Overnight Diesel Spill Response in Snoqualmie: Over 200 Gallons Cleaned

Written by the Pro-Enviro Team
Serving Snoqualmie and Washington State with spill cleanup and recovery.

Late at night on I-90 westbound near Highway 18 in Snoqualmie, Washington, a semi-truck collided with the concrete median barrier. The impact caused major damage to the truck’s fuel system, spilling more than 200 gallons of diesel fuel and motor oil across the roadway. The scale of the spill forced a complete shutdown of the westbound lanes while emergency crews worked to secure the scene.

Pro-Enviro was called in to handle the diesel spill cleanup and responded immediately. Our trained operators arrived on-site after 10 PM and began by working alongside other first responders to ensure the roadway was safe for cleanup. First, containment was established using absorbent snakes and pads. These barriers stopped the fuel from spreading further across the lanes and into nearby storm drains or soil.

Once the damaged truck was removed by a heavy-duty tow truck, Pro-Enviro could focus on the spill response.

Diesel is extremely hazardous on a roadway. Even small amounts make the surface slick and dangerous for vehicles. Spills of this size, 200 gallons or more, require urgent cleanup not only to restore traffic but also to protect the environment. Diesel and motor oil can quickly seep into concrete cracks, soil, and waterways, causing long-lasting damage. Washington State law requires spills to be contained and cleaned promptly, and Pro-Enviro has the training and equipment to meet these strict standards.

Our team applied specialized granules across the fuel-soaked pavement. These absorbents were then swept up with a street sweeper. Impacted soil and debris along the concrete barrier were carefully removed using a Bobcat and loaded into a dump trailer. All contaminated material was transported and disposed of in compliance with state and federal regulations.

One of the biggest challenges of this diesel spill cleanup was the concrete guardrail that separated the lanes of the highway. Diesel fuel had pooled and seeped into cracks and under the barrier. This required detailed, hands-on work to ensure the fuel was fully absorbed and the site restored to safe conditions.

Even after the initial sweep and soil removal, Pro-Enviro had to return to the scene to continue collecting absorbents and ensure no diesel remained. Spill cleanup is not a “one-and-done” job—our crews monitor, adjust, and repeat cleanup steps until the area is fully clean.

Large spills like this show why spill response services are essential. Beyond creating a hazard for drivers, diesel fuel can contaminate soil and groundwater if not contained right away. In this case, the quick action of law enforcement, Pro-Tow, and Pro-Enviro prevented the spill from reaching storm drains or nearby waterways.

The Washington State Department of Ecology requires spill cleanup for any amount of fuel or oil released onto public roadways, even if it’s less than 10 gallons. For a major incident like this, the urgency is even greater. Fast, professional response limits environmental damage, reduces liability for trucking companies, and ensures roads can safely reopen to traffic.

From Snoqualmie to Spokane, Pro-Enviro is trusted to manage hazardous roadway spills with professionalism, precision, and care. We understand the regulations, have the equipment, and bring the hands-on expertise needed for these complex situations.

Our team works day and night to protect both public safety and the environment. Whether it’s a small oil leak or a large-scale diesel spill, Pro-Enviro responds quickly and effectively to restore sites and get traffic moving again.

📞 Contact us today for 24/7 emergency service.