Roadside oil spills present a major environmental challenge whenever they happen. Not only that, but significant repercussions for human health and infrastructure also follow. Oil spill cleanup experts in Chicago explain that these spills can be caused by several factors.

Whatever the origin, the repercussions of these spills can be severe and long-term. On the other hand, there are excellent cleanup solutions available to reduce the damage to the impacted area and repair whatever harm was caused. Let’s go through each stage of a roadside oil spill and discuss its elements.

Causes

1. Vehicular Accidents – Collisions between cars or vehicles that puncture their oil pans can result in significant spills.
2. Leaking Vehicles – Poorly maintained automobiles could have leaks in their engines or fuel systems and cause oil to pour onto the roads.
3. Improper Disposal – Some companies dispose of used oil illegally. This results in spills along roadsides that can seep into the soil and find their way to water sources.
4. Transportation Disasters – Trucks that are transporting oil or petroleum products could be involved in road accidents.
5. Infrastructure Failures – Corroded pipelines and storage tanks can explode, and this results in a massive spill of oil into the soil.

Consequences

1. Environmental Damage – Oil spills cause extensive environmental damage by polluting soil, water bodies, and plants. They cause ecosystem damage.
2. Health Risks – Oil and its components pose significant health risks to humans and wildlife. Respiratory illness and skin irritation can arise when fumes are inhaled or there’s contact with the chemical.
3. Economic Losses – Oil spill cleanups can be costly for governments, corporations, and communities. They can lead to decreased tourism and reduced property prices in affected areas.
4. Infrastructure Damage – Oil leakage can cause road surface degradation and costly repairs. They can affect highway safety and the stability of bridges.
5. Impact on Wildlife – Oil spills pose a significant threat to wildlife, leading to widespread deaths of fish, birds, and other species. It can also result in habitat loss.

Clean-up Methods

1. Containment and Absorption – Hazmat spill response in Chicago involves using booms and absorbent materials to contain spilled oil and prevent its spread.
2. Mechanical Recovery – Skimmers and vacuum trucks are employed to remove oil from roads, dirt, and water surfaces. Locations with high oil concentrations are dealt with this way.
3. Bioremediation – Bioremediation, a process that utilizes microorganisms, has the potential to expedite the decomposition of oil pollutants in soil and water. This is the most organic process being used today.
4. Chemical Dispersants – A special type of chemical breaks down oil into droplets that can be isolated and removed from aquatic bodies. At the moment, this still requires careful environmental evaluation.
5. Soil Excavation and Treatment – Contaminated soil may need excavation and treatment to remove contaminated layers of the earth and prevent further groundwater pollution.

Never Too Late 

Oil spill clean-up in Chicago is not limited to accidents at sea. Now that oil transport on land has become a major activity, roadside spills are already a huge problem. Comprehensive cleanup procedures are required to limit the damage caused by such accidents. 

Remember that GreenTech Spill Response is your go-to professional when it comes to cleaning up an accidental spill of hazardous materials. We have experts who are on call around the clock. Call us at 630-392-6844.