Oil spill cleanup continues in Woodbury as environmental concerns grow
Using specialized chemicals to absorb the remaining oil, workers continued efforts to clear the roadway and prevent further environmental damage.
More Stories
Cleanup crews returned to Woodbury Road Friday morning to contain and remove nearly 3,000 gallons of home heating oil spilled when a tanker truck overturned Thursday afternoon.
Using specialized chemicals to absorb the remaining oil, workers continued efforts to clear the roadway and prevent further environmental damage. Despite the progress, the strong smell of petroleum still lingers in the air, creating discomfort for nearby businesses and residents.
“Every time the door opens, it stinks,” said Robin Brown, an employee at House of Hair Salon. “Clients’ clothes smell like oil and gas. I don’t like it.”
Authorities say the spill quickly spread beyond the crash site. Video from the scene showed oil flowing into nearby storm drains shortly after the incident. About six hours after the spill, oil had been detected in a stormwater basin about a mile downhill from where the tanker overturned.
RELATED: Fuel truck overturns in Woodbury; diesel spill temporarily closes roadway
Environmental experts warn that spills of this magnitude can have long-term consequences if not properly addressed, potentially impacting ecosystems for years or even decades. Those concerns are now being echoed by animal advocates monitoring the situation.
John Di Leonardo, of Humane Long Island, visited the affected storm basin and expressed concern for local wildlife.
“We hear a lot of wildlife — birds chirping, squirrels running through the brush,” Di Leonardo said. “This oil is going into their drinking water.”
A spokesperson for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said crews were deployed to the recharge basin to remove the oil and mitigate environmental risks. Crews found two birds in the area, but did not observe any distress. The agency added that, at this time, officials do not expect any impact on groundwater or public drinking water.
