Slick and smelly ‘potato sludge’ spill ruined a trucker’s day, police say

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) in Washington state says that a truck driver recently skidded off the roadway after hitting a noxious patch of spilled potato byproduct.

The incident occurred on July 2 near US-395 and Selph Landing in Franklin County, Washington.

According to FCSO, a “fair amount of potato sludge [was] spilled onto the roadway” by an unknown party. A truck driver was unable to avoid the large patch of sludge and slid off the roadway.

“While it may be hard to see, it’s unfortunately easy to smell,” police said in a social media post.

“Please keep in mind that these spills can be extremely slick, much like ice, and when they’re near intersections, also extremely dangerous. If you see something shiny or slick on the roadway, please slow down. Any trucks that spills sludge should immediately contact non-emergency dispatch at (509)628-0333 and notify them of the hazard,” FCSO said.