Hazmat, DEP Respond to 3rd Street Oil Spill

Police closed 3rd Street between Monroe and Jackson streets Wednesday morning after an officer noticed a 50-gallon drum of what is believed to be motor oil on the side of the road spilling its contents onto the street and sidewalk, city spokesman Juan Melli said.

The block where the spill occurred has been closed since 9 a.m. while crews perform a cleanup, but is expected to reopen by 2:30 p.m., Melli said.

Hoboken's police, fire, rescue, hazmat, emergency management, health division and fire inspectors all responded to the spill, which crews were able to keep from reaching the sewer system, Melli said.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which also sent representatives to the scene of the spill, will test the liquid to confirm its identity, he said.