Route 23 in Craryville reopens following April fuel spill accident

CRARYVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Route 23 in Craryville has officially reopened following a gasoline spill cleanup that had been ongoing since a deadly accident on April 16. The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Transportation (DOT) made the announcement on June 5. The closure was prompted after a motor vehicle accident involving a gasoline tanker truck and passenger vehicle resulted in a significant gasoline release. According to Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies, the fuel truck was carrying about 7,000 galloons of gas when it and the vehicle collided, causing it to overturn. The accident resulted in the death of the two passengers in the vehicle. The tanker truck driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The DEC said the fuel from the accident soaked into the ground and spilled into a nearby tributary to the Taghkanic Creek. Since then, officials have been working to clean up between 3,000 and 5,000 gallons of gas that spilled. After excavating the contaminated soil beneath Route 23, as well as in and around the stormwater infrastructure and along the road shoulder, the DEC projected last month that the road would reopen in early June. The successful reconstruction of road and stormwater infrastructure and backfilling of the roadway has also been completed, allowing for the June reopening. "We are happy to announce the reopening of Route 23 in Craryville and commend our state and local partners who worked tirelessly to ensure completion of this significant cleanup effort," said DEC Region 4 Director Sean Mahar. "This was no small feat, but certainly a testament to the teamwork, communication, and transparency of those involved to get this done. I would also like to thank the residents of Craryville for their understanding during the cleanup." The DEC said drivers may still experience some temporary short-term lane closures as crews continue final road restoration, shoulder work and lane painting activities. In coordination with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), the DEC monitored drinking water in the vicinity of the spill and communicated the results directly with property owners. The DEC said that while their emergency response has concluded, they will continue monitoring the area as needed to ensure the continued protection of public health and the environment.