During rush-hour traffic on Wednesday, an 18-wheeler southbound on US 165 was hauling two large tanks on a flatbed trailer which struck the overpass of the interstate spilling hazardous waste. The spill occurred during rush-hour traffic at the intersection of US Highway 165 (Monroe Highway) and US Highway 167 (the Cottingham Expressway) in Pinevile, Louisiana.
Traffic had to be diverted from the accident site due to the hazardous waste spill involving oilfield sludge with low level, natural occurring radioactive material. Local police stated that the load on the trailer being pulled by the 18-wheeler was too high to go under the expressway overpass and struck both spans as the driver attempted to go through anyway.
A witness stated that the truck with the load was visible taller than the clearance and there were not any placard banners on the tractor/trailer. Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (FMCSA) call for routing requirements of radioactive material on routes that minimize radiological risk, time, and day of week. Moreover, the driver must be certified in transportation of hazardous materials.
The police said the liquid substance leaked from the tanks onto US Highway 165, traveled down the side of the road and into a ditch leading to a drain. The police blocked the drain to prevent fluid escape. The Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit (HAZMAT) was called to the scene.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
