Spill Response

Most spills are a result of a traffic accident; usually, TxDOT is called to the scene by law enforcement. Safety of TxDOT personnel and the motoring public is priority. Department personnel are specifically prohibited from handling, cleaning up or otherwise coming in contact with toxic or hazardous materials at accident scenes or abandonment sites on the department's right of way. Vehicle fluid cleanup of less than 25 gallons is the only exception to handling or cleaning up hazardous materials at accident scenes or abandonment sites.
The table below outlines the responsibilities of each agency involved in an emergency spill response.
Emergency Spill Response
Agency
Responsibilities
TxDOT staff*
  • restricts public access
  • provides traffic control at the site until relieved by DPS or other on-site coordinator
  • reports all pertinent information to supervisor
  • supervisor reports information to district hazardous material coordinator
  • district engineer/hazardous materials coordinator notifies appropriate governmental agencies such as TCEQ, DPS and local fire department
DPS
  • performs the on-site coordination of transportation emergencies for all unincorporated areas
Fire marshall
  • performs on-site coordination of transportation emergencies for all incorporated areas
TCEQ
  • acts as lead state agency for spill response
*Note: TxDOT personnel should not handle, clean up or otherwise come in contact with toxic or hazardous materials at accident sites.