NJ Turnpike, Interchange 15E Tanker Spill
Newark, Essex County

Last Updated 5 July 2005

On Saturday, June 17, 2005 a fuel tanker overturned on the ramp to the Eastern Spur of the NJ Turnpike heading North. The tanker had been heading out to deliver fuel to a service station from a terminal on Doremus Ave. in Newark City, Essex County. After going through the Turnpike tollbooth, the tanker overturned, discharging between 2,000 and 5,000 gallons of gasoline that contaminated the roadway, soils and storm sewer. The discharge was contained by the Newark Fire Department during which time NJDEP Bureau of Emergency Response (BER) assistance was requested. The Department's responders worked with the Responsible Party to design a scope of work suitable to protect the environment and the public. After draining out the tanker and recovering the remainder to another truck, the contaminated soil and absorbent materials were collected in roll-offs (steel containers) and transported off-site for disposal. A total of seventeen roll-offs were generated in the clean up of this discharge. The emergency was abated by the end of the day. DEP is continuing to work with the Responsible Party to complete additional remedial work and restoration of the contaminated area.