SANDPOINT — Pend Oreille Lake Assist is teaming up with local marinas to raise awareness of hazardous material spills.

Spills occur when boats are fueling up or if boat engines and bilges aren’t properly cleaned. Fuel lines can also fail or leak and spills can occur when vessels sink or catch fire.

“Oils and other petroleum products are poisonous to aquatic organisms and greatly impact the recreation value of a body of water. These spills happen frequently throughout the boating season and are difficult and costly to remove,” said Molly McCahon of Lake Assist.

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