water pollution | Spill Containment Blog

What Are Booms For Oil Spills?

April 5, 2022 by Travis Zdrazil

What happens when an oil tanker runs aground or breaks apart? The answer is quite simple: Oil spills.

Oil spills are a common occurrence in the shipping industry. In fact, they occur every year around the globe and can cause serious damage to marine life and ecosystems.

oil containment boom near ship — Non-absorbent spill boom in harbor

Naturally, when an oil spill does occur, it is a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This means that solutions need to be found for containing the spill and hopefully recovering some portion of the lost oil.

Containment booms are one of the most common emergency response measures for dealing with an oil spill.

If you aren’t sure what a containment boom is, or how it works, then you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will be telling you everything you need to know about oil spill containment booms. And how they can help to mitigate the environmental damage incurred by oil spills.

What Is A Containment Boom?

A containment boom is basically a long piece of floating material that has been designed to contain an oil slick.

The main purpose of a containment boom is to prevent the spread of oil across large areas of water. By acting as a temporary floating barrier that can contain the spill.

Booms are made from very durable, light-weight materials which will float on water. For example, impermeable PVC fabric and foam flotations.

Containment booms come in different shapes and designs but share similar elements. Including a “freeboard” and floatation device that sits on and above the surface of the water. Which helps contain the oil and prevent it from splashing over the top of the boom.

Below the floating section, there is normally a curtain of waterproof material called the “draft” or “skirt”. This part sits below the surface of the water to prevent the oil spill from moving underneath the boom.

To weigh the draft down and keep it in place, there is often a ballast chain threaded through the bottom.

Sections of boom can have chain connectors wrapped in plastic to prevent oil slipping through the gaps.

Different types of boom design mean they can be easily deployed or towed from vessels such as ships and barges. Oil spill response booms may also be fixed to structures like a pier or buoy.

Different Types Of Containment Boom

Not all oil spills will take place out at sea. Therefore, spills in other bodies of water need different types of boom specific to the water conditions.

The three main types include:

Fence booms with a higher freeboard and flat floatation that makes them ideal for use in calm waters.

Curtain booms featuring more round floatations and a continuous skirt that is suited to rough waters.

Inflatable booms which perform well in fast water but can puncture and deflate more easily.

For spills that occur in fast water, like rivers, booms that have a high tensile strength are required. This helps with stability to prevent them from moving with the current.

Often these booms will have a special cable running throughout their length, so they can withstand greater water pressure without moving or breaking.

If a spill occurs in calm waters, like a pond or stream, fence booms are typically used. These are made from flat panels that can be rolled up and stored on a boom reel. Which means they can be deployed much faster and more efficiently.

Some booms are made out of special materials that are designed to absorb oil out of the water as well as prevent it from spreading. Absorbent booms are mostly used in situations where the oil does not need to be reused after it has been removed from the water.

A sorbent boom can be used in conjunction with a conventional boom to make sure that the affected area of water definitely won’t spread.

containment booms non-absorbent and absorbent booms — *Oil containment boom with oil absorbent booms*

How Does A Containment Boom Work?

When an oil spill occurs, the first thing that must happen is to stop the flow of oil so that it doesn’t get into the surrounding waters.

Once this has been done, the next step is to try and contain the oil within the area where it was spilled. To do this, a containment boom is deployed.

These booms are usually constructed out of plastic composites that will float on the surface of the water.

Since oil is less dense than water, any spill that occurs will most likely sit on the surface of the water. This is why the booms don’t need a very long draft to effectively contain the pool of oil.

Provided the boom is deployed in good time, it can be placed around the spill to prevent it from spreading to other areas of water.

Once the oil has been contained, it is then pumped out of the area using skimmers, vacuums, and other similar devices.

How To Remove The Oil Once It Has Been Contained?

It is important to deploy a containment boom as quickly as possible after an oil spill has occurred. This is essential to make sure that the spill doesn’t spread and pollute sensitive areas like coastline habitats.

Once the booms have been deployed and the oil slick has been contained, it needs to be removed from the water.

Skimmers or oil scoops can be used to take the oil off the surface of the water. This method is often great for removing the oil, so it can still be re-used afterwards.

Sometimes material called sorbents will be used to absorb the oil into a porous material, or adsorb it onto the surface of an object.

In some extreme situations, the oil is burnt away from the surface of the water. This method is highly effective, and burning will often remove up to 98% of the oil from a given area. However, since none of the oil is recovered it is often saved as a last resort.

Conclusion

Oil spills are one of the biggest threats to marine life in our oceans.

They can cause huge damage to the environment, and even lead to human deaths if left unchecked.

