KINDERHOOK—The tanker truck full of home heating oil that overturned at the U.S. Route 9/State Route 9H traffic circle September 12 was traveling at a speed too fast for conditions, according to State Police at Kinderhook, who investigated.
The accident involved a Long Energy tanker truck that rolled over on its passenger side and spilled the bulk of its 8,000 gallon load of heating oil.
The impact of the rollover caused the tanker to rupture. The driver, Paul Rondeau, 30, of Watervliet, was cited for speed not reasonable and prudent.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that the driver of the tanker will not be charged criminally in the matter, but administratively he will be charged with fourth degree release of hazardous substances to the environment.
The traffic circle was closed for about six hours while New York State Department of Transportation, the Columbia County Highway Department and the Kinderhook Highway Department removed the spilled fuel.
State Police were assisted at the scene by the DEC, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County Office of Emergency Management and numerous local fire departments.
All roadways that were closed due to the fuel spill were reopened shortly after 11 a.m. September 13.
