UPDATE Van Etten Water District
10/17/2024
During the process of filling the fuel tank on the generator approximately 2 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled on the concrete pad. Stay dry material was applied to absorb the diesel fuel. The platform was cleaned and dry. When there was a concern of the possible contamination the DEC and the Chemung County Health Department were notified and a representative from DEC inspected the site and suggested out of precaution, to remove an area approximately 3’ x 1’. The Chemung County Health Department recommended taking a sample of the water for testing and to shut down Well #1 until the samples come back from testing; these tasks have been completed. The health department at this time did not recommend doing anything further until the sample came back. The Chemung County Health Department did not recommend notifying anyone, including the school, this was done by the Water Operator without the approval of the Chemung County Health Department or the authorization of the Town Board.
At no time, did the Van Etten Town Board feel that they put any residents in harm’s way and were confident in the expertise of the Chemung County Health Department and NYSDEC recommendations.