On Monday, April 1, we were informed that there was a leak of 1,000 gallons of dielectric fluid into the Bronx River from a Con Edison feeder line in Yonkers. This mineral oil-based insulation fluid leaked into a storm drain that empties into the Bronx River near Nereid Avenue.
DEC spill response units currently have 7 booms spread across the river to absorb the substance. These booms aim to prevent any significant amount of fluid from traveling farther south.
DEC and Con Edison clean-up crews are working in Yonkers with substances that bind to the fluid before it reaches the booms, making it easier to clean up. DEC has estimated the cleanup to take about 10 days, although impacts from Wednesday’s storm may extend that timeline.
We are in contact with NYC Parks, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the City of Yonkers, local partners and Con Ed, seeking to understand how this happened, monitor the ongoing cleanup, and understand any impacts on our communities and the ecology of the corridor.
Protect the Bronx River! Please report anything related to contamination you see by emailing info@bronxriver.org or calling Bronx River Alliance at (718) 542-4124. We also encourage you to contact 311 to report leaks, spills, or dumping in catch basins.
