HYDRAULIC FLUID SPILL ON RTE 59

 
By Chief Michael Mattera
April 11, 2009
 

On Friday morning at approximately 0830 the Nanuet Fire Department was alerted to a reported hydraulic fluid spill on Rte and the Thruway Plaza.

Upon arrival Chief Mattera and Asst. Chief Koester determined that a garbage truck leaked about 40-50 gallons of fluid. The extent of the spill covered approximately a half mile of Rte 59 headed eastbound from Foreman Dr and ended in The parking lot of the Thruway Plaza. There were 2 isolated section of pooling fluid one on Rte 59 and the other in the parking lot of the Plaza which contained the majority of the spill.

The members made quick work of applying speedy dry, an oil absorber, to help contain the pooling fluid to prevent it's spread. and with the assistance of Clarkstown Police 3 lanes of Rte 59 was closed in both directions because the oil made the roadway very slick and this was needed to prevent the spread of any more oil and create a safe working environment for the fireman and eventual clean up crews. Clarkstown Police's OEM officer assisted the fire department by contacting the NYS Dot to provide barriers and other safety equipment while we awaited an outside clean up contractor.

The outside contractor cleaned up the spill and the oils slick created by the leaking truck and the roadway was opened to traffic by 2 PM.

 
Units: 8-1, 8-3, 8-EQ, 8-1750, 8-Patrol
 
Mutual Aid: Clarkstown Police, Clarkstown Police OEM, NYS Dot