Written by the Pro-Enviro Team
Serving Auburn, Maple Valley, North Bend & all of Washington State
When oil spills happen, even smaller ones, fast action is essential. Recently, Pro-Enviro’s spill cleanup crew tackled an oil spill in and leading to our own storage yard! A different towing company’s truck, coming and going from our location, suffered oil pan damage. It leaked just under 10 gallons of motor oil across a roadway and into our yard in Auburn, WA.
While the spill wasn’t massive like some of the spill recoveries we’ve tackled over the years, it still posed safety and environmental risks. In this article, we’ll share how we handled the spill cleanup, why cleaning all oil spills is important, and what to do if a truck leaks or spills hazardous fluid on your commercial property.
Incident Report: Containing and Cleaning the Spill
As the pictures show, a visible oil trail led down the road and onto the property. It was more than convenient that we had a professional spill response team on hand! Because the leaking truck wasn’t ours, the spill cleanup and cost were the responsibility of the owner.
Team Pro-Enviro immediately applied absorbent materials to soak up as much oil as possible, then used a professional-grade cleaner to break down remaining residue. We finished with a compact sweeper to scrub the surface and restore it to a safe, clean condition.
Fortunately, this spill wasn’t near a storm drain, ditch, or waterway. So, it didn’t risk entering the local watershed, and we didn’t have to haul out additional equipment. Still, even smaller spills must be handled with care to prevent long-term damage to asphalt, concrete, soil, and the surrounding environment.
Why Smaller Fuel and Oil Spills Still Need Quick Spill Cleanup
In Washington State, regulations under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Department of Ecology guidelines require that all oil or hazardous substance spills be cleaned up promptly. Any oil spill that reaches soil or water must be reported to the Department of Ecology’s Spills Program.
Ignoring a spill can lead to environmental harm as it can seep into soil, contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife. It can also pose a safety hazard for people and vehicles and damage property. In addition, failing to report and clean up an oil spill can result in costly penalties for property and business owners.
If you or your business is responsible for an oil leak, act right away!
What to Do If a Vehicle Spills Oil or Fuel on Your Property
Whether it’s a customer’s car in your parking lot or a delivery truck in your loading dock, here’s what you should do:
Stop the source. If safe to do so, contain the leak by shutting off the vehicle and placing a drip pan or absorbent material under the source.
Block any storm drains. Use absorbent socks, mats, or even sandbags to prevent oil from reaching drains or ditches. This is why it’s critical for commercial drivers and yard managers to have spill kits on hand. For information on that, read What is a truck spill kit?
Call a professional spill response company. Contact a certified spill response pro like Pro-Enviro. We have the tools and training to remove oil completely and dispose of contaminated materials in accordance with all regulations.
Document the incident. Take photos of the spill location, size, and vehicle for insurance or reporting purposes. When Pro-Enviro handles a spill response call, we always take lots of photos and write detailed reports.
Check for ongoing leaks. If the vehicle remains on-site, place absorbent pads under the engine until it can be repaired or towed. Fortunately, Pro-Enviro is part of the FleetEasy network, and you can rely on our sister companies, Pro-Tow for emergency towing and Motorplex for vehicle repairs.
The Pro-Enviro Difference in Washington State
Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy offers spill cleanup services throughout Washington State, responding promptly to incidents of all sizes. Our trained and experienced team ensures your property is safe, compliant with state requirements, and free from lingering contamination.
From a few quarts on a driveway to larger commercial spills, we have the expertise, equipment, and processes to restore your site and peace of mind.
Need immediate oil leak cleanup in Auburn or anywhere in Washington State? Call Pro-Enviro 24/7 for a rapid response.
Learn more about our Spill Cleanup Services.
