Diesel Fuel Leak At York Correctional In Niantic Is "Under Containment"

Diesel fuel has been slowly leaking from a ruptured pipe at York Correctional Institution into the ground in Niantic.

A press release issued by the Department of Correction (DOC) this afternoon said the leak was discovered "recently." East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica said he believed it was first discovered "a few weeks ago."  

Although DOC may not have sent out a press release about the initial leak, Formica said it did inform the town as soon as it was discovered and DOC has been taking steps to mitigate the problem. At this point, he said, no one is sure how much fuel leaked but it appears to be contained to the correctional facilities grounds.  

According to the DOC, the spill was caused by a broken underground pipe connecting the above ground diesel fuel tank to the facility’s main generators. The leak was stopped shortly after it was discovered.

The state is conducting daily soil testing and monitoring of exploratory wells for contamination. Formica said he believes there are about 40 different testing sites and all indications are that the spill hasn't traveled far.

"They've been taking steps to mitigate it and keeping us informed," said Formica. "All indications are it was a slow leak over time."  

Representatives from the Department of Correction, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Department of Public Health along with officials from theTown of East Lyme met today to address a mitigation plan. DOC has retained Kropp Environmental, a state licensed spill clean-up contractor, to manage the remediation plan.

"We're always concerned when this happens in proximity of our water supply," said Formica. "That's why we've been on top of it. They indicated today they felt it was under containment and they have a handle on it. So far the water supply is fine."

As a precautionary measure, DOC stated, "representatives from the three state agencies will continue to work closelywith East Lyme officials to ensure the safety of the town’s water supply, which remains everyone’s top priority."