04/29/2026
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE ON CRARYVILLE GASOLINE SPILL AND RT 23 CLOSURE SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 30
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Health (DOH), and Transportation (DOT), and Columbia County Department of Health will hold a community open house on April 30, 2026, to update residents on the ongoing gasoline spill response and closure of Rt. 23 in Craryville in the Town of Copake. Agency staff will be available for one-on-one discussions with area residents who have questions about the response efforts underway.
WHEN: Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Copake Town Hall, 230 Mountain View Road, Copake, NY 12516
On April 16, DEC Spill Responders responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a gasoline tanker truck and a passenger vehicle on Route 23 in the Town of Copake, Columbia County. As a result of the accident, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of gasoline were released from the tanker, impacting soil and surface water in a nearby tributary of Taghkanic Creek.
DEC is directing a strict and comprehensive cleanup of the impacted area, which has included the placement of absorbent booms, removal of impacted surface waters, and excavation activities to remove contaminated soil. Monitoring of drinking water supplies in the area of the spill is continuing.
The spill impacted soil along and underneath portions of State Route 23 near the intersection of Craryville Road. State Route 23 remains closed at this location to facilitate expedited cleanup activities and will be reopened as soon as response activities in the area conclude and the roadbed is restored.
Area businesses in the vicinity of the road closure are open; please follow appropriate detours for access. Additional updates will be provided to help keep the community informed.
Sean Mahar
he/him/his
Regional Director
