Anticipating that the chemicals, oil and other contaminants in the runoff from yesterday’s shooting would make their way to the port, the senior harbor master called the city’s spill response trailer and coordinated a multi-agency intervention.
Supervisor Ed Smyth released a statement regarding the preventive measures taken by the Office of the Harbor Master for the City of Huntington to protect the Port of Huntington during Friday’s shooting at an auto body and repair shop in Halesite on Saturday August 6.
“The Huntington Marine Department, led by Senior Harbor Master Fred Uvena, coordinated the defense of Huntington Harbor during the Halesite Fire and its aftermath.
“Yesterday our Fire Marshal Terry McNally, Huntington Road Superintendent Andre Sorrentino (also as Huntington Fire District Commissioner) responded to the scene of the town fire with the Department of road and equipment ready to help if needed, as well as the captain’s office.
“Anticipating that the chemicals, oil and other contaminants in the runoff from yesterday’s shooting would make their way to port, Senior Captain Fred Uvena called the city’s spill response trailer and coordinated a multi-agency response, including the US Coast Guard and the NYS Department of Environment Conservation.
“The Spill Response trailer carries a flexible boom that, when deployed, absorbs contaminants and prevents them from entering the harbor. We deployed the boom behind the American Legion Hall where the spillway reaches the harbor.
“At 4.30 p.m. on Friday, a flexible double boom had been placed on the narrow channel containing all the contaminants and preventing them from reaching the port.
“The U.S. Coast Guard and NYS DEC inspected the site immediately after the fire was extinguished and expressed satisfaction with the efforts made to contain the runoff.
“At 10:00 a.m. today (Saturday), the Harbor Master’s office inspected the site with DEC and the Coast Guard. Both agencies reported the water to be clear, uncontaminated and no further action or measure no remediation was needed.
“The Harbor Master’s Office will leave the double boom in the harbor until Monday as a precaution.
“Thank you to our fire chiefs, firefighters, first responders and professionals who work for the City and keep our communities, roads and waterways safe!”
The boom will be removed by the Harbor Master’s Office on Tuesday 9 August.
