Update: Driver Who Caused 3-Mile Oil Slick In Newark Comes Forward

No charges will be filed or summonses issued against the driver of a truck that leaked a 3-mile slick of used vegetable oil in Newark's Ironbound last week, police said.

Surveillance camera images of a truck that deposited a miles-long slick of vegetable oil in Newark Oct. 15
Photo Credit: *Newark police*

Paul Milo

10/22/2019 10:30 a.m.

As it passed through the area around 3:40 p.m. Oct. 15, the truck left behind a trail on Wilson Avenue and on Stockton, Delancy, Adams and Thomas streets, snarling traffic as Hazmat teams covered the oil with sand.

The driver turned himself in at 3rd Precinct headquarters Friday after police released photos of the truck and asked for the public's help identifying it.

Police determined that the spill was accidental, caused by a broken sight glass at the rear of the vehicle resulting in a leak of about 150 gallons, a quarter of the truck's capacity.

Reimbursement for the cleanup, including labor hours, will be sought by the Newark Fire Division’s Hazmat Unit through the truck owner’s insurance company, police also said.

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