Response & Remediation

On behalf of our client, Taylor GeoServices responded to a release of a hazardous substance that occurred because of a tractor trailer tanker accident. The incident occurred on a Pennsylvania interstate highway when the driver of the tractor trailer tanker involved suffered a medical emergency, the vehicle veered off the highway, over an embankment and ruptured the tanker. More than 4,000 gallons of toluene was released at the accident site. Emergency response personnel responded and recovered an initial 2,000 gallons, however, approximately 2,400 gallons of toluene were lost to the environment. The released toluene infiltrated directly into the ground at the release point, migrated through the soil fill material of the highway embankment, and discharged to a local tributary of the Youghiogheny River. Within 24 hours of the accident, significant efforts were employed by multiple contractors to contain the toluene. These included the construction of a temporary bridge across the creek to access the spill area, the installation of a cut off trench at the base of the embankment to intercept the toluene prior to entering the creek, mobilization of specialized remedial equipment, drilling of test borings to identify the extent of impacts in the subsurface the removal an containerization of impacted soil material and securing the required emergency permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), and site access agreements from the property owners and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT).

Once the initial response had effectively contained the situation, the task of characterizing and remediating the residual toluene began. The contamination extent was identified. A biological assessment of the creek ecosystem was completed. Soil remediation using soil vapor extraction (SVE) and excavation technologies were employed. Ultimately a Release from Liability Under the PADEP’s Act 2 Land Recycling Program was obtained.

TGS was instrumental in the rapid and successful handling of the massive undertaking. Our personnel oversaw the emergency response, completed extensive characterization and remedial efforts, interacted with, and acted as client liaison with PADEP, PENNDOT, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).