Tanker Truck Oil Leak on Richmond Street

On Thursday, July 12 at approximately 5:30 p.m., a tanker truck leaking fluid at the corner of Richmond Street and Chester Street was reported to the Painesville City Fire Department. Upon arrival, the PCFD found the tanker truck leaking automotive gear oil from an improperly secured top side hatch. The vehicle had departed from the Painesville Township Lubrizol facility and leaked fluid along Lexington Avenue, Stage Avenue and Richmond Street before being stopped, approximately 1.5 miles from the plant.

 

The tanker truck was detained and the carrier contacted a hazmat team immediately for clean-up. The fluid was non-toxic and presented no hazard to human health or the environment. The material did contain mercaptans, a highly odorous sulfur-containing compound.

 

Lubrizol responded immediately and began clean-up efforts prior to the hazmat team arrival and worked throughout the night to mitigate the odor.

 

During the clean-up, the primary concern was that of reduced traction to motor vehicles on the roadway. Please be aware if you or your vehicle came in contact with the material, washing with soap and water should remove any fluid.

 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.