As such, they need to be dealt with as quickly as possible when they occur.

Oil spill booms are a vital piece of equipment for containing spills and making sure that they can be dealt with before they spread to other areas of water.

Booms won’t necessarily remove any of the oil, unless they are the absorbent kind. But they will buy the authorities and oil spill cleanup responders valuable time for dealing with the situation before it can get worse.

Berms Offer Flexibility for Storm Water Pollution Prevention

March 2, 2021 by Travis Zdrazil

How spill barrier dikes protect your drain from hazardous materials

Berm dikes act as a flexible spill diverter or blocker to protect drains

Sometimes a spill doesn’t just need to be absorbed, it needs to be contained — or even redirected. For example, depending on the severity of rainfall, stormwater runoff might be impossible to fully contain. Which can cause major contamination risks for stormwater drainage systems and, in turn, the environment.

This case would be the perfect application for a dike to redirect a spill. In this situation, a dike can also aid compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In other words, meet EPA guidelines to keep hazardous materials out of stormwater systems. Being an essential aspect of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of these useful spill barrier blockers and diverters. And why reusable dikes are an essential tool for any facility where employees handle pollutants or waste. To protect your drains indoors, or out.

What is a spill barrier and how does it work?

Spill containment berms come in many forms. But, they all serve the same purpose: to create a barrier that confines chemical liquids in the event of a spill or leak. This allows for easier spill clean-up, as well as preventing potential environmental pollution.

Easily shape a spillblocker dike to confine or divert liquids

Some portable berms act like a large catch basin that captures and holds a spill. However, a non-absorbent spill control dike acts like a flexible wall barrier for liquids. Which allows you to trap or guide a spill without necessarily enclosing it.

In short, a secondary containment spill berm is like a large container with side walls and a bottom. Whereas a spill barrier dike allows you to create a liquid-proof curb seal in any shape you require.

Use spill barriers to channel spills away from drains. Or, create a curb around puddles and prevent a floor slip hazard. They also offer excellent spill control to prevent washdown fluids from spreading during maintenance.

Selecting the best spill barrier solution

To choose the right spill containment product, it’s important you examine the application for your berm. And select one that meets all your needs. For example, the size of the spill barrier will depend on the volume of the liquid you’ll need to contain.

A small tabletop dike creates a leak-proof zone for lab spills

We offer berm dikes small enough for tabletop samples or chemical testing stations. As well as up to 10 feet long for larger drainage system protection applications. Need to fit a weirdly shaped space? Pliable dikes are easy to bend, so they can fit any curve or angle.

After a spill dike with more than 10 feet of barrier wall? Our dike connectors let you combine 10-foot lengths (or any of the other lengths we offer — they’re all so easy to connect!) into whatever size you need.

Safe storage of your barrier dike

This storage case prevents a urethane dike from sticking to itself

You should always store your spill barrier near the areas where it will most likely be necessary. In case of surprise spills or weather events, this ensures it is available quickly and efficiently. Luckily, our spill dike storage case makes it easy to protect and store any berm barrier, including the 10-foot length option.

Since polyurethane is tacky, unlike PVC, a barrier will stick to itself if not stored properly. But our spill dike storage case features dividers to keep your berm from doing so.

These heavy-duty spill dikes are completely reusable. Easily clean them with soap and water to prepare them for future uses. By correctly cleaning and storing them between operations, these important tools are sure to be great investments. And provide years of trouble-free service.

Check out our different berms and the handy spill dike storage case on our website.

Drive-over spill barriers

Until now, we’ve been talking about barriers for more temporary uses. However, in some situations, you need a spill containment product that remains in place. Or, allows trolleys or vehicles to pass across the barrier.

Compressible foam walls allow wheels to easily pass over this spill barrier

In these applications, you may want to try our build-your-own berm kit or drive-over spill barrier. You use sealant to fix these non-absorbent spill barriers and connectors to the floor. This means they can be a great option for outdoor use as well as rough surfaces.

These spill solutions let you create a custom-size barrier where you need one. For instance, to create a curb that encircles your warehouse floor drain. Or, around your IBC or drum pallet storage zones. They are also a great way to prevent liquid from flowing in — or out — of your facility’s vehicle entrance.

Your spill control and clean-up specialists

Find out for yourself why Absorbents Online has such high customer reviews. We offer a full range of secondary containment and SPCC environmental protection solutions. Check out our absorbents, spill kits, and more at competitive prices.

Have questions about which berm dike is suitable for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of August 9, 2016

Storm Drain Covers: Are They Really Necessary?

