NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Cleanup and repairs were underway Thursday after a steam main leak Wednesday released "asbestos-containing debris" on the Upper East Side.
Steam was seen pouring out of the street at East 69th Street and Park Avenue around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Citizen App video. A photo shows a plastic tarp over the northbound lanes of Park Avenue, just north of East 69th Street.
NYC Emergency Management said Wednesday night that Con Edison shut down a portion of a steam main on Park Avenue due to the leak with "confirmed asbestos in the area."
"Stay clear of the affected area and close windows," Emergency Management posted to X shortly after 8 p.m.
A spokesperson for NYC Emergency Management, Aries Dela Cruz, wrote on X that "residents are advised to stay clear and close windows as asbestos-containing debris has been confirmed."
Con Ed would clean the area and monitor air quality overnight as the NYPD enforced street closures, Dela Cruz said.
Cleanup was expected to conclude around 2 p.m. Thursday, Dela Cruz said in an update.
After the cleanup, crews will work to repair the steam main.