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Council approves $60,000 appropriation after DPW sanitation truck engine fire and hazardous-material cleanup
Summary
Council accepted a mayoral order to appropriate $60,000 to the DPW sanitation hazardous-waste account to pay for environmental cleanup and related costs after an engine fire on the Massachusetts Turnpike involving a city sanitation truck.
The City Council on Feb. 3 approved a mayoral order appropriating $60,000 to the Department of Public Works sanitation special account to cover hazardous-waste cleanup and related emergency costs after a city sanitation truck experienced an engine fire on the Massachusetts Turnpike.
According to city officials, the truck caught fire while hauling yard waste. The operator stopped on the highway after hearing a pop; the engine compartment caught and the vehicle became “cherry red hot,” Councilors were told. The fire caused release of fuel and hydraulic oil, requiring an immediate environmental remediation response consistent with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and MassDOT requirements.
Assistant to the superintendent John Boyer said the truck was towed by the vendor to a salvage yard to preserve it for insurance inspection and to avoid allegations of tampering. The city has filed insurance claims and intends to seek recovery from the engine vendor that installed a recently replaced engine. “We will be trying to recoup some of these funds directly from the vendor,” Boyer said.
Mayor’s staff explained the appropriation covers emergency remediation contractors and other immediate costs; the city’s insurance company has been notified and reimbursement requests will be filed as allowed under the policy. The appropriation draws on available funds and stabilization reserves to ensure timely payment to contractors who conducted environmental cleanup.
Councilors asked whether the fire source was identified; city staff said the cause remains under investigation. The council approved the order on the mayor’s recommendation.
The appropriation was recorded alongside other mayoral orders addressing emergency management funding and self‑insurance indemnifications for firefighters and police; the council discussed the need for rapid action when environmental or safety incidents occur on a state highway.