December 16, 2019 by Travis Zdrazil

4 Reasons Why Drain Covers Make Good Business Sense

This drain grate accepts rain water along with other pollutants, too

It’s a common assumption among industrial businesses that storm drain covers are more of a ‘luxury’ rather than an actual need. After all, what’s the point of covering your storm drains if there’s no reservoir, river or other body of water nearby?

It’s this type of mentality, however, that leaves businesses vulnerable. In fact, storm water pollution is a very serious issue. It falls under governing protection of the federal law’s Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works with state and other regulatory partners to monitor compliance. Act breaches can lead to EPA fines and even prosecution in instances of severe violations.

Therefore, facilities must take measures to prevent operational pollutant discharge into storm-water runoff with drain covers. This applies particularly for commercial, industrial and construction businesses. Common hazmat pollutants include building site debris, sediment, and pesticides or cleaning chemicals.

Simply put, having provisions in place to protect your storm and trench drains from contaminants is a smart move. Especially for companies operating equipment or undertaking services in outdoor locations.

So, to learn more about drain covers and four reasons why they are necessary for your business, keep reading.

1. Storm drain covers prevent environmental contamination

Covering a drain is a simple way to prevent storm water pollution at your site

The sole purpose of a drain cover is to prevent environmental contamination. You have to realize that any chemicals or hazardous materials which travel down the drain end up somewhere — usually in the closest body of water.

Rainwater typically carries through drains to the nearest lake, stream or ocean. But, unfortunately that means other pollutants can also make their way down the drain and end up in the water ways, too. This puts the health of aquatic ecosystem flora and fauna at risk.

Taking the time to cover your drain is a simple way to prevent environmental contamination from any chemicals your business uses.

2. Drain covers help keep drinking water sources safe

Storm water pollution puts drinking water sources and public health at risk

It’s important to remember that our drinking water comes from ground water, streams, rivers, and lakes. That said, protecting such water sources is key to sustaining safe drinking water supplies and public health.

Chemicals flowing down drains directly threaten both the environment and residents living nearby. If the drain runs into a town’s water source, the water may become tainted from the chemicals. There have been several instances where entire cities have fallen ill to chemical runoffs in the tap water.

It’s up to companies to take the initiative to get drain covers and prevent such instances from occurring.

3. Drain covers are cost effective and easy to use

Simply lay a polyurethane cover over a drain grate to temporarily seal it off

It might surprise you to see how easy and simple drain covers are to use. While they come in a variety of sizes and styles, most use a mat-like design that sits directly over the drain.

Using a cover to seal your drains is an effective, temporary solution to stop contaminants reaching the stormwater system. They are a great addition for industrial facility or construction site compliance equipment.

For a small investment of under a few hundred dollars, storm drain products can quickly pay for themselves. One example is through peace of mind, knowing your job site is more environmentally friendly. And compliant!

4. Storm drain covers helps your business avoid fines

If you still needed another reason to use drain covers in your business, here’s one more: they’ll help protect you from fines. The EPA is known to fine businesses that negligently overlook chemical spills and runoff into nearby drains.

Some businesses view this as a nuisance, but it’s necessary to protect the environment as well as the public.

Drain covers 101

The professional-grade stormwater management products available from AbsorbentsOnline.com feature a polyurethane construction. This heavy duty material provides optimal strength, durability and protection.

Choose from many shapes to cover small or large storm drain outlets

Choose from many shapes and sizes to cover small or large storm drain outlets

Below is a short list of just a few benefits that drain seals can deliver.

Key features of storm drain covers

Polyurethane material construction
Fully reversible (use both sides)
Reusable
Create a tough durable seal, preventing the flow of chemicals or other liquids
Come in a wide variety of dia. sizes and shapes
Incredibly easy to use
Lightweight

Your stormwater management product experts

Questions about selecting the best drain seal plus other storm water products? Contact AbsorbentsOnline.com today for advice!

We also stock a wide variety of spill containment and absorbents for your workplace. From containment berms and pallets to spill kits, we offer excellent customer service and products you can rely on.

This is a revision to a post with an original publish date of October 8, 2013

How Does an Oil Containment Boom Work?

October 12, 2019 by Travis Zdrazil

Temporary floating containment for oil spills

oil containment boom near ship An oil containment boom is a large, maneuverable flotation device that’s used to contain an oil or chemical spill within a water area. They help reduce the potential for environmental pollution and assist in recovery operations (using collection equipment like skimmers and vacuums).

