An oil spill was reported this week in Long Island's Mill River, leading to a rapid response from PSEG Long Island contractors who are working tirelessly to contain and clean up the mess. An estimated 1,000 gallons of what is believed to be nonhazardous dielectric fluid leaked into the waterway, sparking environmental concerns. As reported by CBS News New York, the spill originated from an underground electrical transmission cable surrounded by cooling oil.
The containment efforts included removal of the oily water, placing containment booms in the East Rockaway Channel, and ongoing repairs to the affected cable. Local residents witnessed the extent of the pollution, with one, Dominic Decrescenzo, lamenting the state of the river: "A lot of people used to go swimming here. Now, how are you going to go swimming in this water now?" he told CBS News New York. The utility has stressed that the fluid is similar to mineral oil and is not hazardous.
Wildlife has been notably affected by the spill, drawing concern from John Di Leonardo of Humane Long Island. "Any sort of foreign substance on a bird's feathers is extremely hazardous to them. It negates their ability to control their own temperature, it stops them from being buoyant. So that they can sink down into the ocean and actually drown," Di Leonardo explained in a statement obtained by CBS News New York. Rehabilitation efforts are underway, with the Wildlife Center of Long Island and the Sweetbriar Nature Center stepping up to help the affected birds.
The source of the spill, while initially unknown, was later discovered Wednesday night. Before this, Garry Aue, a local resident, experienced firsthand the impacts of the spill, finding his boat surrounded by an oily substance, and lamented, "We get our food from here. They have got to take care of it," as reported by Long Island News 12. This echoes the feelings of Michael Matthews, another East Rockaway resident who took matters into his own hands by assisting an oil-covered swan, "It’s a mess, There’s oil everywhere. The swans are covered in oil," Matthews told Long Island News 12.
PSEG Long Island has issued a statement, acknowledging the situation and detailing their response. "PSEG Long Island removed an underground transmission cable from service because of a leak of nonhazardous dielectric fluid. Crews have located the leak and are working around the clock to make repairs to the affected cable. The flow of dielectric fluid has ceased," according to the utility's statement acquired by CBS News New York. The company urges the public to report any wildlife they believe may have been in contact with the spill to the pertinent rescue centers and asks for space to allow their crews to safely complete the necessary emergency work.
