City Manager Responds to Fracking Spill Concerns
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Sep 21, 2011 at 10:33 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 22, 2011
It's a story we first told you about a few weeks ago. Footage caught on camera of fracking residue spilling on Laredo roadways. Today our cameras captured an 18 wheeler being pulled over for the very same reason.
"We gotta make sure we have a steady balance between jobs and economic level and safety for the public."
City manager Carlos Villarreal discussed the incident that happened today involving yet another truck carrying hazardous materials and spilling it on a Laredo roadway. Police pulled over an 18-wheeler when they noticed there was no top on the truck to secure the material. The driver was cited for the chemical spill, not having a permit, and for transporting materials without authorization.
"Besides that, the vehicle was also confiscated and will not be released until the vacuum truck can get the material they shouldn't have been carrying to start with."
The city manager says they will be taking additional measures to prevent spills in the future starting with a training class next month given by the commissioner of environmental equality.
"We will be having a training for all law enforcement for everybody to brush up on the latest changes."
Although Villarreal says the fracking business has been beneficial to Laredo's economy, he wants to be business friendly but also take care of the public's safety. Another way they will try to keep the trucks from spilling the waste he says is to have 18 wheelers carrying hazardous materials only take loop 20.
"For example, traveling from 35 to 59, 359 or 83 we could possibly look at revamping the hazardous cargo route."
When asked what he would tell residents worried about another incident like today happening Villarreal assures the city will...
"Make sure we react..make sure there's no danger to the public."
The trucking company will only be able to remove the truck from the wrecker yard once they bring a vacuum truck to remove the material and place it into a secure vehicle. Until then fines will be adding up daily.
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op said on Sunday, Sep 25 at 4:51 PM
I agree with Chill Out
74340538chill out said on Sunday, Sep 25 at 11:23 AM
I think its time to build the outer loop so trucks do not enter Laredo.
74330579op said on Sunday, Sep 25 at 11:02 AM
Looking the other way is why we need federal agencies to parent us. The EPA should be advised, if they haven't been. Did our leaders do that, as required?????
74329833Big O said on Sunday, Sep 25 at 10:01 AM
as long as these big oli field companies bring in jobs and money, they will look the other way. as always!!!!!!!!!
74327661SAD BUT TRUE said on Friday, Sep 23 at 10:20 PM
why didnt they plan all of this BEFORE!!!!??? IT'S TOO LATE NOW!
74279038curious said on Thursday, Sep 22 at 9:44 PM
do they know for sure it was the "police" that pulled the truck over and not called in ???
74221772Anonymous said on Thursday, Sep 22 at 7:06 PM
I guess not very pro 8 news wants to keep the spill location a secret. Why is that?
74215732op said on Thursday, Sep 22 at 8:31 AM
Again, another example of Laredo being reactive instead of proactive. However, at least an action plan is now in place.
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