https://stateimpact.npr.org/, a reporting project that “explains local policy choices in ways that are easy to understand, yet thorough and fair” posted interesting updates to the Lycoming County PA frack truck spill. The vehicle involved in the spill was operated by a company called Minuteman Environmental Services. The truck crashed on Sept. 27 in Lycoming County, PA close to Pine Creek. Initial reports suggested that the collision resulted in approximately 3,600 gallons of “frack water” to spill out onto the road on Route 44.
However, WNEP television later released details on the crash indicating that local authorities put the figure at 4,600 gallons. Initially it was reported that the vehicle was not at capacity, but newly released details by WNEP indicate otherwise. WNEP also pointed out the irony of the situation by calling attention to the fact that Minuteman Environmental Services is in the business of emergency industrial spill response and cleaning. Stateimpact.npr.org’s article concludes with a reminder (and link) to a positive review provided by the Governor in February regarding Minuteman Environmental Services, praising the company as “an American success story.” (Source: “Crash Spills Fluid from Gas Drilling into Creek” via WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 16)
WNEP in Scranton also reported the following about the incident:
The Minuteman Environmental Services driver somehow crashed into a rock wall in Watson Township on his way to a gas well site, according to state police.
Fire officials said the truck was hauling a full load in excess of 4,600 gallons of the treated wastewater that contains high salt levels and some chemicals used in the fracking process.
Firefighters placed booms in Pine Creek to catch any contamination. A detour was expected to be in place for hours after the crash.
The initial and updated reports about this alarming event can be found at the stateimpact.org website: