Press Release - October 5, 2005

Date:
October 5, 2005

Contact:
Robert D. Korb, Jr., CFI, CFPS - Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext. 4; Email: rkorb@wcfmo.org

HAZMAT TEAM RESPONDS TO PETROLEUM SPILL

"The Worcester County Special Hazards Response Team and the Worcester County Department of Emergency Services responded to a petroleum spill as a result of a two vehicle collision at 7:39 am this morning.

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a collision between a tractor and trailer and a dump truck at the intersection of Routes 113 and 610. Upon arrival of emergency personnel, it was determined that the saddle tanks on the tractor and trailer containing petroleum were leaking and would require specialized tools to contain the leak.

Hazmat technicians from the Worcester County Special Hazards Response Team arrived and determined the most efficient way to contain the leak was to offload the petroleum saddle tanks into 55 gallon drums until they could be disposed of properly.

The County hazmat unit arrived with the tools required to siphon the tanks of their product and then pumped it into 55 gallon drums. The drums were later disposed of properly by an environmental cleanup company from Salisbury, Maryland.

Maryland State Police and Maryland State Highway Administration personnel remained on the scene while the vehicles were removed from the roadway and the cleanup was completed. One lane of Route 113 Southbound remained closed for several hours.

The situation was rendered safe with all hazmat and fire units clearing the scene at at approximately 12:00 PM.

For further information, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached by calling 410-632-5666 or on the web at www.wcfmo.org."

Scene Photos
(Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb, Jr.)