Written by the Pro-Enviro Team
Serving the Pacific Northwest with spill containment and cleanup.
Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy handles a lot of major fuel and oil spills caused by accidents and mechanical failures. However, sometimes small spills pop up in our towing jobs and need attention.
Recently, on a towing call in Lacey, Washington, we had to deal with a coolant leak before hooking up the semi-truck for transport. Here’s what happened:
Routine Tow Needed Coolant Leak Cleanup
Pro-Tow, our towing and recovery division, was dispatched to assist a disabled tractor-trailer that had come to a stop near an exit in Lacey. The engine died, and there was coolant leaking beneath the vehicle and under the hood. Before the response team arrived, the Washington State Department of Transportation had moved the truck off the exit and onto Sleater Kinney Road, but it was still partially blocking traffic.
Because the tractor was still able to move under its own power, the driver was safely escorted to a nearby parking lot, keeping traffic flowing while providing a safer location to complete the recovery. Once the truck was off the roadway, the trailer was removed separately, allowing the team to focus on preparing the tractor for transport.
First Things First: The Coolant Leak
During the recovery, we could see the minor coolant leak from the tractor. Team Pro-Tow couldn’t tow it until the leak was contained and the small leak was cleaned off the roadway.
While coolant spills are often much smaller than fuel or oil releases, they still require attention. If left unchecked, coolant can spread across pavement, enter storm drains, or contaminate nearby soil and waterways. Even a relatively small leak can create slippery conditions and contribute to environmental pollution.
Containing the Leak Before Transport
One of the most important parts of any environmental response is preventing a spill from becoming larger. Before towing the tractor, the crew cleaned the affected area as thoroughly as possible. They also installed a containment device, sometimes called a "diaper," to capture any coolant that might continue leaking during transport. The last thing we wanted was to leave a trail of coolant from point A to point B.
More Than Spill Cleanup
At Pro-Enviro, environmental protection begins the moment a leak is identified. With preventative measures, fleet owners and managers can catch and stop minor leaks before they become a big and expensive spill recovery job.
Because we work alongside heavy-duty recovery teams throughout Washington State, we're often able to identify environmental concerns during towing and recovery operations, and during on-site repairs. This helps customers address issues before they become larger cleanup and cause risks to people, property and the environment.
Environmental Response Across Washington State
Incidents can happen anywhere, from busy highways and construction sites to commercial yards and industrial facilities. Pro-Enviro provides spill response and environmental cleanup services throughout Washington State. We'll respond quickly to help contain spills, minimize environmental impact, and keep fleets moving safely.
When your fleet leaks or spills, you know who to call in Washington State.