On November 20th, an unforeseen human error at a petroleum terminal in Warners, NY. caused 2,000 gallons of gasoline to be spilled into the ground. This is enough gasoline to fill a small above ground swimming pool. So far this year, there have been 278 hazardous incidents in Onondaga County alone, and this has led to over 4,600 gallons of petroleum, over 400 gallons of hazardous material, 40000 pounds of solid waste, and 500 gallons of miscellaneous material all spilled into the ground.

The NYSDEC division of environmental remediation defines a hazardous spill as any intentional or unintentional release of a hazardous substance into the environment, state water, or state land.

Although there is still one month left in 2024, it is clear that over the past ten years that spill incidents are on a downward trend in Onondaga county. Looking even further back Onondaga’s highest reported year was in 1995, where 540 hazardous spills were reported in those long twelve months.

Another more unfortunate downward trend is the rate at which the material is being recovered from the spill sites. 2024 boasted a recovery rate of just 0.2%. This remains categorically low among past years and other counties.

Petroleum related spills make up 89% of all materials spilled in this county, according to the NYSDEC, vapors from spilled materials, like petroleum, can collect in houses and businesses, creating fire and explosion hazards for residents. Not to mention that when spilled into soil, the oil infiltrates and kills many of the essential microorganisms in the ground that make it fertile.

The most devastating incident related to hazardous material this year took place in late January, when 400 gallons of a material known as ethylene glycol was spilled due to equipment failure in Liverpool, NY. Ethylene glycol is most commonly used in coolants and antifreeze, and it is toxic to the land and wildlife.

The most common cause of hazardous spills is equipment failure, which makes up 41% of contributing factors over the past five years. Alarmingly the next highest contributing factor is the unknown category, this is a glaring issue. In order to continue the downward trend of incidents, it is paramount that we know what has caused previous spills.

At one time, Onondaga county was well known for how polluted its namesake lake was. Throughout the years there were many instances of hazardous materials and spills contributing to the lake’s reputation.

Famously in 1943, when a “slow-moving glacier” of an estimated 40,000 gallons of spilled chemicals crept into the lake. However, the efforts to clean the lake continue to make headway and that is the same progress needed to contain these spills.