State investigation of the incident is continuing and penalties forthcoming

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is continuing to direct the cleanup of the diesel fuel spill that occurred at Bayside Oil Terminal on March 30. Approximately 27,000 gallons of diesel fuel was released as the result of a tank overflow at the facility, some of which impacted the shore and surface water of Gravesend Bay in Brooklyn, NY. While the state’s investigation into the incident is ongoing, more than 5,000 gallons have been recovered thus far, and other protective measures have been established to contain the spilled fuel on site.   

“This blatant disregard for safety protocols led to a preventable diesel spill that has impacted Gravesend Bay,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “While DEC is directing the responsible parties to undertake full and immediate cleanup, the state is thoroughly investigating this incident and will ensure these polluters are held accountable.”

The spill was reported to DEC and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) by the barge operator at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30. Under New York State law, the party responsible for a petroleum spill must report the spill to DEC within two hours of discovery. DEC’s Spills Response Unit immediately responded to the report and quickly oversaw work to secure absorbent booms offshore of the facility to capture the released fuel and mitigate impacts to Gravesend Bay. 

The asphalt parking lot was pressure washed to remove what was released onto that area with measures to prevent contaminants from entering the bay. Trenches were dug around the top of the mounded tanks and product is being recovered through vacuuming. Impacted soil has been covered with plastic to minimize further permeation of fuel into soil prior to the implementation of additional remediation efforts.

DEC, the USCG, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), and the facility operator’s environmental contractor (Miller Environmental) are assisting with the initial cleanup, which has been contained within the boundaries of the facility. A remediation work plan will be developed by the facility operator and submitted to DEC and the USCG for approval.

DEC is continuing to closely monitor the site for threats to public health and the environment, and is aggressively investigating all potential violations of environmental law. DEC will hold the responsible party accountable for any environmental damages caused, and stiff penalties to address this issue are pending. Anyone with information about this spill should contact the DEC Spills Hot Line at 1-800-457-7362.