Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo explained in his Friday e-blast that a cleanup effort is underway at Binney Park pond after diesel fuel leak on Wednesday.
He said Greenwich is monitoring the situation with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) who are overseeing the efforts.
Per Camillo, this is the latest information from DEEP and Greenwich Fire Marshal Chris Practico:
At approximately 5:44 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, a release of diesel fuel from a truck occurred due to equipment failure in the form of a hole in the wall side of the driver’s side saddle tank. The (Greenwich) Fire Department was called at 11:27 a.m. to respond to a Center Drive resident’s report of an odor and sheen on the water in the brook.
The leaking vehicle was later found on the highway (just north of the northbound Exit 5 of I-95) (Greenwich) FD took immediate action upon discovery to contain impact prior to the main pond (which has tidal influence resulting in stagnation within the pond proper). Initial boom deployment was performed by Greenwich FD minimizing impact from the spill which leached into a nearby catch basin.
At the time of CT DEEP’s arrival, the leak had stopped, and an estimated 50 to 70 gallons had been released. Environmental cleanup activities were initiated by the CT DEEP Emergency Response Unit (ERU).
Control measures have been initiated and will continue likely for the next couple of weeks.
Cura Emergency Services was retained by the responsible party for management with Environmental Services, Inc as a cleanup contractor and they are active at the scene and coordinating with CT DEEP. DEEP’s Emergency Response Unit will continue to oversee response activities.
During Wednesday’s cleanup efforts, approximately 1,300 gallons of oily water were recovered and removed from the site removing the bulk material released.
Cleanup activities are ongoing with absorbent materials/containment measures placed at strategic locations. Conditions will continue to be monitored and activities modified as needed. People in the area will note boom deployed at the entrance to the pond at Binney Park in effort to minimize any further impact to the pond. A combination of pollen and emulsified material will likely be observed within the area for the foreseeable future. This is to be expected and not cause for concern.
This release has impacted the stream (appears primarily drainage) which enters the pond at Binney Park at its north end (intersection of Arch Street and Sound Beach Ave). The U.S. Coast Guard was notified of the release as this waterway ultimately reaches Long Island Sound.
Officials said no lasting environmental impact is expected. Additionally, there is not currently concern of impact to water wells due to this incident and no distressed wildlife have been noted.