Efficient process minimizes impact of fuel spill

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Accidents happen. When an accident is met with a messy and confusion-filled response, things often get worse.

When a KC-135 Stratotanker leaked several hundred gallons of fuel onto the aircraft parking ramp here the morning of Sept. 25, base agencies came together with a swift, efficient response that allowed the spill to be cleaned up in less than 12 hours.

"This response process went exactly as it was supposed to," said Kristy Draney, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental flight chief. "The right people were contacted, notifications were made as required and it all went like clockwork."

The problem was first noted when a maintenance crew was preparing the aircraft for its next flight. Maintenance personnel were troubleshooting a potential fuel leak involving fuel transfer valves between aircraft fuel tanks. During the procedure, one of the tanks developed a large leak, causing the spill.

The maintenance Airmen immediately took action to contain the spill and notified the base fire department.

A cordon was set up by the firefighters upon their arrival, and other base agencies ran through their checklists for a fuel spill, including the notification of local and federal environmental agencies and standing up a hazardous materials check point.

The speed in which Team McConnell responded to the spill prevented any fuel from coming close to leaving base territory in a small stream through the flight drain collection system, said Draney.

A reason behind the speed of the cleanup is a standing contract the base has with a local company. In situations like this fuel spill, the contractors are able to quickly access base and use their specialized equipment and personnel with minimal interference, saving McConnell the money that would otherwise be spent on maintaining and training on infrequently used machinery.

"We're committed to taking the necessary precautions to prevent any adverse effects on the community and environment," said Col. Albert Miller, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "We share this area with our neighbors in and around Sedgwick County and work to maintain a safe environment through training and partnerships."