Fuel spills can happen anywhere and at any time, meaning a vehicle’s leak and spill could occur while parked or while on the road. Successful fuel spill recovery and cleanup involve a careful and efficient approach completed by trained professionals. Pro-Enviro is called to roadsides and fleet garages to complete fuel spill recovery.
Signs of a Potential Fuel Leak
When a driver or operator understands the symptoms of leaky lines or tanks, they can better prepare. And with that, they may be able to avoid a large fuel spill altogether. The signs of a potential fuel leak include:
- Recent damage or impact to the vehicle
- Rust or corrosion on the tank
- Noticeable stains after the vehicle is parked
There will be cases, however, when fuel leaks come on suddenly, and the fuel spill cannot be avoided. This can be from something as large as a multi-vehicle accident to an incident as minor as a vehicle hitting a pothole.
Pro-Enviro has the equipment and training to manage the fuel spill cleanup from beginning to end. Pro-Enviro works with Pro-Tow to ensure that vehicle recovery is safe and efficient.
What to do in an Emergency Fuel Spill
There are two essential steps to take when encountering a fuel spill and after turning off the ignition (if it is safe to do so). Call a fuel spill recovery company like
Pro-Enviro immediately to avoid any potential hazards or dangers. Secondly, it is the law that drivers and operators immediately report all fuel spills, including diesel, to the following:
- Washington Emergency Management Division (1-800-258-5990), AND
- National Response Center (1-800-424-8802)
There are stiff penalties for those who fail to report a fuel spill. Other steps to take in this situation include warning everyone nearby about the spill by marking off the area with pylons, ensuring all cigarettes are out and all vaping devices are off, and ensuring no vehicles start their ignitions.
An Example from Greyhound
On February 17, 2020, Pro-Enviro was called to task by the Greyhound bus company for a careful approach to fuel spill cleanup. Our Pro-Tow division offered bus towing services to complete this job.
Stop the Leak and Contain the Spill
A parked bus suffered from a large fuel leak, which caused a hazardous spill and potential danger to anyone working in the terminal. Step one was to contain the spill and stop the leak at the source. After stopping the leak, Pro-Enviro worked with Pro-Tow to remove the bus safely.
Pro-Tow provides 24-hour emergency heavy-duty towing with operators trained to handle more hazardous situations, like at Greyhound. These emergency towing services are available for fuel spill recovery situations for all sorts of vehicles. Pro-Tow offers bus towing services as well as towing for semi-trucks, heavy equipment, RVs or motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers, or multiple vehicles at once.
Remove the Spill and Fuel
Team Pro Enviro uses a powder compound to absorb the fuel and its odour or hazardous gases. This powder becomes solid enough for us to scoop or shovel the waste into secure containers.
Environmental Precautions
Fuel spills will leave behind pollutants, odors, and, therefore, hazards, even after cleaning up and containing the fuel. Team Pro-Enviro finishes the cleanup with a water-based and biodegradable cleaner on the spill surface. It is strong enough to remove pollutants from the spill surface and reduces vapors or odors but will not become a pollutant once washed away.
