The citizens' not-for-profit advocacy group for the Gilboa Dam and Schoharie Reservoir

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Barge anchored upstream

December 2006

A barge was anchored about 200 yards upstream from the Gilboa Dam face on the Schoharie Reservoir. It was being used as a platform for a drilling rig where core samples were being taken of the Schoharie Reservoir floor and bedrock. This drill rig sprang a leak and spilled a small amount of hydralic hose fluid into the resevoir. Normally the hoses are supposed to contain a nontoxic form of oil such as one with a vegetable base. OOPS, someone goofed!! A containment system was set up around the oil and the spill was promptly cleaned up.