West Haven Oil Spill Shuts Fishing
Connecticut issued a fishing advisory for West Haven following a significant oil spill. Local authorities are urging anglers to avoid the affected Long Island Sound area until cleanup is complete. The advisory comes right as spring fishing season kicks off, raising concerns about water quality and fish contamination.
The spill originated from a head-on collision on Forest Road, causing a tanker truck to overturn. The tanker was carrying approximately 2,600 gallons of home heating oil at the time of the crash. An estimated 2,400 gallons of the heating oil leaked from the overturned tanker. The oil flowed into storm drains, subsequently contaminating the West River and New Haven Harbor. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) immediately dispatched its Emergency Response Unit. Cleanup crews utilized vacuum trucks to recover the spilled oil and deployed booms to contain its spread in the water. In response to the contamination, the Connecticut Department of Public Health issued a precautionary fishing advisory for the West River in both New Haven and West Haven. The advisory, initially in effect for two weeks, urges residents to avoid consuming fish from the affected area due to potential impacts on their taste and smell. The driver of the passenger vehicle involved in the collision sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The operator of the oil tanker was evaluated at the scene but declined medical treatment. Wildlife in the area, including bald eagles and ducks observed in the river, became a concern for DEEP's wildlife division. Responders from the New Haven Fire Department assisted in the cleanup by placing absorbent materials into the river.
