Written by the Pro-Enviro Team
Offering fuel spill response for fleets in Spokane, Auburn and Maple Valley, Washington
Recently, Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy was dispatched to assist with a Mercedes delivery van experiencing mechanical issues. While responding, the team discovered that the van had a blown fuel line and a punctured fuel tank, resulting in a diesel fuel spill all over the parking lot.
The first priority was safely recovering the vehicle. The operator quickly contained the spill, loaded the van, and removed it from the area. Once the vehicle was out of the way, the focus shifted to the fuel spill cleanup left behind in the parking lot.
Why Diesel Fuel Spills Require Immediate Cleanup
Diesel fuel may be less volatile than gasoline, but it can still create significant environmental concerns when released into the environment.
Without proper containment and cleanup, diesel fuel can spread across pavement and larger areas. In addition, it can enter storm drains during rainfall, contaminate soil and surrounding areas and create slippery conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Because the spill was in front of a business, it would leave a stain on their parking lot that would require professional removal.
Even when a spill occurs on asphalt or concrete, fuel can seep through cracks and make its way to drainage systems. The fuel spill needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Containing and Cleaning a Fuel Spill
After loading the disabled van, the Pro-Enviro operator cleaned the diesel fuel spill in the parking lot before transporting the vehicle to its destination. Our team used special absorbents to lift the fuel from the pavement. Then we swept them up, scrubbed the asphalt, and disposed of the contaminated materials in accordance with local regulations.
The Spill Wasn’t Finished Yet, and Neither Were We
After arriving at the destination and unloading the delivery van, another challenge emerged. The unloading process caused another significant diesel fuel spill. Rather than leaving the site with additional contamination behind, the operator completed another cleanup and addressed the second fuel spill before returning to the shop.
Why Fleet Operators Need a Spill Response Plan
Fuel leaks and spills can happen unexpectedly, especially when commercial vehicles experience mechanical failures or are in road accidents. Having a response plan helps businesses act quickly and limit the impact.
Oil and fuel spills can damage the environment, and cleaning them up is required by law. Not doing so could result in widespread damage, costly spill cleanup services and even penalties and fines. Partnering with a professional spill response provider like Pro-Enviro will protect your fleet and business from liability and reputation damage.
Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy can help with:
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- Diesel and fuel spill cleanup
- Coordination with transportation and environmental agencies
- Containment and mitigation
- Contaminated material removal
- Vehicle recovery coordination with Pro-Tow
- Storm drain remediation
- Emergency environmental response
For delivery companies, trucking fleets, and businesses operating commercial vehicles, knowing who to call can make a difficult situation easier to manage. And you can call Pro-Enviro, 24-hours a day, every day of the year.