DEC confirms red substance spotted in the Genesee River in downtown Rochester was diesel fuel from delivery error

Rochester, New York – State environmental officials have identified the red-colored substance that alarmed residents and passersby along the Genesee River in downtown Rochester this week, confirming it was diesel fuel that entered the waterway following a delivery mistake.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Friday that the substance observed Thursday near the Court Street Bridge was diesel fuel. The discovery came after reports of a noticeable red sheen spreading across the river, prompting concern about possible environmental impacts in one of the city’s most visible and heavily traveled areas.

According to the DEC, the spill originated earlier Thursday morning during a routine fuel delivery. A fuel oil company involved in the delivery acknowledged that its driver mistakenly connected to the wrong pipe. As a result, approximately 170 gallons of diesel fuel were sent into a drainpipe instead of the intended location. Officials said it remains unclear how much of that fuel ultimately flowed into the Genesee River.

Emergency response and environmental teams were mobilized shortly after the spill was reported. The DEC said it has been working alongside its spill contractor, the Rochester Fire Department, and Rochester Gas and Electric to assess the situation and coordinate next steps. However, officials explained that challenging conditions at the site significantly limited what crews could safely do in the immediate aftermath.

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“DEC and our spill contractor are closely coordinating response efforts with the Rochester Fire Department and RG&E. Due to site safety concerns, limited access, moving water, unstable ice, and weather and environmental challenges, DEC requested access to RG&E adjacent property near the river. Even with the closer access, site conditions were determined to be too dangerous for workers to attempt to install containment booms at this time.”

The combination of winter weather, ice conditions, and the fast-moving river made traditional containment efforts unsafe. As a result, crews were unable to deploy booms that are often used to limit the spread of fuel or other contaminants on the water’s surface.

Despite those challenges, the DEC emphasized that monitoring and investigative work is ongoing. Officials said they are focused on understanding the full scope of the spill and ensuring that longer-term environmental risks are minimized. “The DEC said plans ‘are in place to investigate the drainpipe’ and it ‘will continue to monitor the response to ensure protection of the environment.’”

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Environmental officials did not immediately release information about potential impacts on wildlife or water quality, noting that assessments are still underway. The Genesee River flows through the heart of Rochester and into Lake Ontario, making any spill a matter of concern for both local ecosystems and downstream communities.

The DEC indicated that follow-up actions could include additional inspections, sampling, and enforcement measures as the investigation continues. The agency also reminded fuel delivery companies and contractors of the importance of proper procedures to prevent similar incidents.

For now, officials say they will continue to watch the affected area closely, balancing environmental protection efforts with the need to keep response crews safe under difficult conditions.