FROM STAFF REPORTS

OAKLAND — Only about five of the 30 to 60 gallons released when construction workers unearthed an old heating tank Wednesday morning actually made their way into Lake Merritt, a fire official said.

Workers discovered the tank digging to fix a water leak, and when they pulled it out of the ground it was already corroded and a petroleum-based fluid immediately began spilling out, said Oakland fire Lt. David Brue.

"The product that got into the water was minimal; about five gallons spilled into a storm drain and into the lake, but most of it went into a catch basin at Hanover and Lakeshore," Brue said.

"We don't know how long (the tank) was down there," Brue said. "That building's at least 100 years old. It looks like one of the tanks that used to be used to provide fuel for heating systems in these old buildings."

Firefighters got the call to 1918 Lakeshore Ave. at 10:19 a.m. and arrived on the scene to find a sheen across the lake water in a circle about 60 to 80 feet in diameter, Battalion Chief William Towner said. A hazardous materials team contained the area of the sheen with boons, began cleaning the water and removed the tank, he said.

Brue said the spill appeared to be an accident, but will be investigated by Fish and Game wardens, the Coast Guard, and the Alameda County District Attorney's environmental hazard team.

Brue said the Hazmat team was still working with firefighters

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on cleaning the water Wednesday afternoon, and expected to finish the job by Wednesday night, though work could continue until Thursday.