LISBON – Wednesday’s rain storm broke an oil containment boom along the St. Lawrence River, causing oil to float downstream along the shoreline of nearby homes.

Crews set up oil containment boom on Saturday surrounding the home belonging to Lawrence F. Montroy, McCabe Road, where 15 to 20 gallons of heating oil was spilled as a result of fuel tanks being overfilled on Friday.

DEC Environmental Engineer Matthew W. Duffany, said Wednesday’s weather caused the booms to disband and release the previously contained heating oil sheen downstream along the shoreline of nearby homes.

“At this point, crews are out attempting to intercept any recoverable oil as it works its way downriver,” Environmental Engineer Matthew W. Duffany said. “The wind and rain event caused the break in the booms. Crews have been out this morning changing out oil absorbent pads and monitoring residual effects.”

Mr. Duffany said DEC officials are in contact with the United States Coast Guard, who is also monitoring the spill.

“The spill is surficial in nature and ground saturation appears minimal, if at all, along the shoreline,” said Mr. Duffany. “There are no active releases from the tanks. At this point, we’re just monitoring and mitigating the resulting effects from the initial spill.”

Mr. Duffany said the effects of the leakage are minimal, but urged caution to nearby residents.

“We want residents to be aware of the situation,” said Mr. Duffany. “In the unlikely chance they taste or smell an odor in their water, we urge them to advise us immediately. Their cooperation and patience thus far is greatly appreciated and continues to make an uncomfortable situation along the shoreline more manageable for all.”

Mr. Duffany could not say exactly when the spill will be cleaned up but acknowledged that it will not likely affect the tourist season.

For more information, contact the local NYSDEC office at 785-2513.

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