Written by the FleetEasy Team

Serving Spokane and the Pacific Northwest

When a commercial vehicle causes a fuel or oil spill, it can be stressful. Without fast, compliant vehicle spill cleanup, those responsible could face hefty fines and legal penalties. Plus, it can pose a risk to public safety, property, and the environment. That’s why our team approaches every call with genuine care, fast response, and a commitment to environmental compliance.

Recently, our operators responded to an oil spill involving a bus that lost nearly all its engine oil while driving through a parking lot on Monroe Street in Spokane. It accidentally ran over a parking block, didn’t realize it’d sprung a leak, and continued to drive through the parking lot to park.

The incident required a complete multi-day oil spill cleanup. Here’s how the Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy handled it.

Assessing the Scene and Starting Spill Cleanup

When our crew arrived, they found the bus parked at the far end of an empty lot. We could see the oil trail spread across the entire parking lot. It needed extensive oil spill cleanup. 

To begin the mitigation process, our operators assessed the scene and deployed the right equipment and absorbents. As one operator noted in their report:

“The south end of the parking lot had the most oil buildup due to a downward slope. We started putting down grease sweep to soak up the oil. After covering the entire spill (other than under the bus) with sweep, we began scrubbing the sweep and oil.”

Our operators worked systematically to clean the spill.

Step-by-Step Environmental and Oil Spill Cleanup

1. Applying Absorbents and Breaking Down Oil

To start the oil spill cleanup, our team coated the entire affected area with grease sweep. This included every section except the part directly under the bus, which couldn’t be accessed until later. They scrubbed the absorbent into the oil to break down residue and pull contaminants from the pavement.

2. Mechanical Sweeping for Safe Removal

With the scrubbing underway, our operator ran the Bobcat sweeper to collect used absorbent and contaminated material. This helped speed up the process and ensured nothing was left behind that could threaten the environment or public safety.

3. Treating Heavy Spill Zones

The worst areas, including where the bus struck the parking block and the sloped southern section, received additional spill cleanup. The team sprayed special oil-cleanup product called TC, scrubbed thoroughly, and applied more grease sweep to remove deeper oil saturation.

4. Wrapping Up Day One

After the mechanic arrived to repair the bus, our team continued sweeping and collecting debris until most of the material had been removed. They loaded equipment, secured the Bobcat, and returned to the yard for the night.

Returning the Next Day for Final Remediation

Environmental cleanup doesn’t always end in a single visit, and in this case, we had to return the next day.

The next morning, the team returned with fresh absorbent to complete the job. They applied TC across the entire spill area, scrubbed thoroughly, reapplied TC, and repeated the absorbent-and-scrub process. It was definitely a rinse-and-repeat scenario!

After running the Bobcat sweeper once more, they worked until the surface was dry and safe.

Later that afternoon, once the bus was towed to Seattle and the area under it became accessible, an operator returned to clean the remaining contamination using the same proven procedure: grease sweep, TC, scrubbing, and careful removal.

Why Fleets in Spokane Trust Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy

Accidents happen, even to well-maintained fleets and experienced drivers. What matters most is how quickly and safely the accident is recovered, and in this case, the spill is contained.

FleetEasy understands the stress operators feel in these moments. That’s why we show up prepared, communicate clearly, and work with the care you’d expect from a Company of Family. Our team protects the environment, your assets, and your peace of mind.

When you need fuel or oil spill cleanup, we’re here to help you get back on track safely, ensuring compliance and efficiency so that you can get back to business.

Learn more about Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy.