The hazardous materials that spilled across Interstate 80 on October 18th was smaller that first estimated. It was initially reported that over 51,000 gallons of ammonium bisulfite were spilled in the early morning accident that closed I-80 both directions for hours.
Clean Harbors, the hazardous material company that processed and cleaned up the spill, corrected the amount to approximately 3,100 gallons spilled. About 1,000 gallons remained in the tank. The cause of the crash has also been determined, according to NHP’s final news release. The tractor-trailer truck’s driver, Robert Schefflmaer, from Billings, Montana, admitted to falling asleep while driving. Although Schefflmaer was not wearing a seatbelt, he was not injured in the crash.
The tractor trailer that spilled the ammonium bisulfite came to rest blocking the #2 eastbound travel lane. However, as ammonium bisulfite is a significant inhalation hazard, NHP closed I-80 both directions for nearly 18 hours, for public safety.
Westbound lanes were opened up again at about 11;15 Wednesday evening. It was over 12 hours later that the spill was cleaned up and the eastbound lanes were also opened.
Throughout the time the interstate was closed, alternate routes were announced on the radio, social media, area newspapers and a northeast Nevada TV station.
