Initial Cleanup At Howell DPW Completed After Diesel Fuel Leak

HOWELL, NJ — Initial cleanup of a 200-gallon diesel fuel spill at the Howell Department of Public Works gas pumps has been completed, according to the Office of Emergency Management.

OEM Coordinator Victor Cook said the company that was filling the tank when it overflowed has responded by bringing in their own crew to assist with the cleanup.

"Initial cleanup was completed by 8:30 p.m. (Monday). We have taken measures in protecting the waterway for any runoff," Cook said.

The spill was caused by an overflow of diesel fuel when a driver for Riggins Inc., a Vineland gas and oil provider, was filling the fuel pumps, according to police. Riggins is the fuel company that refuels the tanks at DPW. The fuel tanks were overfilled, causing the leak.

Riggins also has their LSRP contractor (Licensed Site Remediation Professional) on site who took samples of the soil and will continue to monitor the storm drains, Cook said Tuesday morning.

His office will be working with Monmouth County and the contractor "to make sure the spill is completely cleaned up," Cook added.

The incident on Monday caused a big response from area Hazmat, fire and other officials Monday morning. Public Works is at 278 Old Tavern Road.

About 200 gallons of diesel fuel overflowed near the township fuel pumps, police reported.

The Howell Office of Emergency Management, Monmouth County Hazmat, Squankum and Southard Fire departments responded and, along with six or seven DPW workers, contained the spill to the area of the fuel pumps, police said.

The Howell Department of Public Works went right into action to mitigate the problem, said DPW Coordinator Paul Novello Monday.

No injuries were reported because of the incident, police said.