Officials Closer to ID'ing Source of Oil Spill in Bronx River

The source of the oil discovered leaking into the Bronx River Parkway this morning is still unknown, but authorities have narrowed the location to the Lexington Avenue area of White Plains.

It appears to be No. 4 oil, which is used as commercial heating oil, officials said.

Booms are containing the oil's reach from just south of the County Center to north of Crane Road in Scarsdale but already dead fish can be seen floating on the water, animals are emerging slicked with oil and the smell of oil remains overpowering on the shores of the river.

White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley said reports the spill had reached Mount Vernon were likely not true.

If the size of the response is any indication, the river is absorbing a significant amount of oil. The state Department of Environmental Conservation, it's environmental crime unit, local and county police and the county's Hazardous Materials Team were among those working on the river.

"Preliminary estimates are hundreds of gallons, but they just don't know at this point," said Heather McGill, a county health department spokeswoman.

"It's been a tremendous effort," Bradley said as more than a dozen emergency responders gathered on the banks of the river behind him. "They are doing an extensive search of the area" to find the exact source of the oil. That area of White Plains is a mix of commercial and residential real estate, he said.

Authorities were first alerted at 7:15 a.m. by a jogger in Scarsdale who noticed the powerful odor of oil.

"It's like if you see something, say something," said County Executive Rob Astorino. "If you smell something, say something."

If it turns out to be the result of a criminal act — they don't know yet if that's the case — the responsible party would have to reimburse the cost of the clean up, possibly more.

The northbound ramp of Exit 21 was closed for the clean up.

Harrison Local Editor Zach Oliva contributed to this report.