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Gas Spill reported at Yellow Goose station in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reported a "substantial" gas spill at the Yellow Goose station in Elba.

A first responder from the Elba Fire Department reports a "smaller gas spill."

The original call said the gas was flowing into a storm drain.  The caller said the driver who caused the spill left the station.

UPDATE 7:07 a.m.: Spill contained. Elba Fire back in service.

Gabor Deutsch

That's funny. A couple of gallons of gasoline get into a drain sewer and all hell breaks loose. A couple of billions of gallons of sweet crude oil gets leaked into the Gulf of Mexico and people say "shit happens".

May 28, 2010, 11:56am Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

Maybe a bit exaggerated but if the fire department is contacted to something like this then its serious enuff. I am sure mother goose corporation wasn't charged or held responsible. (;P)

May 28, 2010, 12:32pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Well, I'm no expert, I just have business dealings with construction and trucking firms and I can only speak about stories I've been told, that if fuel or chemicals get spilled, especially if it is reported over a fire or police scanner, they (NYSDEC) will come and investigate. Whoever is responsible for the spill, or owns the container that leaked generally has to pay for cleanup. Fines are assessed when appropriate. So, bottom line, the DEC is a state agency and state employees, and the outcome depends on the situation, if gasoline did in fact go down a storm drain, you can bet the gas station will be fined and have to clean it out of there. Most fuel distributors, contractors and trucking firms have insurance for this.

May 28, 2010, 1:19pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Gabor, I heard on the radio today that allegations are coming out about negligence on BP's part. Apparently, they had been informed of some sort of problem by the people on the drilling rig and BP management told them to ignore it and keep on pumping. The next day, it blew up. If that's true, that's not "shit happens". BP will pay for their mess, I should hope. I didn't mean to sound callous in the other thread about the environmental impact, it's a disaster to be sure.

May 28, 2010, 1:27pm Permalink
John Roach

Gabor,
The report said a "driver" caused the spill. If that is true, why is it that the business is to blame (unless it was their vehicle/gas truck)?

Their insurance might have to pay, but is it their fault some driver was stupid?

May 28, 2010, 1:55pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

I hear you John and Dave. I am not trying to argue what you say, I am just pissed off about all the "accidents" that happen which harm our well being and everyone says " they will pay to fix it" when we all know the harm done in most cases is not totally reversible. I don't mean to go all Erin Brokovich on ya but ask the people suffering to this day from Love Canal or better yet how about the poor Genesee County folks with well water issues !

May 28, 2010, 2:40pm Permalink

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