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EPA Emergency Workers at Highway Spill in Wheeling

Release Date: 3/15/2000
Contact Information: Ruth Podems (215) 814-5540

Ruth Podems, 215-814-5540

WHEELING, W.Va. -- Emergency personnel from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are on the scene of a hazardous oil spill from a tanker truck at an on-ramp to Interstate 70 in Wheeling. EPA workers are taking samples of the spilled oil, which contains polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a hazardous material used as an electrical insulator.

The spill occurred at 1:45 a.m. today at the Oglebay Park Exit (2A). The on-ramp will remain closed at least until tomorrow while workers clean up the oil.

The tanker truck, owned by Enviro Serve of Cleveland, had just picked up the load of PCB oil in Wheeling and was entering the interstate bound for a disposal facility in Georgia, when the driver noticed the tanker was leaking. The spill affected several miles of Interstate 70 and a short distance on Route 40.

EPA emergency personnel are sampling the oil to determine the concentration of PCBs. The results of this sampling will determine the extent of cleanup. The West Virginia Departments of Environmental Protection and Highways are directing the cleanup by the trucking company.

EPA is often called in by local authorities to provide technical expertise at fires, explosions and spills. The agency is part of a coordinated effort to protect public health and the environment at such emergencies.



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