BEWARE OF THE BROWN ACID: Leak From Hoboken Sewage Plant Shuts Down Light Rail

The commute in our area got a lot crappier this morning, as the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail was shut down due to an “acid leak” at the North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA)’s Hoboken facility, which is adjacent to the tracks.

HBLR suspended in both directions between 2nd St & Port Imperial due to reported chemical leak in the vicinity of Adams St in Hoboken (1/2)

— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) July 19, 2017

Substitute bus service is being established between 2nd St., 9th St.and Lincoln Harbor. (2/2)

— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) July 19, 2017

“Using an abundance of caution and to ensure unfettered access to the site, the fire departments briefly requested an interruption in NJT Light Rail service,” says the NHSA. “The fire departments safely disposed of material on the North Hudson site within the normal treatment process of the plant. The fire departments have informed us that there was no threat to public health. The spill was effectively and safely contained, managed and disposed, thanks to the rapid response of the Hoboken and Jersey City fire fighters.”

The responding units diluted the acid with large amounts of water and Hudson Regional Health Commission confirmed that pH levels were neutral.

Light rail service was restored soon after 9:00 a.m.