Written by the Pro-Enviro Team – Serving Spokane and Washington State
Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy specializes in spill cleanup, oil leak cleanup, and cargo recovery in Spokane and throughout the Pacific Northwest. It’s a specialized field, and few have the equipment, training, and certifications to handle these kinds of emergencies. That’s why we’re often the first call after an accident involving hazardous material spills, oil or fuel spills, or damaged cargo.
When there was a semi-truck wreck on I-90 near Exit 264 in Spokane, we were called to handle both the cargo cleanup and the diesel fuel spill. Here’s how the day unfolded and why the work we do is so important for both public safety and environmental protection.
Loaded Trailer Spills Sacks of Soil
A semi-truck hauling a flatbed of soil sacks went off the roadway. The tractor was flipped sideways, and the trailer had flipped entirely. The contents, stacked sacks of soil, were scattered all over the ditch and road. The cause of the accident must have been fast and furious, because the cargo spill was widespread and required immediate response.
This wasn’t just a minor mess. Cargo spills like this can cause traffic hazards and damage the surrounding land.
Diesel Fuel Spill Cleanup Required
In addition to the spilled soil, the tractor also experienced significant damage and was leaking diesel fuel all over the place. Diesel fuel is highly toxic to plants, soil, and water, and even small amounts can contaminate large areas.
Fortunately, Pro-Enviro is equipped with cleanup and spill recovery supplies and equipment, and could assist with that as well. Containing that diesel fuel spill was a top priority to prevent further contamination in the ditch and the surrounding area. We deployed absorbents, spill kits, and containment barriers to stop the fuel from spreading further into the ditch and nearby vegetation. Our team is trained to follow federal and state regulations, which require immediate containment and cleanup to prevent environmental harm.
Damaged Equipment Gone, Cargo Cleanup Begins
Once our Pro-Tow division removed the damaged truck and trailer, we could safely begin recovery. We brought in a dump trailer to hold the recovered soil sacks, then used Bobcats to remove them from the ditch.
Broken pallets, torn straps, and other accident debris were also collected and disposed of at approved facilities. Contaminated soil from the diesel spill was removed, transported, and replaced with clean fill. By the time we finished, the site looked as close to its original condition as possible.
The Importance of Cargo and Spill Cleanup
Cargo cleanup and fuel spill response isn’t just about making a site look tidy. It’s about protecting people, wildlife, and water. Plus, a fast response is required to get traffic moving on roadways and keep other drivers safe. Failing to clean up a spill can lead to heavy fines and long-term environmental damage, even when it’s just sacks of soil.
Want to learn more? Check out these informative articles:
- How You Can Prevent Fuel and Oil Spills
- Types of Roadside Spill Recovery and the Environmental Impact
Pro-Enviro is an expert in spill response, cargo recovery and load shift services. If you need help with shifting or spilled cargo, give us a call! We serve Spokane and all of Washington State.
