Spurred by operational challenges that involve responding to spills in the environmentally sensitive regions of Alaska, Elastec/American Marine has developed a highly versatile vacuum system that can be towed by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Elastec recently launched this new range of versatile off-road oil spill response equipment. Almost as soon as the machinery hit the company's Illinois plant, it was called into action.

A spill from a ruptured crude oil pipeline had found its way into a local lake. Oil was concentrated in an earth dam and recovered into Elastec's new 110-gallon tracked vacuum tank.

The company says the all-terrain response equipment exhibits:

• The capability to reach sites inaccessible to vacuum trucks.
  
  
• A three-cylinder diesel engine powering a pump that can generate over 300 CFM of airflow and 15" of vacuum.
  
  
• The capacity to suck up oils, mud, sludge and other liquids.
  
  
• Inclusion of a safety relief valve, a cyclonic separator and exhaust.
  
  
• Mounting of the vacuum pump unit and tank on all-terrain tires with walking beam suspension, which permits the equipment to traverse rough ground with ease.
  
  
• Components within the towing limits of most ATV or utility vehicles.
  
  
• A low center of gravity-optional tracks can be added for soft ground, snow or sand.
  
  
• The ability to remove the vacuum tank from the chassis, so it can be used as a trailer for other equipment.