We arrived on the scene to report to the incident command post and form a plan to handle this spill recovery. In addition to the strange feed, oil, fuel, and coolant had spilled on the scene. We found a running fish-bearing stream on one side of the roadway and storm drains within 100 feet of the accident, so care was taken to protect these two areas.
Truck and Spill Recovery
While our Pro-Tow 24 Hour Towing division handled the challenge of recovering the heavily twisted and damaged trailer, we began work on the spill cleanup. The trailer had 31 tons of a salt-like livestock feed substance slowly dribbling out in addition to the hazardous motor vehicle fluids spilled. It also required spill cleanup.
Additional equipment and help came in to handle the trailer. Team Pro-Tow continued to communicate with the command post and City of Sumner to get the trailer rightened safely. The whole incident occurred on a narrow hairpin turn and little shoulder room on the roadway to work, complicating the process.
Still, our team worked efficiently and safely and soon had the truck and trailer successfully on its wheels. Now, it was time to tackle the extensive job of spill cleanup on the oil, fuel, and cargo spill roadway. We continued to the maximum practical extent, then talked with the command post and City of Sumner to confirm continued spill recovery in the morning for the remaining mess in the ditch.
Calling All Dairy Farmers
Next followed a 4-hour long process of coordinating with local dairy farmers, vac truck companies, manifest sites, owners, shippers, and excavation companies. We called the dairy farmers to see if they’d come to take some feed and limit the amount of disposal we would have to send to a landfill. Luckily, we contacted a local dairy farmer who was more than happy to take a substantial amount of the spilled animal feed. Happy farmer, happy cows!
Final Cleanup
We continued our efforts until the following morning to clean up the roadways and restore safety to the area. All used equipment was reconditioned and ready for the next call, soil samples were collected and sent for testing, and the roadways cleared. We completed the paperwork and got the all-clear. A unique yet thoroughly handled spill recovery safely completed!
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