Excavator leaks hydraulic fluid into water near Washington Bridge demolition site

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — An investigation is underway after an accidental leak caused hydraulic fluid to spill into the Seekonk River near the Washington Bridge demolition site.

The spill caused a rainbow-like sheen to shine on the surface of the water early in Thursday afternoon. It dissipated by the evening, but oil residue could still be seen in the water.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) said workers immediately shut down the excavator that was leaking and used a spill kit to mop up the fluid from the deck. However, some of the fluid still got into the water.

A RIDOT spokesperson said the contractor hired a clean-up company to address the spill.

U.S. Coast Guard members were seen investigating with a drone Thursday evening.

Jed Thorp, director of advocacy at Save the Bay, said he was concerned by what he saw, especially after receiving reports of debris and oil in the water all week long.

“Obviously, the project is important. The project needs to go forward” Thorp said. “We need to get the bridge demolished, but there are safeguards and best practices that are supposed to be put in place to protect the environment while they’re doing that. It appears that those safeguards are not being properly followed, or at least not followed consistently.”

Thorp said he just wants to make sure the demolition permit is being followed correctly.

RIDOT said the contractor set up a turbidity curtain to help contain any demolition debris several weeks ago. The spokesperson added that the curtain helped contain much of the spill.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council were both consulted. RIDOT said no violations were issued.

However, some residents who live in the nearby are concerned about the environmental impacts.

“Are we going to keep hearing these things, or is somebody going to take the initiative to take care of it before it gets worse?” Amy Brown questioned.

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