Red Wing Fire Department Responds to Barge Spill on Mississippi River; No Immediate Threat to Public
Published: April 20, 2026.
RED WING, MINNESOTA - Emergency crews responded Monday afternoon after a product spill from a barge along the Mississippi River near the riverfront facility operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), according to Red Wing officials.
The Red Wing Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 12:09 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, after reports of a spill at the ADM site. Upon arrival, crews confirmed that crude corn oil had been released into the river. Fire officials said ADM personnel had already taken initial containment steps prior to their arrival, deploying a containment boom around the barge to limit the spread of the product downstream. The spilled material, crude corn oil, was visible on the water as a yellow-orange sheen.
Early estimates indicate that between 3,000 and 3,500 gallons of the product may have entered the river.
Authorities emphasized that the situation is being actively managed and that there is no immediate risk to the public.
Additional support was quickly mobilized through the local Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) group, which helped reinforce containment efforts and initiate cleanup operations. Fire crews also worked to place additional booms downstream to capture any drifting material. The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office assisted with river traffic control to ensure safety in the area during the response.
Multiple agencies were notified, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota State Duty Officer, and Goodhue County Emergency Management, all of which are involved in monitoring environmental impacts and coordinating response efforts.
Environmental cleanup company Clean Harbors has been contracted to handle product removal and remediation.
Officials said the active emergency response has since transitioned, with the scene turned over to ADM and Clean Harbors for continued containment and cleanup operations.
The cause of the spill has not yet been released, and the situation remains under investigation.
What Is Crude Corn Oil?
Crude corn oil is an unrefined oil extracted during the processing of corn, most commonly as a byproduct of ethanol production. Facilities like ADM separate oil from corn during fermentation and distillation.
In its crude form, the oil is darker, often yellow to orange, and contains impurities such as waxes and free fatty acids. It is typically further refined before being used in commercial products.
Crude corn oil serves several important purposes, including:
Biofuel production: It is widely used as a feedstock for biodiesel and renewable diesel, making it a key component in alternative energy markets.
Animal feed: After processing, it can be incorporated into livestock feed as an energy source.
Food industry: Once refined, corn oil is commonly used for cooking and food manufacturing.
Industrial uses: It can also be used in products like soaps, lubricants, and other industrial applications.
While crude corn oil is considered less hazardous than petroleum-based products, spills can still impact water quality and wildlife by forming surface films that reduce oxygen exchange and coat aquatic habitats. That’s why rapid containment, like the boom deployment seen in this incident, is critical to minimizing environmental impacts.
Map showing the rough location where the oil spill incident occurred on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Written By: Will Wight
