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'No Reason For Concern' After Indian Point Oil Spill, Cuomo Says

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he's confident that the situation is under control at Indian Point after officials at the Buchanan-based nuclear power plant reported Friday morning oil in a discharge canal that empties into the Hudson River.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, during a visit after Friday morning's oil spill at Indian Point.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, during a visit after Friday morning's oil spill at Indian Point.

Photo Credit: Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office

"There is no reason for neighbors to be of concern – to be concerned about this," Cuomo said. "There is no evidence that the oil leak made it to the Hudson River but that is something we checked (Friday) and we will continue to check throughout the weekend" 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is overseeing the cleanup efforts, Cuomo said.

"There was a two-fold issue, if you will," Cuomo said. "No. 1, the question about the cooling system and the turbine, and number two, the effects of oil being released into the Hudson River."

The oil was used to lubricate machinery and is not radioactive, Indian Point said, noting the plant is running safely and there is no impact on worker or public health or safety.

"Obviously, when it comes to Indian Point, it is a situation that requires the highest level of care. This is a nuclear plant that is located near a very, very dense population," Cuomo said. "As a matter of fact, it is the nuclear plant that is located to the most dense population anywhere on the globe. God forbid there's an accident here, it would be a serious, serious situation."

The amount of oil spilled is not known, Cuomo said.

Entergy, which owns and operates Indian Point, said that Indian Point's staff identified an oil sheen in the plant's discharge canal Friday morning and has not detected any sheening in the Hudson River.

"A permanent protective boom in the discharge canal is designed to try to prevent oil from reaching the river," Entergy said in a statement issued Friday evening. "Contract environmental protection professionals have taken additional measures to mitigate against further migration.

"Engineers and plant operators are examining systems and components at the plant to identify the potential source." 

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