Washington Bridge demo equipment experienced hydraulic fluid leak

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The hydraulic line of an excavator being used in the Washington Bridge demolition experienced an accidental fluid leak on Thursday afternoon, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT).

The excavator, which was working from a barge, was immediately shut down by workers and a spill kit was used to clean up the fluid from the barge deck.

Some of the fluid entered the water, and the demo contractor hired and paid for a clean-up company to deal with the spill.

RI Coastal Resources Management Council and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management were both consulted in the incident and no violations were issued.

A turbidity curtain, a device used to protect water during construction, had been deployed several weeks ago and contained much of the spill.