Hazardous Material Spilled on Truck Bypass

(Pierre, SD) – May 28, 2002 – The Pierre Fire Department Rescue Squad and Engine 2 were called out today to clean up a hazardous material spill and to stand by in case of fire while a backhoe and trailer were uprighted after an accident at the foot of the truck bypass. 

  A trailer loaded with a backhoe and pulled by a dump truck rolled over when rounding the corner onto the truck bypass. Diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid from the backhoe were spilled.  The petroleum products and other debris had to be removed to prevent further problems at the scene. 

  Engine 2 provided foam to suppress any fire that might ensue. Rescue members applied an absorbent material to pick up the fuel and hydraulic fluid. The equipment owner arranged for additional equipment to lift the backhoe and trailer into their normal position.

After the backhoe was righted it was removed from the roadway while a tire and rim were replaced. A city street sweeper was used to remove contaminated absorbents.  This was done until the spilled oil was picked up so it would not contribute to a future accident, especially that of a motorcycle turning the corner.

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