By By Adrienne McKenzie
A potentially hazardous situation after a diesel spill of approximately 1,800 gallons at Tiger Transportation, LLC Thursday afternoon was extinguished by quick action of local emergency crews.
According to Escambia County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director David Adams, a diesel spill occurred Thursday at approximately 5:45 p.m. at Tiger Transportation, LLC after a driver did not place the nozzle of a gas pump back on its holder.
Although the spill occurred at 5:45 p.m., Adams was not notified until just short of 11 p.m.
Adams said he does not believe Tiger Transportation personnel were trying to cover up the spill and the late notice was simply a misunderstanding.
Adams had not checked the time stamp of the voicemail at press time, but is certain Tiger Transportation did not attempt to hide anything because the corporation immediately called their cleanup crew after the spill.
Because of the timely cleanup efforts, Adams said Atmore area citizens are not in harm’s way due to the spill.
Adams said the original target cleanup time was Friday afternoon. He said it looked like that goal had been reached, however the area would continue to be monitored throughout the weekend and during upcoming rains to ensure its containment.
Adams said responding to the scene were the Atmore Fire Department, the Atmore Police Department, Escambia County EMA and the United States Environmental Services, LLC, out of Mobile.
Adams also contacted the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Personnel with ADEM are pleased with the way the spill was taken care of, he said.
Adams said he is pleased with how the spill was handled by emergency personnel.