Upstate New York Man Charged After Spilling 200+ Gallons of Oil

One Upstate New Yorker is paying the price after keeping this massive oil spill a secret.

When oil of any sort spills, it's no mistake to take lightly. Not only is it extremely dangerous to it's immediate environment, but it can cause greater harm the farther the oil spreads. That's why it's important to report it immediately.

Unfortunately, this spill was much messier than it should have been.

John Roman

Flashback to July

Several months ago, the Department of Environmental Conservation received reports there was a smell of petroleum on Lasher Creek in Montgomery County. Not only this, but there was also a visible sheen on the surface of the water as well.

As a tributary to the Mohawk River, this could spread extremely fast if not controlled.

ECO Wilson responded to the scene with assistance of Kevin Sarnowicz from the DEC Spills Response program. They confirmed the oil spill and traced it upstream to a nearby business off State Route Highway 162. Wilson interviewed the property owner, who admitted to several things.

Credit - NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

First, the spill was the result of an equipment failure two days prior. It had spilt around 200 gallons of fuel since then. In addition, the property owner also admitted to not reporting the spill or taking action to clean it up.

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators work hard each day to serve their communities, protect our precious natural resources, and safeguard public health, while ensuring those who break the state's stringent Environmental Conservation Laws are held accountable.

The man was then issued three tickets for prohibited discharge of petroleum, failure to report a spill, and pollution of water in contravention of standards.

Fast Forward to Today

The property owner appeared in Root Town Court where he settled his criminal charges. He accepted a plea agreement with a fine of $3,975.

8 Items That Are Illegal to Throw in the Trash in New York

Here are 8 items that are illegal to throw in your trash can in New York State.

Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams

Why New York State Thruway Was Closed For Nearly 24 Hours In The Hudson Valley

27 of the Most Magnificent Landmarks Seen in Upstate New York

I've lived here my entire life, and I'm not sure I realized how beautiful the Empire State is. There's no shortage of stunning landscapes and breathtaking views throughout the great State of New York, especially this time of year!

It doesn't matter where you live, or where you travel, New York residents are never far from a gorgeous beach, a picturesque state park, or an awe-inspiring mountain.

In 2018, a photographer named Demetri Andritsakis made a 3-and-a-half-minute drone video called "Upstate New York By Air" that highlighted many of New York's breathtaking views.

Andritsakis submitted it to the 2018 New York State Fair Drone Film Festival, and deservedly so, he received a Gold Medal honor for his aerial work throughout upstate New York.

From the Adirondacks to the Catskills, Albany to Buffalo, and everything worth seeing, check out these spectacular pictures featuring 27 of the most magnificent landmarks in Upstate New York.

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM Albany

10 Best Towns in in New York State for Fall 2023

We're just about at the fall season, which means festivals, pumpkins, fall foliage and more. Here are the 10 best towns for autumn in New York state.

Rub Elbows With the Stars at 8 Celebrity Owned Businesses in New York

A number of celebrities call Upstate New York home. A small few not only own homes but businesses too. You may even run into them when you stop by for a sweet treat, overnight stay or soft skin.

Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams