The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said they were called to the scene of an oil spill into the Naugatuck River in Ansonia on Thursday.
A DEEP spokesperson said they responded to a reported oil spill that was discovered during demolition activity at the former Brass Mill property on North Main Street.
Officials determined that a water main break inside the building drove oil contamination from the basement into the river.
An on-site DEEP official said there are plans to demolish a nearby building after discovering asbestos.
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Crews at the scene noticed that asbestos from the former Brass Mill property and the nearby former Farrell building was being dispersed in the area, officials said.
Officials said they received a call from a citizen who said they saw a substance on the river and immediately responded.
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Authorities say there's no hazard to the public and area drinking water wasn't impacted.
DEEP says they are in communication with the Department of Public Health. They've also requested help from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
People are being advised not to enter either building. An on-scene DEEP official said there's evidence that people have snuck in and taken things, and doing so could result in serious injuries.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing.
