Rain aids cleanup in Midtown steam pipe leak

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Con Edison crews continue to clean up Thursday morning after a steam pipe leak in Midtown closed several streets and forced residents to shelter-in-place on Wednesday.

Heavy downpours aided in washing away some of the potentially contaminated debris left after the steam release. Debris from underground surrounded the release site near 53rd Street and Second Avenue, coating cars and the ground.

Con Edison officials said initial tests showed normal air quality. However, the city’s Emergency Management Department expressed concerns about potential asbestos in the air and debris. The agency warned that the debris could have spread beyond the immediate area, and is not visible to the naked eye.

Con Edison crews began powerwashing buildings, sidewalks, and other surfaces to remove any potential asbestos particles. They hope to contain the run-off to avoid it flowing into sewers and catch basins, but Wednesday's rain made it difficult to guarantee.

“We do have a pretty big area that we need to clean. It extends from Second Avenue in some areas, it’s close to Park Avenue, on 53rd, 52nd, and 51st,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol.

The cause of the steam leak is still under investigation.