Driver training is an important aspect of spill preparedness to help contain a carrier's costs and limit the potential for third-party liability, according to Spill Center President Tom Moses. Trucks should be equipped with spill kits containing plugs, trenching tools and absorbent materials that can be used to stop fuel leaks and limit damage to the environment, Tom advises. And drivers should be instructed in the use of the items in the kits.

Drivers should also know the location of fuel shutoff valves on their trucks and understand the importance of preventing leaking fuel from running into streams or storm drains. The EPA classifies spilled fuel as hazardous waste. Even a minor spill can wreak environmental havoc if the fuel reaches water. Any incident resulting in contamination of drinking water by fuel or oil should be reported to the National Response Center, the federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spills.

Environmental liability for spill damages goes to the spill generator, even if the release occurs as a result of a highway accident in which the truck driver was blameless. As the spill generator, it's the carrier's responsibility to contain the spill, report it, then clean it up, relates Tom, who is an environmental attorney and former US EPA toxicologist. He advises drivers to log all actions taken after a spill to avoid being drawn into a pre-existing contamination problem as a responsible party.

Spill Center compliance associates document all reporting and remediation activities performed on behalf of clients to limit their environmental liability and establish a legal defense against any third-party claims that might arise from spills. Spill Center has been providing support to carriers, shippers, truck leasing and rental companies, chemical companies and insurers after environmental spills for more than 20 years.

To find out more about Spill Center's services and how to become a client, contact Tom Moses. Call his direct number, 978-568-1922, x222. Email him at tmoses@spillcenter.com. Or visit the website www.spillcenter.com, where you can register to become a client or even report a spill without registering as a client.