Residents concerned about FPL transformer leaking oil in Estero

ESTERO, Fla. —

Clear liquid was seen dripping out of a Florida Power & Light (FPL) transformer along Garden Drive in Estero. The pole has caution tape on it, along with a warning tag marked "Danger."

"It's leaking oil! On a very windy day, it started and it's sprayed everywhere," said Tara Warfield, who lives next to the FPL transformer.

Warfield said the transformer has been leaking for a few days.

She's concerned because the transformer sits directly over a drain pipe that leads into the Estero River. She worries it could pose a threat to the wildlife that comes through the area daily.

"If we get a rain, it's going to cause a huge problem, because we have lots of wildlife that comes into our lagoon, like manatees, baby manatees, dolphins," Warfield said.

The smell got so bad, Warfield said she had to close all her windows. She called FPL and filed a report.

"I said, 'Transformer is leaking oil everywhere.' They said, 'It's just mineral oil.' But oil is oil. It's still flammable, right?" Warfield said.

Gulf Coast News reached out to FPL about the issue. In a statement, they wrote, “We take equipment maintenance seriously and appreciate the community's patience as we work to resolve this issue. The transformer in question is one we had already flagged for replacement and is not in service. The new equipment is on order and FPL will execute the work once it arrives. Residents should always stay clear of power lines, but rest assured this damaged equipment does not create any additional safety hazards.”

In the meantime, residents like Warfield hope the mess gets cleaned up soon.

"God forbid we get a lightning strike, which I know we're not. It's the only time I don't pray for rain right now. But it is an issue," Warfield said.

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