DEP Advises Some Residents to Remain Indoors Due to New Jersey Refinery Spill

DEP Advises Some Residents to Remain Indoors Due to New Jersey Refinery Spill

The Department of Environmental Protection announced today that as a result of wafting odors from a New Jersey oil spill, persons with respiratory problems, as well as young children and the elderly, should limit outdoor activities for the next several days until the oil is cleaned up, at which time the odors are expected to dissipate.

The oil leak was detected Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Paulsboro Refining Company in Greenwich, which is located along the Delaware River in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Odors have been detected in Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and York counties.

Local air monitoring shows no indication of health effects from the odors, but DEP urges people with respiratory sensitivity living in the state’s southeast and south-central regions to be cautious.

Respiratory problems include asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and heart or lung conditions. The Department of Health advises anyone who has inhaled the oil fumes and feels short of breath, has chest pain or tightness, or experiences dizziness to seek medical attention immediately.

The refinery reported to New Jersey officials an oil leak of approximately six million gallons, all of which has been contained and is being pumped out of the containment structure surrounding the refinery. The cleanup is expected to last several days.

For more information about the spill, the refinery has established a community information line at 856-224-6177.

For more information about the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, visit www.state.nj.us/dep.

For more information about the Pennsylvania DEP, visit www.dep.state.pa.us.