“Preliminary findings” show a July pesticide spill at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport resulted from pilot error, and the owner of the airplane involved must assume the $9,635 cost, said DeKalb City Manager Mark Stevens.

Stevens said in a press conference Friday the city will bill Gulf Flying Service of Foley, Ala., under DeKalb’s spiller pay ordinance for costs incurred in the spill. The spiller pay ordinance has been in effect since January.

Soil samples taken in the area indicate the soil is testing clean, said DeKalb Fire Chief Jeff Long. Although the Environmental Protection Agency and Petrochem Services, the company under contract to clean up the spill, have released preliminary reports saying the area is not contaminated, Long said he will not remove the plastic which covers the area until official written reports are released.

Officials were concerned the pesticide would contaminate the water supply, about 800 feet adjacent to the airport.

The spill occurred July 10 at 2:51 p.m. when a crop-duster crashed about 200 feet off the runway while attempting flight. A quick-release valve in the one-engine plane opened, dumping about 60 pounds of pesticide and 225 gallons of water onto a 20-foot by 30-foot area. The pesticide, Sevin 80s, is used to control “picnic beetle” infestation of corn crops.

The pilot was not injured in the crash.

Petrochem was on the scene by 9:15 that evening and applied a neutralizing agent, Long said.

Costs of the clean-up include $6,620 for Petrochem and $2,618 for personnel and other miscellaneous costs, including equipment, soap and disposable uniforms.