On May 23, 2021, a report of an oil release into the Williams River was received at the National Response Center (NRC). The
Site of the release is within Herrick’s Cove in the area of a sand bar located on
the Williams River at Bellows Falls, Rockingham, VT. The location of the observed release is near the
confluence of the William’s and Connecticut Rivers, near the border of New
Hampshire. The oil appears to be a weathered No. 6 fuel oil but the source of the release is unknown. The area where sheening and
heavy oil has been observed is near an overwater railway and is inaccessible by
land. Boat access will be the necessary means for access. Currently, approximately 500' of harbor
boom has being deployed to contain the release. No oil has been observed in the
Connecticut River but has been observed at nearby shoreline areas. Oil-impacted
wildlife has been observed. State and Federal Fish and Wildlife officials have
been notified. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) has been managing the release and has requested that the EPA take over management and clean up of the oil.
