Biodiesel spill in Vernon

Photo: Josh Winquist

Roughly 20 gallons of biodiesel spilled onto 31 Street next to City Hall in Vernon Monday afternoon. 

A steamroller drove over a parking metre dislodging something underneath, resulting in the spill. 

Vernon Fire Rescue was called and a hazmat team contained the mess before much of the spill could spread. 

"We spread some absorbent around and booned the drainage to make sure it didn't get into the drainage system," says fire captain Colin Clarke. 

"We are trained in fluid and chemical spills, and know what to do and have the equipment to do so." 

The absorbent spread over the spill will soak up the majority of the biodiesel.

As of 1 p.m., City of Vernon work crews were on their way to clean up the rest of the mess. 

Nobody was injured. 

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel. Biodiesel can be produced from straight vegetable oil, animal oil/fats, tallow and waste cooking oil.