Mount Pleasant, SC, June 7, 2005
Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) has mandated reinforced safety measures for a contractor hauling bio-solids in the aftermath of a material spill that resulted in a traffic accident Monday on I-526.
The contractor, Action Abatement of Moncks Corner, worked today to review safety procedures and issue new guidelines, including:
- Reinforcement chains and load binders are now mandatory on all hauler doors.
- MPW will only accept containers in proper operating condition.
- Inspections are now performed on all containers before and after bio-solid filling.
- Rain covers will be purchased in case full containers must be stored before hauling.
MPW General Manager Clay Duffie said added safety precautions and contractor staff training should help avoid future incidents. Duffie also points out that the bio-solid material involved was not raw sewage. It was the non-toxic by-product material of wastewater treatment processing. The material is transported daily to the region’s landfill for disposal.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday, an Action Abatement truck spilled about a half yard of bio-solids on I-526 at the Long Point Road overpass. The hauler hit a bump and the back tailgate opened, spilling the material onto the road. Although the material caused no environmental damage, three vehicles were involved in an accident due to the slick material on the roadway.
MPW crews responded immediately to the incident to begin clean-up operations with a vacuum truck, odor control and disinfecting materials. MPW crews along with employees from Action Abatement, M.P. Police and Fire Departments and Awendaw Fire Department assisted in clean up and traffic control. No run-off was allowed into wetland areas or environmentally sensitive. S.C. DHEC officials approved the clean-up operation, and transportation officials re-opened the roadway at about 5:30 p.m. Monday.
SPECIAL NOTICE to vehicle owners who came into contact with the bio-solid material immediately after the accident: All claims related to the recent spill are being handled by the insurance company for ACTION ABATEMENT INC. To file a claim or check on the status call:
Adria Keenan
Crawford & Co.
Phone 556-6412, Ext. 18 FAX 766-4379
PLEASE REFERENCE CLAIM #4800011752
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Other Press Releases:
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Improved Bond Rating - Mount Pleasant, SC, March 1, 2005
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Vehicle Traffic Should Avoid I-526 and Long Point Road - Mount Pleasant, SC, June 6, 2005
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