What to Do Immediately After an Oil Spill on Your Long Island Property

mintchipmedia
Sep 29
2 min read

Why Quick Action Matters

Oil spills aren’t just messy—they’re dangerous. Heating oil or fuel spills can contaminate soil, seep into groundwater, and create long-lasting health and environmental hazards. On Long Island, spills must also be reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes after a spill can make the difference between a small cleanup and a costly disaster.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Evacuate anyone from the immediate spill area, especially if strong fumes are present.
Avoid sparks, flames, or smoking near the spill site.
If indoors, open windows and doors to improve ventilation.

Step 2: Stop the Source if Possible

If it’s safe to do so:

Shut off valves or switches on oil tanks or delivery lines.
Place a bucket, absorbent pads, or sand under drips to minimize spreading.
Don’t attempt major repairs yourself—leave that to professionals.

Step 3: Call the DEC Spill Hotline

In New York, all oil spills must be reported immediately by law. 📞 DEC Spill Hotline: 1-800-457-7362 (24/7)

Be ready to provide:

Your name and contact details
Address of the property
Type of oil spilled (heating oil, diesel, etc.)
Estimated amount spilled
Where the oil has spread (soil, basement floor, waterway)

Document the time of your call and any reference number given.

Step 4: Contact an Emergency Response Contractor

After notifying the DEC, call a licensed environmental contractor like Eastern Environmental Solutions. We respond 24/7 across Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC to:

Contain the spill quickly
Pump out affected areas
Collect contaminated soil or water samples
Handle all DEC reporting and documentation

This ensures compliance while protecting your property and neighbors.

Step 5: Protect Yourself Financially

Notify your insurance provider right away; some policies may cover sudden accidental spills.
Save all paperwork—DEC reports, contractor invoices, soil test results, and photos. These documents are critical for insurance claims and real estate transactions.

FAQs

Who should I call first if I discover an oil spill? Call the DEC Spill Hotline at 1-800-457-7362 immediately, then contact an emergency contractor.

Is it safe to stay inside my home after a spill? If fumes are strong, evacuate until professionals can ventilate and clean the area.

Do I need to notify the DEC myself? Yes—property owners are legally responsible. Contractors can also notify DEC once onsite, but you should make the first call.

How do I prevent oil from spreading? Use absorbents, sand, or containment if it’s safe, but never attempt to clean large spills on your own.

Will insurance cover cleanup costs? Some policies may cover sudden accidental spills, but many exclude gradual leaks. Check with your provider.

Why Choose Eastern Environmental

For over 20 years, Eastern Environmental Solutions has been Long Island’s trusted partner for oil spill emergencies. Our team is fully licensed, trained, and equipped to: