LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — Mayor Craig Greenberg and city officials held a press conference Monday to share updates on environmental and debris cleanup following last week’s fatal UPS plane crash.
The UPS 2976 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff on Nov. 4, 2025, killing 14 people, including the flight crew. The MD-11F aircraft reportedly lost its left engine mid-air, causing the plane to lose control and crash into two businesses, claiming several lives on the ground.
Mayor Greenberg said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues investigating the cause of the crash and worked through the weekend alongside first responders, who are still at the scene removing heavy debris and equipment to aid search and recovery efforts.
Environmental Response and Cleanup
UPS hired a contractor to work alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state, and local agencies, including Louisville MSD, which led the environmental cleanup in the immediate aftermath.
Greenberg praised MSD’s swift action:
“Because of that fast action from MSD, we really did prevent an even worse catastrophe… They helped stop over 30,000 gallons of oil from entering our groundwater,” he said.
Tony Parrott, MSD’s executive director, said their environmental response team mobilized within 90 minutes of the crash. The industrial waste division immediately began monitoring nearby waterways for contamination, deploying floating booms to absorb oil in areas such as the Northern Ditch.
Runoff primarily affected the Pond Creek watershed, which drains into the Ohio River. However, Parrott confirmed that their quick response prevented widespread contamination. The Melco drainage basin, which was impacted by runoff, has been isolated to prevent further release into local waterways.
Last Friday, MSD issued an advisory urging residents to avoid waterways in southern Jefferson County due to potential contamination. The advisory remains in effect for Pond Creek, Northern Ditch, and Southern Ditch, as crews continue daily water quality assessments.
Parrott assured residents that drinking water remains safe, emphasizing that unless contacted by Louisville Water, there’s no cause for concern.
Residents who spot oil, debris, or discoloration in waterways are urged to report it to MSD at 502-540-6000 or email [email protected].
Support for Businesses and Residents
Jody Meiman, executive director of Louisville Emergency Services, said a hotline will open Tuesday for affected businesses and residents, and a community resource center will be operational by the end of the week.
Meiman added that efforts are underway to reduce the crash site’s footprint, which may allow some nearby businesses to reopen soon.
Mayor Greenberg concluded by saying this will be the final daily press conference regarding the UPS crash but promised continued transparency as cleanup and recovery progress.
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