Mystic River Oil Leak Originated In Somerville, Officials Say

SOMERVILLE, MA – An oil leak that spread to the Mystic River in April originated in Somerville, according to Eversource. Officials traced the leak to a crack in an electrical pipe running under the I-93 bypass. The crack allowed the oil to enter the soil, which leaked into the storm drain system and ended up in the river.

Eversource, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Coast Guard responded to the scene and placed a temporary clamp around the crack. Crews are scheduled to weld a permanent seal on Wednesday, the Coast Guard said.

Officials are discussing a long-term cleanup plan for the impacted soil, storm drain system and the Mystic River. Residents are urged to be aware of cleanup operations and avoid contact with any soil. Pollution recovery teams and containment equipment remain in place near the Amelia Earhart Dam, according to the Coast Guard.

Images via Coast Guard