Officials are monitoring a possible oil spill on the Schoharie Reservoir.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection says the apparent spill was spotted last Monday afternoon in a 50-foot-wide section of water downshore from the mouth of the Shandaken Tunnel, where water from the reservoir flows to New York City. The DEP blocked it off with absorbent booms. Additional booms were set up around the exit of the tunnel.
The "oily sheen" - since dissipated - is suspected to have been "motor oil or hydraulic oil" from a tank that likely washed into the water in 2011 during Tropical Storm Irene. Steps are being taken to remove the tank and there is no danger to the city's water supply.
