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DEP Assesses Penalty Due To Failure To Clean Oil Spill
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has assessed a $10,200 penalty to Williamson Transport, Inc. of Wilson, North Carolina, for failing to clean up a diesel fuel release from a June 2004 truck accident in Russell. On Saturday, June 5, 2004, DEP was notified by the Russell Fire Department about a release of diesel fuel at the intersection of Routes 20 and 23 in Russell. A tractor-trailer operated by Williamson was traveling north down a steep grade on Route 23, failed to stop at the intersection with Route 20, and crashed down an embankment. The truck was hauling crates of watermelons. An unknown quantity of diesel fuel, initially estimated to be between 50 and 150 gallons, was released to soil underlying the truck. Some motor oil from the truck engine was also released.
The Russell Fire Department was able to initially recover some of the leaking fuel, and DEP arranged for cleanup of the spill utilizing a state-funded hazardous materials contractor. No release of oil to the nearby Westfield River occurred. At no time did Williamson step forward to assume responsibility for the cleanup, despite numerous requests and warnings from DEP. DEP arranged for additional cleanup of the site, including removal of all remaining crash debris and removal of oil-contaminated soil. In excess of $10,000 of state funds has been spent on these activities. The site was stabilized prior to the onset of winter.
“When oil spills occur, the party responsible needs to step forward and perform immediate cleanup to prevent impacts to surrounding properties,” said Michael Gorski, director of DEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. “Inaction by Williamson Transportation required that DEP step in to eliminate health and safety hazards presented by the oil spill, as well as the large amount of crash debris left at the site. DEP will pursue recovery of the state funds spent to date on the cleanup.” The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
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