Otay Mesa

The Otay Mesa border crossing was closed for nearly an hour Wednesday by a small spill of paint solvent, a county health department official said.

The county’s Hazardous Materials Management Team and the Fire Department’s hazardous unit were called to the port of entry at noon. Fire officials said traces of paint solvent were found but presented no danger.

A truck, carrying 164, 55-gallon drums was parked at the U.S. Customs checkpoint when inspectors discovered the leak, fire officials said. Three drums were about one-third full, but only one leaked, said Gary Stephany, director of environmental health.

He said that an environmental crime task force will meet to determine if charges should be filed against the company for violating federal and state laws.

Stephany said the materials were improperly stored, and the truck did not display a sign identifying the contents.

The driver, who thought the drums were empty, works for a Mexican trucking company, Stephany said.