Unified Command Ends Cleanup of NY Spill

The unified command responding to the spill of approximately 800 gallons of oil in Riverhead, N.Y., Oct. 14, including the Coast Guard, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Penn Maritime Inc., with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ended active cleanup operations here today. Representatives from the towns of Riverhead and Southold inspected the beach with members of the unified command here today also. Crews removed 30 20-cubic-yard dumpsters, approximately 360 tons, of oil-soaked debris. Over 120 workers from Miller Environmental Group responded to the spill at the height of operations utilizing backhoes, front loaders and other heavy equipment. Although cleanup operations have been concluded, the Coast Guard and NYSDEC will continue to monitor the site. The cause of the spill is under investigation. Oil sightings in the area should be reported to the Coast Guard or NYSDEC.