Monday, 23 November 2009 06:07
A triple axel tanker transporting Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) was in an accident on the N2 near Hluhluwe on 25 September 2009. The solvent it was carrying was toxic, explosive, and flammable.
24 Hour Spill Response
Spilltech’s 24 Hour Spill Response team responded immediately and all staff entering the scene donned full bunker gear as well as breathing apparatus because of the toxic and flammable nature of the spill.
When the Spilltech Team, led by Gerald Carmody arrived at the scene, the tanker was at a 45-degree angle in a drain.
BIOZORB Products
They immediately assessed the situation and applied BIOZORB to the affected area as it not only absorbs the spilled product, it also suppresses vapours. An explosive and flammable spill on the side of a busy public highway needs to have the danger of an explosion and fire removed as fast as possible.
BIOZORB booms were placed in the drain to prevent the solvent and diesel from entering the public water system.
As soon as the immediate danger from the spill was contained, the Spilltech team carefully transferred all the MEK from the damaged tanker to a second tanker supplied by the customer.
Dug Up Contaminated Soil
Because the grassy area next to the highway was heavily contaminated with diesel. A team was set up to dig up and bag the contaminated soil. Trenches were also dug and filled with BIOZORB to absorb any diesel that had run through.
To ensure that the clean up was successful, augers were used to make monitoring holes which were checked on numerous occasions after the clean up was completed.
Full Rehabilitation of Contaminated Area
A site meeting was held with representatives from the Department of Water and Forestry as well as a leading Environmental company. Samples from site were tested and was concluded that Spilltech had rehabilitated the area to full extent and had removed as well as disposed of all contaminants.
Local authorities visited the site numerous times, to ensure the clean up was done to comply with Governmental standards.
Certificate of Recognition from Sasol
SASOL, who were notified of the incident came down to Durban and issued Spilltech with a certificate of recognition for outstanding work.
