WOODBOURNE, NY — On Friday, April 7, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) responded to a reported spill of home heating fuel that reached the Neversink River. Approximately 475 gallons of heating oil spilled when two heating oil tanks in the vicinity of the intersection of routes 42 and 52 in Woodbourne failed and entered a floor drain. No drinking water supplies were impacted by the incident, and the spill occurred below the New York City reservoir system. While a sheen was observed for approximately one-half mile along the river, with the rainfall and snowmelt in the area, it is expected to dissipate quickly and not impact fishing or the ecology of the river. DEC will continue to monitor, and if anyone notices any further impacts they are encouraged to call 844/332-3267.

DEC encourages all homeowners to routinely inspect home heating oil tanks, and provides homeowners checklists and other information to follow on the “Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner’s Guide” at www.dec.ny.gov. If any defects are observed contact your fuel oil service provider immediately. Report any actual spill or leak of fuel oil to 800/457-7362.