After dielectric oil was leaked in the Mystic River near the Alford St. bridge, Eversource identified the location of the leak on Sunday, May 6. To do that, gas was released into the pipe to help identify the leak during a freeze test.
An electrical pipe underground, under the I-93 bypass in Somerville, was the source of the dielectric oil. After investigation, it was discovered that a crack in the line allowed the oil to enter the soil. The product leaked into the storm drain system and then into the Mystic River. A temporary clamp was fitted around the crack to stop the leak. Crews are scheduled to seal the pipe permanently on Wednesday, May 9.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
Because of the the location of the leak, the unified command comprising of Eversource, Mass DEP, and the US Coast Guard, requested the Coast Guard National Strike Force to deploy and help with the incident. The Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team arrived on scene during the weekend, while the National Strike Force (NSF) provides experienced personnel to facilitate response to oil and hazardous substance pollution incidents.
The unified command is now planning a long-term environmental clean-up plan for the impacted soil, storm drain system, and the Mystic River. The public is called to be aware of clean-up operations in the area and avoid contact with any oil.
Pollution recovery teams and containment boom remain in place around the Mystic River near the Amelia Earhart Dam.
