Transformers failed, leaked oil, plunged part of Dorchester into darkness

That sucking sound Dorchester residents in the area of Dorchester and Crescent avenues heard last night was a hazardous-waste company vacuuming up the oil that spilled out of two failed NStar transformers down a manhole - so that NStar workers could then repair the transformers.

We learn this from the city's answer to a citizen complaint about the loud noise of the device used to suck out the oil. Mark Cardarelli, the DPW's supervisor of utility coordination and compliance, writes:

NStar Electric had 2 transformers fail and leak inside the manhole at intersection of Dorchester Av at Crescent Av. This resulted in an electrical outage in the area. That's why NStar activated an emergency permit. Before the repair can be made, the leaking oil has to be removed safely without damage to the environment . Clean Harbors is licensed to remove leaking oil. The City acknowledges that the removal of the oil is a very loud process, however it's the only safe way to remove the oil. The emergency repair is complete. The City apologies for the inconvenience this necessary work caused.