Leaking Propane Truck off US 250 in Wetzel Co.
Truck Accidents Keep Ohio Valley First Responders Busy
From an Article by Casey Junkings, Wheeling Intelligencer, February 6, 2016
Wheeling, WV — Reports of accidents involving large trucks related to the Marcellus and Utica shale industry continue, as a tractor-trailer carrying propane crashed along U.S. 250 in Wetzel County Thursday, just one day after a water truck wrecked in Marshall County.
Another tanker truck leaving a Utica Shale drilling site on McClainesville Road near Bellaire spilled 20 gallons of hydrochloric acid Saturday night.
According to West Virginia State Police First Sgt. James Stout, the driver of the propane truck lost control of the vehicle near the U.S. 250 intersection with Long Drain Road near Littleton Thursday. This caused the road to be closed for several hours, forcing motorists – including Wetzel County school bus drivers – to use detours.
“You hate to see so many affected by one person’s mistake,” Stout said. “It’s a mess.”
Stout said emergency officials evacuated an undetermined number of area residents as a precaution. He said a small amount of propane was leaking from the truck, although he did not believe this would impact any water sources. Hazmat officials responded to mitigate the spill.
Stout said officials transported the driver, an Illinois resident, to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown for unspecified injuries. No other vehicles or people were involved in the accident.
In addition to the Wednesday water truck wreck in Marshall County, officials in Belmont County confirmed a tanker leaving a well pad crashed along McClainesville Road near Bellaire late Saturday. Neffs Fire Department Chief Mike Knowlton said about 20 gallons of hydrochloric acid leaked onto the ground.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, inhalation exposure to hydrochloric acid may cause coughing, hoarseness, inflammation and ulcers in the respiratory tract and chest pain.
“It was not enough to cause a problem, but we did send in the hazmat team,” Knowlton said.
Most natural gas production companies hire subcontractors to perform services such as well drilling, fracking, construction and transportation. Knowlton said much of the problem is the drivers’ unfamiliarity with Ohio and West Virginia roads.
“So many of the companies are from Texas. They aren’t used to roads with dips and sharp turns,” he said.
Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas said when his department receives complaints about truck traffic, officials do their best to address the problem. “Most companies are responsive in addressing the problems,” he said. “If there is a problem, we address it.”
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