Oil is less dense than water, giving it buoyant properties. That means when oil releases into the ocean, it naturally floats to the surface rather than sink to the bottom or hover in the middle. This makes containment booms highly effective at creating a barrier that traps oil in a thick layer on the water’s surface. Any oil that releases into water will travel to the surface where booms are waiting to contain it.

With that said, oil spreads fast on the surface when it’s not contained. The longer first responders wait to deploy oil spill containment booms around the perimeter, the larger the spill area will become. This is why it’s important for response crews to work fast during the initial hours of an oil spill.

After surveying the situation, first responders will layout a perimeter of booms to contain the oil. The goal when dealing with a spill is to create a full circle of booms with no openings or gaps. Once the boom circle is complete, the oil will remain trapped inside where it can no longer continue to spread.

What are oil booms made of?

diagram of how oil containment booms work

Oil containment boom components showing how it works

Booms feature several heavy duty components to stand up to tough marine environments. Impermeable PVC is a high strength fabric common to most booms, often a bright yellow or orange for high visibility. It acts as a skin around the foam flotation chamber which sits above the water surface (the freeboard). Boom floats provide buoyancy and come in different shapes, including flat rectangular (fence booms) or round cylinders (curtain booms).

PVC also forms the skirt that sits in the water and acts as the barrier wall beneath the surface. A ballast chain at the base of the skirt provides weight and bottom tension. This section is known as the boom’s draft.

Slide connectors and pins run down the total height of the boom, linking sections together to form the enclosure shape. Some booms use a tension cable that runs along the top of the freeboard, to provide extra strength in rough water conditions.

Where are oil spill booms in use?

Approximately 1/3 of the world’s oil comes from offshore drilling sites. While most offshore rigs never run into any problems, unfortunately, on occasion damage to either the structure or drill itself results in oil spilling into the ocean. One example that’s all too familiar is the Gulf of Mexico’s infamous Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010.

The number one combat system against spills such as this is the deployment of oil spill containment booms. In both the United States and other countries, regulations require such pieces of equipment are readily available in the event of an unexpected spill.

Boom spill response and control

Containment booms trap oil and marine debris

Containment booms aren’t meant to clean up oil spills. Instead, their purpose is to contain them. Once the spill area is contained, the cleanup crew will then decide on the best course of action to remove the oil. Recovery equipment like oil skimmer machines pull oil from the surface where it’s collected in storage tank containers.

In the Deepwater Horizon spill, hundreds of skimming machines were used to clean up the murky Gulf waters. It also took nearly an 800 mile stretch of oil containment booms to corral the enormous spill.

But accidental spills don’t only happen at sea, they occur in other bodies of water as well. This includes chemical spills into rivers, stormwater discharge in lakes, and oil leaks from boats in canals. Booms can offer effective spill containment and spill control solutions in all these scenarios.

ASTM boom guidelines offer information on selecting equipment for different water body classifications.

Different water areas call for different booms

Oil containment booms come in various shapes, sizes and have specific applications for different water conditions. For example, in fast water environments—like rivers and bays⁠—a high tensile strength boom is necessary. Typically, these booms use a heavy duty tension cable to increase resistance against strong currents. A top tension cable also ensures the boom remains secure in windy conditions and water movement due to boat traffic wakes.

In protected or calm waters (such as streams, swamps and ditches), it is possible to deploy a more lightweight boom design. In these water locations a fence boom with floating flat panels may be an appropriate solution for oil spill response. These structures are often quick to deploy, and compact to store or transport.

Booms are usually available with different height freeboards above the water line. These help keep materials within the boom and reduce splash over for better spill control. Depending on the environment, anchor kits or buoy boom accessories can often assist in deploying and installing an oil boom.

Absorbent vs. Oil Booms

Oil containment (yellow) and absorbent booms (white) can work well together

Some spill cleanup crews may use absorbent booms rather than oil containment booms. Basically, absorbent booms are designed to contain and absorb oil. When the booms are full of oil, they will continue to float on the surface of the water until a crew members picks them up.

Although oil absorbent booms offer a quick and easy way to clean up oil, some crews prefer the simplicity of basic oil spill containment booms. This is particularly the case with recovery operations where oil collection for re-use is the primary objective.

Because both varieties float, it is also an option to use oil absorbent booms (and other oil absorbing products) together to clean up spills.

An oil containment boom is a large, maneuverable flotation device that’s used to contain an oil or chemical spill within a water area. Prepare your business and team to deal with a boat engine leak or spill before it becomes an environmental risk. Talk to AbsorbentsOnline for advice about oil absorbing socks, pads and pillows for marine spills. We’re here to help!

This is a revision to a post with an original publish date of August 29, 2013.

