LOWER BURRELL, Pa. — A leak at a steel plant sent hydraulic fluid into the Allegheny River on Monday.
The incident happened at Braeburn Alloy Steel in Lower Burrell around 3 p.m.
The local fire chief says the leak extended for almost two miles before it was contained.
“The substance was identified as hydraulic fluid from two containment tanks totaling over 7,000 gallons, as well as an underground storage pit. It is unknown at this time the total amount of fluid that was leaked into the environment,” Chief Brenn Sites said.
Sites said the leak did reach a nearby dam. Local water officials are aware of the leak.
A Department of Environmental Protection official says the agency’s emergency staff are on scene to investigate the spill. They say the leak has been identified and the release of hydraulic fluid stopped.
DEP will oversee containment and remedial activities.
This incident comes less than two weeks after a deadly explosion at the same plant. A reported furnace explosion hurt one person and killed Daniel Vakulick, 20, of Tarentum.
RELATED COVERAGE >>> Man injured in explosion at Westmoreland County steel plant dies
There’s no indication that the explosion and spill are connected.
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