'More questions than answers': Emergency order issued after oil spill in New Berlin

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Tuesday, March 21, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) alerted residents in New Berlin of a large oil spill in an area pond.

The mayor of New Berlin also declared an emergency order to stay away from the pond.

According to the Emergency Management Team of New Berlin, the spill has been in the pond since March 16, but wasn't reported to authorities until Sunday, March 19.

Officials say employees of Moorland Auto Repair were moving a 350 gallon oil storage tote and damaged it, causing the oil to enter the stormwater system

The Emergency Management Team said there is no immediate danger to the public.

"We have no reason to believe that there is any health risk, but we are still asking for people to stay out of the area, we will curtain off the area, particularly to keep people and pets out," said Greg Kessler, city community development director for the city of New Berlin.

The oil spill caused concern for area residents.

"I have more questions than answers, and that’s what's concerning me as a citizen, a resident, and an environmentalist," said Mary Hiebl, an environmental activist and board member with the Waukesha County Land Conservancy group.

The initial call for the spill required a joint task force, with help from the DNR, Emergency Management, along with police and fire, all working to contain the spill.

"A number of booms and absorbent pads were applied as an emergency measure to try and contain and hold the oil as much as possible in place, said Jim Burns with the emergency management team of New Berlin.

More crews were deployed Tuesday to begin the oil removal process, fighting against time and Mother Nature.

"With the rain forecasted for tomorrow and Thursday, as well as winds, the four stormwater management ponds are interconnected. Right now, we have no reason to believe that it (oil) infiltrated any of the other ponds. We need to get in there, we need to get the booms in there, block it (oil) in place and prevent it from going any further," said Kessler.

Officials would not identify the source of the spill; they say the oil is no longer seeping into the pond.

The cleanup is expected to last for several weeks.

When asked about how much oil was spilled, officials said the investigation is still ongoing.