West Haven Tanker Spills 2,600 Gallons; West River Fish Advisory

A tanker truck carrying 2,600 gallons of fuel oil crashed in West Haven on February 26, 2026, sending heating oil into a storm drain and from there into the West River — prompting Connecticut health officials to issue a fish consumption advisory eight days later.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health issued the precautionary advisory on March 6, warning residents not to eat fish caught in a section of the West River spanning from upstream of Derby Avenue (Route 34) to downstream of Kimberly Avenue (Route 122). The advisory covers river sections in both West Haven and New Haven.

"This advisory is being issued as a precaution following a recent fuel oil spill. Residents should avoid consuming fish from this section of the West River while the odor and taste of the fish are impacted from the spill," said Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani.

2,600 Gallons of Fuel Oil Reached the West River in West Haven

The accident sent fuel oil from the truck's tank onto the road surface, where it entered a nearby storm drain connected to the West River. State and federal responders worked to contain the spill as it entered the waterway.

The fuel involved was Type 2 heating oil, which public health officials noted poses a lower risk than more volatile petroleum products. Still, the volume of the spill and its direct path into the river prompted authorities to issue a formal public advisory out of caution.

The West River runs through West Haven before flowing into New Haven Harbor, making downstream communities also subject to the advisory.

Fish Advisory: What Residents Should Know

The DPH advisory is in effect for two weeks or until no observable sheen or odor is detectable on the West River, whichever comes later. Residents who fish in the affected section — from the Route 34 crossing at Derby Avenue downstream to Route 122 at Kimberly Avenue — are being told not to eat their catch.

Health officials said the concern is primarily sensory contamination: fish in the affected zone may have an off-putting odor and taste from absorbed petroleum compounds. While Type 2 heating oil is considered less acutely toxic than other fuel types, eating fish that have absorbed the pollutant is not advised.

Residents can check current fish advisory status at the state's fish advisory portal or call the DPH fish advisory hotline at 1-877-458-FISH (3474).

West River Also Subject to Statewide Mercury Advisory

The West River fish consumption advisory comes on top of a pre-existing statewide advisory that applies to freshwater fish and shellfish throughout Connecticut due to mercury contamination. Anglers in West Haven and New Haven who fish the West River are subject to both advisories simultaneously.

The statewide mercury advisory is permanent and not related to the February 26 spill. DPH maintains guidance on safe consumption levels for different species of fish across Connecticut's waterways.

West Haven and New Haven Residents Near the Affected Stretch

The affected section of the West River runs through residential and recreational areas in both West Haven and New Haven. The West River corridor is used for fishing and wildlife observation, and sections of it border or pass through city parks.

The fish advisory does not restrict access to the river for swimming or other non-consumption activities, though residents are advised to follow state guidance as the cleanup continues.

As of March 6, no timeline has been announced for lifting the advisory. Its end date depends on visible river conditions — specifically whether spill-related sheen and odor have cleared. State and federal response teams were still actively working on containment as of the advisory's issuance. You can find the press release at the Department of Health’s Website.

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