PF&R Responds to HazMat Spill

PF&R Responds to HazMat Chemical Spill

At 5:24 AM Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an emergency incident with reports of a tanker truck with a leak from the tank on Hayden Island, PF&R Engine 17 responded, confirmed active leak in 5000-gallon tank with Sulfuric Acid actively flowing onto the roadway and moving toward storm drains. The Hazardous Materials Team was activated, a safety perimeter established, and sand-absorbent were ordered from PBOT and ODOT for storm drain protection and clean up.

PBOT delivered 2 separate loads of sand with members of PF&R using to put together two independent piles to act as absorbing dams to slow the flow of the liquid into the storm drain. An estimated 100 gallons of liquid entered the storm drain prior to our arrival and damming up of the area with DEQ and BES notified of the spill. The PF&R HazMat Coordinator is working with the contracted clean-up crew to ensure the clean-up procedures are appropriate for the given concentration of Sulfuric Acid being transported.

There are no reported injuries or extended health risks to the community. PF&R would like to thank PPB, ODOT, PBOT, and BOEC for their assistance with this emergency response.

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View full size image of Sulfuric Acid leaking from damaged weld of drainage pipe of 5000-gallon tank.

View full size image of Members of the PF&R HazMat team suited up in protective clothing at the scene of the chemical spill.

View full size image of Hazardous Materials team members performing the required decontamination process.

View full size image of Sand in various areas are placed to slow the flow of the sulfuric acid toward the storm drains. Multiple sand dams put in place to slow the flow and absorb the spilled liquid.

View full size image of The delivery of the second truckload of sand to use in the incident by PBOT.