Spill Response Team learns the ropes
Spill Response Team learns the ropes
By Jerry W. Kram
Speed is the essence of any emergency responder’s craft. Firefighters and ambulance crews constantly train to make the right decisions quickly under great pressure to protect property and to save lives.
A quick response is why eight area energy companies have joined together to create the Sakakawea Area Spill Response LLC. SASR is organized to contain an oil spill on the lake or the rivers and creeks feeding the lake and begin oil recovery while a larger response is being organized. SASR has invested about $320,000 in boats, booms, skimmers and other equipment needed to start an oil spill cleanup until help arrives. The two boats and two trailers holding the equipment is stored at the Marathon Oil facility near New Town.
Preparing for an emergency takes training, so SASR brought in TJ Engstrom and Freddy Nichols from Clean Harbors Environmental Services to teach SASR members how to use their equipment. About 20 people from different companies gathered at the facility to learn about the new equipment.
