Long Island Oil Spill: Mill River Cleanup After 1,000 Gallons Leak

Mill River Oil Spill

• 💧 An estimated 1,000 gallons of greasy fluid leaked into the Mill River in East Rockaway, Long Island.
• ⚠️ The spill, which occurred over three days, has finally been stopped.

Environmental Impact

• 🦢 Crews are working to wash oily fluid off of swans and ducks at the Crow's Nest Marina.
• 💔 At least two ducks have died, and good Samaritans are rescuing birds, highlighting the hazardous nature of the spill for wildlife.
• 🏊 Residents express concern about the safety of swimming in the affected waters.

Source and Cleanup Efforts

• ⚡ The source of the spill was identified as an underground electrical transmission cable surrounded by cooling oil.
• 🚧 PSCG Long Island contractors are using containment booms and removing thousands of gallons of oily water.
• 🛠️ The utility company's crews are actively repairing the damaged cable.

Fluid Properties

• 🧪 The leaked fluid is described as a dielectric fluid, similar to mineral oil, which the utility states is non-hazardous.
• 🚢 The oil slick has affected watercraft, including boats and jet skis, leading to concerns about responsibility for cleaning personal property.