On February 26th, a tanker truck hauling 2,600 gallons of fuel oil was involved in a motor vehicle accident in West Haven. The fuel oil was contained to the road and entered a storm drain leading to the West River. State and federal responders have been working to contain the spill as it enters the river.
“This advisory is being issued as a precaution following a recent fuel oil spill,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Residents should avoid consuming fish from this section of the West River while the odor and taste of the fish are impacted from the spill.”
The advisory covers the section of the West River beginning upstream from Derby Avenue (State Route 34) and continuing downstream to Kimberly Avenue (State Route 122). [Please see map below]
It also is important to note that there is a pre-existing statewide advisory in place for all freshwater finfish and shellfish caught in Connecticut because of mercury contamination. Sensitive groups should limit their consumption to no more than one meal per month. For all other groups, the advice is to limit consumption to no more than one meal per week of freshwater finfish and shellfish. This statewide advisory does not apply to sunfish or trout as there are no consumption limits for these fish species, unless otherwise noted.
DPH continues to work closely with local officials and environmental partners to monitor the river and will provide updates as necessary. Additional information on DPH fish consumption advisories can be found at: https://portal.ct.gov/fish or by calling a DPH staff person at 1-877-458-FISH (3474).
