HERINGTON ? State health officials say the water in an east-central creek is safe for animal consumption again, after cleanup of a chemical spill.

An estimated 3,000 gallons of sulfuric acid spilled in to Lime Creek in northwest Herington in Jan. 8, killing hundreds of fish and prompting a health warning from the state.

The Salina Journal reported Thursday that (http://bit.ly/xGp7HU) the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the water’s pH levels have returned to a safe level.

Union Pacific says the sulfuric acid leaked after two tankers attached at too high of a speed, sending acid into a drainage ditch and then into the creek.