Franklin Man Arrested for October Fuel Oil Spill

A Delaware County man is facing charges in connection with an oil spill last fall that is still having repercussions to the environment in Franklin. 

56-year-old Richard Costello of Franklin is charged with reckless endangerment for the crash October 27 on Case Hill Road where 100 gallons of fuel oil spilled, causing slick conditions and contaminating the soil. 

The publication “Catskills Today” reported in January contaminated soil was still being removed from the site.

Sheriff’s officials say the October 27 spill caused not only dangerously slick road conditions on several area roadways but also has cost thousands of dollars in associated clean-up expenses.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies have been working on the case along with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Spill Response Team, the Town of Franklin Highway Department, Delaware County Department of Public Works and the Treadwell and Franklin fire services.

Costello was ticketed and ordered to appear in Town of Franklin Court at a later date.