Oak Cliff residents were put on alert following an oil spill in the historic Lake Cliff neighborhood.

Last week, the city discovered that someone had spilled oil into the lake.

Fishing was banned for several days. The park is in the district of City Councilman Chad West. He told NBC 5 that the Department of Environmental Quality and Sustainability began work immediately. An investigation led them to the source.

“It was a small neighborhood business that spilled 70 to 80 gallons of used oil into the storm sewer,” said Councilman West.

“Of course, due to gravity, the rainwater comes down here to Lake Cliff Park, enters the lake and pollutes it.”

City staff responded and on Tuesday afternoon he said the spill was 95% cleared. Councilman West said the remaining cleanup efforts will focus on the canals that flow into the lake. He also stated it is important that the city respond appropriately as that park will soon be reviewed for possible expansion.

“Do we want to expand the lake, do we want to enhance it, do we want to preserve what we have and not change it? The community is on the verge of having those discussions and I think this is a wake-up call that we need to be careful with these parks,” West said.

Lupe Martinez grew up near Lake Cliff and said she was pleased with the city’s quick response.

“We spend a lot of time here and it is important for our health that our environment is clean,” said Martinez.

West said prosecutors will likely examine whether the company responsible should be held accountable.

“Assuming it was an accident, and we all believe that, then I think it’s a little less serious than if someone had done it on purpose,” West said.

Councilman West said the city has kept the neighborhood association informed of the cleanup progress.