Cleanup nearly complete in Long Island canal after PSE&G’s ‘nonhazardous’ oil spill kills wildlife

Source: New York Post

Thousands of gallons of fluid used in power lines spilled into a Long Island canal this month after a buried PSE&G transmission cable ruptured — leading to an oily mess in the East Rockaway area that harmed the local animal population. About 7,000 gallons of dielectric fluid — a synthetic mineral oil used to insulate high-voltage lines — were released into the Mill River on July 14 due to the damage to the underground cables, state officials said. At least four birds were confirmed dead, as the synthetic substance was found clinging to their feathers, leaving them unable to fly or escape predators, rescuers reportedly said.