On February 23, 2018 the St Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) requested assistance from the USEPA regarding oil and hazmat displaced by river flooding.
On February 21, 2018 Approximately seven miles of ice had let loose on the St Regis River in the recent thaw and formed an ice jam east of Hogansburg, NY. This caused the river to jump its banks flooding approximately 30 residential properties and the St Regis Mohawk Elementary School.
Evacuation orders were issued. Fifteen rescues were performed to remove trapped residents. Ninety-six people had evacuated and were staying in hotels or with family.
Power had been knocked out at a substation for ten hours on February 22, 2018.
At this point in time the water had not receded enough to access all of the properties. What water had receded left behind large quantities of river ice making it difficult to see any fuel oil spills from residential tanks.
Aerial photos showed one home heating fuel oil tank laid over on its side.
The ICP is located at the Tribal Police Office, 545 State Route 37, Hogansburg, NY 13655.
