Best Management Practices Toolbox
Contain and Clean Up Spills |
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There are many activities that have the potential to cause accidental or illegal spills. Proper training and actions can minimize the amount of pollutant discharge to the environment. Activities that have the potential to cause spills include grease handling, waste management, loading and unloading of materials and chemicals.
BMP Objective
The purpose of this best management practice is to prevent spilled pollutants from leaving a property and entering the parking lot, street and/or storm drain system.
Implementation
One of the most important activities to have a plan. The plan should:
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Identify the potential spill areas and activities
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Specify material handling procedures
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Describe spill response procedures
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Provide for spill clean-up equipment and materials
Purchase and maintain spill cleanup materials where it will be readily accessible in the event of spills. In the event of a spill, clean up the spill immediately. Use dry cleaning methods if possible – this includes, absorbents (kitty litter, other commercial absorbents – see below), brooms, dustpans, shovels, sweepers, etc. Spread the absorbents on the spill and allow the material to soak up the spilled liquids. Use a broom, shovel or sweeper to sweep up the material and dispose of properly in a trash can.
If water is used, use as little as possible. Use rags for smaller spills and absorbent materials for larger spills. If the material is hazardous, contact the appropriate reporting agency and take appropriate cleanup and disposal actions.
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Limitations
Hazardous material should be cleaned up and disposed of properly by a professional – contact your local agency for specific requirements.
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