Hurricane Irene causes oil spill

Hurricane Irene is thought to be responsible for a major oil spill near New Jersey.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens said that the hurricane, which was later downgraded to a tropical storm, and subsequent flooding were behind a spill in Schoharie County.

In a statement he announced that he would be visiting the site of the major spill at an oil storage terminal/petroleum distributor facility to assess the situation further.

"The site tour will aid the department in assessing storm damage, mitigating harm to the environment and ensuring proper public safety and clean-up efforts," Mr Martens said.

DEC released no additional information about the whereabouts or severity of the spill.

Meanwhile, US oil company ConocoPhillips has confirmed this week that it has cleaned up 99 per cent of the mud affected by a recent oil spill, in order to be in compliance with China's oceanic authority deadlines.