Departments along with state and local law enforcement agencies are on the scene.

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