Generator malfunction results in fuel leak at Youngstown hospital

YOUNGSTOWN - The malfunction of an emergency generator resulted in a fuel leak at a hospital in Youngstown on Friday afternoon.

According to Chuck Shasho, the deputy director of Youngstown Public Works, a substance was found at the Youngstown's Waste Water Treatment Plant early Friday afternoon.

Around 2 p.m., the team was able to trace it back to St. Elizabeth Hospital and discovered the substance, labeled as diesel fuel, was coming from an emergency generator located in one of the hospital's parking lots.

Shasho says of the three emergency generators the hospital has, one of them was leaking fuel due to a malfunction, and the fuel made its way through the sewer system and into the Treatment Plant.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was called out to the scene to help contain the leakage.

Shasho says plant workers and the EPA both assisted in clearing the leakage, and as of Saturday morning, it has completely stopped.

21 News received this statement from Mercy Health in regards to the leak:

"As a faith-based organization, Mercy Health recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility as part of our commitment to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. After becoming aware of a fuel leak at Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, we immediately began taking steps to address and resolve the issue. We are continuing to work with local and state authorities."