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DEC cleans up 200-gallon fuel spill from crash

The Swift Transportation tractor-trailer that spilled 200 gallons of diesel fuel sits in the mud off state Route 30. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will continue to mitigate the impact to a nearby wetlands complex throughout the week. (Photo provided by the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department)

TUPPER LAKE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation responded to a tractor-trailer crash on state Route 30 Tuesday to contain and clean around 200 gallons of diesel fuel that spilled into a ditch after the truck slid off the road.

At approximately 1 a.m., it was reported that a Swift Transportation 18-wheeler ran off the road south of Tupper Lake. The DEC Region 5 Spills Response team deployed to oversee the cleanup, which was done by Environmental Products and Services of Vermont.

The environmental contractor used absorbent pads and booms to soak the fuel up and a vac-truck to collect standing liquid. Contaminated soil will be excavated and disposed of throughout the week.

Erin Hanczyk, Region 5’s public outreach officer, said DEC crews confirmed the ditch leads into a wetlands complex. They will work to mitigate any impacts to surrounding wetlands and environment. She said there are no known impacts to drinking water sources at this time.

The driver of the truck was taken by Tupper Lake Ambulance and Rescue Squad to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake with a minor hand injury, according to Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Royce Cole.

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