Emergency Response & Spill Containment Flashcards

Under EPA regulations, what is the maximum volume of a spill that can occur before the owner/operator must report it to the implementing agency?

Answer: Less than 25 gallons

Spills of less than 25 gallons that are immediately contained and cleaned up do not require reporting to the implementing agency.

When a release is confirmed from a UST system, which action must be taken FIRST according to EPA 40 CFR Part 280?

Answer: Take immediate action to stop, contain, and mitigate the release

Owners/operators must immediately act to stop, contain, and mitigate the effects of the release before proceeding with notification and assessment steps.

Which type of absorbent material is PROHIBITED for use in cleaning up a petroleum spill near a storm drain?

Answer: Sand or kitty litter that will be washed into the drain

Sweeping contaminated absorbent material into a storm drain creates a secondary release and violates clean water regulations.

A UST operator discovers product in a monitoring well. What does this finding indicate?

Answer: A release has likely occurred from the UST system

Product found in a monitoring well is a confirmed indicator of a release from the UST system requiring immediate corrective action.

Which agency must be notified if a spill results in a sheen on a nearby surface water body?

Answer: The National Response Center (NRC) under CERCLA

Any discharge causing a sheen on navigable waters must be reported to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 under CERCLA and the Clean Water Act.

What is the purpose of a spill bucket (also called a spill containment manhole) on a UST fill pipe?

Answer: To catch product spilled during delivery before it reaches the environment

Spill buckets are designed to catch small amounts of product that drip or spill at the fill point during tank delivery operations.

After an emergency response to a UST spill, contaminated PPE and cleanup materials must be disposed of as:

Answer: Hazardous waste according to applicable federal and state regulations

PPE and absorbents contaminated with petroleum products are typically classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to RCRA and state hazardous waste regulations.