A Nov. 5 fuel leak from a diesel generator into Poorhouse Cove in South Bristol has been cleaned up and contained as of Thursday, Nov. 13.
“The absorbent boom that was placed in the water the night of the initial fuel leak has been removed, and a much smaller containment area has been established,” Maine Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Karl Wilkins said.
The fuel leak occurred in the return line of a diesel generator at a 100 Texas Rd. residence after an early November snowstorm caused widespread power outages across Lincoln County.
According to Wilkins, the majority of the fuel lost remained on the floor of the home’s basement, and an early estimate of 100 gallons into the cove was incorrect.
“We estimate only 20 to 30 gallons of fuel found its way into the drain,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins said the drain from the basement has been flushed and all oil has been removed from the basement floor.
The Maine Marine Patrol, which monitored the cove after the spill, has not heard anything more from a state biologist regarding a possible shellfish-harvesting closure in Poorhouse Cove, according to Sgt. Daniel White.
“We’re still monitoring the location,” South Bristol Fire Chief Mark Carrothers said.
