Late in the afternoon on Sunday, Aug. 17, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was notified of a spill at a boat launch in Germantown, Columbia County.  DEC spill responders and environmental conservation officers were immediately dispatched to the scene, along with the State Police, the Germantown Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.

An unattached, 50-ft. black pipe containing oil was found in the Hudson River and was secured in the dock area.  It was estimated that 50-100 gallons of No. 6 fuel oil had spilled from the pipe. Winds had pushed the spilled oil to the east shore and it was contained in a small area.  Visual inspections using a State Police helicopter did not find any other visible sheens in the river.

A spill response contractor was on scene last night to collect the oil. They are back at the scene today to complete the cleanup of impacted surfaces and shorelines.  An investigation to determine the source of the oil is underway. People who have information about this spill should contact The DEC tip line at 1-800-847-7332.