Updates on Jim Beam warehouse spill aftermath

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A large fire at a Jim Beam warehouse in Versailles has created an alcohol plume around 23 miles long, according to officials.

The plume is located between Elkhorn Creek and Gratz.

According to the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the plume is expected to hit the Ohio River sometime late Monday morning and should dissipate quickly as it enters a larger body of water, but there could be some impact to aquatic life immediately where the rivers meet.

The Energy and Environment Cabinet was out on the river again Saturday, taking dissolved oxygen readings to determine the extent of the plume and how it might affect aquatic life.

It says aeration of the Kentucky River continues in an attempt to alleviate the low dissolved oxygen levels.

It also says water collected from the warehouse site is being trucked to the Frankfort Sewer District plant for disposal and cleanup at the site continues.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says it is conducting a second fish-kill count.

People using the Kentucky River in the area of the plume should expect to see and smell dead fish.