In this incident, on November 28, 2020, Our team received an emergency call for an overturned tractor-trailer on the onramp to WB SR18. The call came with a request for two heavy-duty recovery wreckers. Once we arrived, we found spill recovery was needed for the motor vehicle fluid leaking onto the roadway. It was also pooling under the nearby container. After we got written authorization from the owner to continue, Team Pro-Enviro worked quickly to tackle this issue.
Spill Recovery Start
Additional equipment was necessary for the spill cleanup, so we requested a motor vehicle spill response team with the required special equipment. Handling this spill recovery included a spill response vehicle, flatbed tow truck, dump trailer, compact track loader, and specialized attachments.
Our team performed temporary spill containment measures and started on the cleanup. Meanwhile, Team Pro-Tow called in additional equipment to handle the vehicle recovery and heavy-duty towing. Once the tractor was successfully uprighted, it was moved to a safer, temporary location so that our team could continue cleaning.
Tricky Load
After Pro-Tow did an overhead crane lift to load the trailer onto the Landoll, a new problem sprung up. The container’s refrigerant fuel tank began to steam profusely. It was clear this was a serious and immediate safety emergency. We brought over all recovery personnel to help with safety containment and spill recovery measures.
The leak’s location made it more difficult than usual to stop. This challenge led to a significant standby as our team worked to contain the leak. Still, we worked quickly and efficiently, using emergency spill control techniques until we stopped the leak again. With things safe once again, the suspended trailer could be loaded––finally.
Thorough Cleanup Time
With the container safely loaded and ready for transport, the DOE and WSDOT requested an extensive cleanup and spill recovery of the site. We began with site excavation and also called for a sublet vendor evacuator. We collected soil samples for later review and then returned all equipment to its original condition and location.
Our team filled out all the necessary paperwork and received the all-clear. Pro-Tow meanwhile took the loaded tractor and trailer to the storage yard.
Only once the site was clean and everything back to its original state did we know we completed the job. Another safe spill recovery complete by Team Pro Enviro!
