Porter County-Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Master Trooper Dave Eggers conducted a random hazardous material (haz-mat) inspection yesterday, Monday, April 7, 2014 evening at 5:45 p.m., at the Valparaiso Toll Plaza, located at I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road) exit 31 at State Road 49.
Eggers inspected the 2007 Ford straight truck owned by Pitt Ohio Express LLC out of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and driven by James C. Rommen, 42 of Aurora, Illinois. Eggers discovered during the inspection that there was a fifty five (55) gallon drum that had been punctured; it was also learned that Rommen was aware of the leak and had laid the drum onto its side. This caused the liquid inside the drum to further leak out. The liquid was Hypochlorite Solution, Class 8, a laundry destainer; which can cause severe skin burns and eye damage.
Porter County Haz-Mat team was contacted for repackaging of the drum and cleanup of the spill; approximately twenty-five gallons were lost.
Rommen was cited for no shipping papers for Corrosive Liquid and a leaky load.
The right lane and shoulder were closed for approximately 2 ½ hours for cleanup.
Assisting: Sergeant Wanda Clay, Porter County Haz-Mat, and Toll Road Maintenance
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**Picture #1 is of the straight truck**
**Picture #2 is of the leaking drum**
