LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The McAlpine Locks and Dam on the Ohio River in Louisville is closed to water traffic after at least 10 barges came loose from a tug around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

According to a post by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, one of those barges is carrying 1,400 tons of methanol and is "partially submerged" at the dam.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer posted on Facebook that the lock chambers are closed to traffic. Three barges are pinned against the lower dam, the corps said, and one is pinned against the "Louisville and Indiana bridge pier." The others have been recovered since the initial incident.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, navigation industry and marine surveyors to start the recovery efforts of the remaining barges," the post said. "The locks will remain closed until the barges on the dam are stabilized."

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the corps said one barge is carrying methanol, seven are carrying corn, and the others were empty. The barge carrying methanol is the one taking on water, corps spokeswoman Abby Korfhage said.

According to the Kentucky EEC, the nearest water intake is in Henderson, Kentucky. 

In a written statement, Kathleen Speicher, a communications specialist for the Louisville Water Company, said the city's water supply is safe. 

"Louisville Water is aware of an incident involving a barge downriver from our water intake," Speicher said. "There is no impact to Louisville Water’s water intake or water quality. Your water is safe to drink."

Officials with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) said they're not aware of any chemicals being released into the river but will continue to monitor the situation. 

Louisville Metro Emergency Services said there is no evidence of a tank breach or any leaks, as of 8:13 p.m. on Tuesday. There is air and water monitoring in place led by CTEH and Kentucky Environment and Energy Cabinet, respectively. 

ORSANCO believes all but one barge was carrying mainly corn and soybeans. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, methanol is a toxic alcohol used as an industrial solvent, pesticide and alternative fuel source. It is described as being flammable, acutely toxic and a health hazard.

"Methanol appears as a colorless, fairly volatile liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor like that of ethyl alcohol," the agency states. "Completely mixes with water. The vapors are slightly heavier than air and may travel some distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Any accumulation of vapors in confined spaces, such as buildings or sewers, may explode if ignited. Used to make chemicals, to remove water from automotive and aviation fuels, as a solvent for paints and plastics, and as an ingredient in a wide variety of products."

A media briefing is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m.

The river waterway is open through the use of local vessel traffic services.

This story will be updated.

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