88% of spills processed by Spill Center involve diesel fuel from ruptured tanks. The average release is 104 gallons, costing an average of $9,400 to clean up. But fines for non-compliance can drive that cost much higher.

The Final Report on the year-long Hazardous Materials Safety and Security Field Operational Test (FOT) conducted by the U.S. DOT has concluded that Spill Center’s concept for a Public Sector Reporting Center (PSRC) can be effective in improving safety and security in the transportation of hazmat.

The PSRC integrates satellite and terrestrial tracking equipment, wireless communications, and on-board computers already installed on many trucks – regardless of type or manufacturer – with a highly specialized data monitoring and alerting system. It was added to the FOT to enhance communication, response capabilities, and resource deployment for law enforcement and emergency response personnel.

All truck operators, even those who don’t haul hazmat, should receive adequate training in proper spill containment and reporting. Trucks should carry spill kits containing plugs, trenching tools and absorbent materials that can be used to stop fuel leaks and limit damage to the environment.

Drivers should be instructed in the use of items in the kits and should know the location of fuel shutoff valves on their trucks. They should also understand the importance of preventing leaking fuel from running into streams or storm drains. Even a minor spill can wreak environmental havoc if the fuel reaches water.

Tom Moses, Spill Center president, was invited by the International Association of Fire Chiefs to lead a workshop at the 22nd Annual International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference in Hunt Valley, MD in June. The workshop focused on the Electronic Emergency Response Management System (E2RMS), which was developed by Spill Center to provide a standardized approach to data collection and dissemination to police, fire and emergency services, and various other law enforcement and security agencies.

About 30,000 hazardous materials license endorsements have been granted by the Transportation Security Admin since Jan. 31, when background checks and fingerprinting requirements for new drivers hauling hazmat took effect.