A call to test waters for toxins

After dead fish are found, assemblyman requests chemical analysis of Barnum Channel

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An oil leak from an underground PSEG power line in Island Park that was discovered in December may be causing more environmental damage than first thought.

The utility said that only 200 gallons of what it described as highly refined mineral oil reached the water, and the oil was non-toxic. But on Jan. 9, some residents noticed dead fish floating in the water behind Peter’s Clam Bar, on Austin Boulevard.

State Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky inspected the site, and sent a letter to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, asking to have the water of Barnum Channel tested for toxins. He noted that he saw more than 10 large dead fish in the water. “I am deeply concerned that the presence of these dead fish is not a coincidence, but rather the result of the December 2014 PSEG Long Island spill of dielectric fluid,” Kaminsky wrote. “Further, I observed seagulls eating these fish, which, if such fish were in fact poisoned, carries great consequence for the health and safety of our ecosystem.

“I am deeply concerned by what I saw,” he added. “I hope the situation is not as bad as I think it is, but only scientific testing will give us the answer.”

As of press time, Kaminsky had not received a response from the DEC.