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Quick response Monday from local and county agencies helped to contain an elusive oil leak that has been plaguing Deal Lake, said Don Brockel, chair of the Deal Lake Commission.

Brought to light after inches of rain fell in a short period of time over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the oil slick was reported via the Department of Environmental Protection [DEP]hotline.

“It was three inches of rain in four hours then another half inch or so of rain,” Brockel said. “When you add it all up, in short period of time, it was a lot for the four pipes to handle.”

Brockel said the Asbury Park Fire and Police departments responded immediately and were assisted within 15 minutes by the Monmouth County Hazmat team. Euclid Avenue was temporarily closed.

The oil is entering Deal Lake from a pipe just east of the Asbury Park High School and west of the railroad tracks.  The stormwater [and possibly the leak’s source] from this pipe is somewhere between Deal Lake and Bangs Avenue, he said. This has eluded experts, but Brockel said the storm may help them finally locate the breach.

“The County was on it again about a month ago with no source found and then it dried up,” Brockel said. “The rain brought the oil flow back; I think the rise in the water table helped push the oil out.”

Brockel said booms were immediately placed at the site to contain the contaminant and work will continue this week to find the source of the leak.  

“My guess is that it’s an old oil tank,” he said. “We might be able to find it easier with the higher water table. It’s contained and we are now waiting for further inspection.”

The DEP hotline is 1-877-WARNDEP. To stay up to date on the Deal Lake Commission and their storm readiness alerts and updates, visit the website, Facebook and Twitter pages. 

[Photos courtesy of the Deal Lake Commission]

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