You Can Eliminate Stormwater Pollutants

August 19, 2019 by Travis Zdrazil

Stormwater drains are a leading cause of water pollution

When a storm comes through, rainfall quickly flows over your outdoor loading ramps, staircases, and other paved areas. It’s easy to dismiss any stormwater pollutants that may be washing away with all that rain water.

pollutants in stormwater discharge outlets

It’s not only rain that flows through stormwater drains

But trash, pesticides, pet waste, vehicle drippings and other contaminants you work with easily end up in local waterways through snowmelt and stormwater runoff.

But those are just small amounts, right?

That’s what people thought 50 years ago, too.

In the early 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set up the Clean Water Act after it began to discover just how dangerous stormwater pollutants are. In fact, they’re one of the leading causes of water pollution today.

Over the decades since then, EPA stormwater regulations continue to change, keeping pace with new research and information about water pollution. In fact, as recently as 2017 the EPA issued a new regulation on stormwater permitting.

Why keep contaminants out of our water systems?

A clean water system offers many benefits

In short, stormwater management is essential to preserve water quality and other natural resources in the United States (as well as the rest of the world).

Pollutants in urban stormwater flow directly into our rivers, lakes and streams. That’s right, it doesn’t pass through treatment plant facilities as with storm sewer systems and septic systems. That’s because storm drains need to quickly route rainwater off impervious surfaces. With parking lots and rooftops in urban areas, this helps prevent flooding.

There are many benefits to keeping water-bodies free of harmful contaminants like anti-freeze, motor oil, and heavy metals. Besides protecting public health and ensuring clean drinking water supplies, other positive effects of storm-water pollution prevention include safeguarding delicate wetland ecosystems and aquatic life, as well as conservation of water resources.

How your facility can prevent and control the spread of stormwater pollutants

There are different federal regulations for stormwater discharge, depending on the application — be it industrial, construction, municipal, or transportation. But no matter what sort of work you do at your facility, implementing best management practices is key to preventing and controlling the spread of contaminants through stormwater runoff.

One simple way to control what passes into the water system is monitoring your drainage. Effective drain and stormwater management ensures runoff goes where you want it and that you filter it before it leaves your facility.

Here are some other tips and options for your business to consider:

Construction Sites

A spill containment berm dike can protect your drains

On build sites, preventing loose soil or building materials from entering drainage systems is key. Storm drain filter inserts can be very effective and affordable solutions to stop those pollutants. These units quickly insert into the drain grate to keep sediment, litter, and debris out of stormwater systems.

Of course, you can only filter out pollutants when you can direct runoff into storm drains! If you have rain water going all the wrong ways, you can use spill containment berm dikes to reroute water outfalls where you want it to go.

Industrial Facilities

Covers and plugs prevent contaminants entering drains

Sites handling hazardous materials are often prone to overflows or equipment leakages that can easily cause stormwater pollution. Do you need to temporarily seal a drain while you clean up a spill or leak? A reusable, chemical-resistant drain cover seal or a drain plug can temporarily block a drain until you get the spill under control. Seals and plugs can also keep drains sealed when they’re not in active use and prevent unwanted discharge of fluids.

Has oil ended up in your drain catch basin, despite your best efforts? A passive oil skimmer can solve that problem for you. These free-floating units continually absorb surface water pollutants. They also remain buoyant even when completely saturated with hydrocarbons and are quick and easy to replace.

Maintenance Facilities

Use absorbents on spills to keep drains pollutant-free

Motor oil, grease and anti-freeze are just a few obvious pollutants to be mindful of at automotive and equipment maintenance sites. Ensure you have (and use!) the appropriate equipment like drip pans, absorbents and spill kits on hand. Keep shop floors tidy by sweeping regularly, not hosing them down, and clean up spills promptly.

Spill containment berms offer practical solutions to catch leaks and drips during outdoor maintenance activities. They are also a good option for sites storing equipment outdoors on impervious surfaces, like parking lots, that are prone to oily surface sheen.

Green Options

For businesses operating in mix land use locations, green infrastructure practices (like using rain barrels to collect and store clean water from rooftops or gutters) are becoming increasingly popular. These help limit the volume of water passing into drainage systems and thereby reducing the potential for contaminants to flow with it.

Likewise, rain gardens are a great option for sloping sites or those alongside stream banks. Not only are they attractive to look at, they help absorb pollutants to protect our aquatic habitats.

Stormwater Products and Pollutant Prevention Advice

If you have any questions or need help choosing which stormwater products are right for you and your operations, get in touch with us today.

You can’t control when it rains, but you can control how much your facility contributes to stormwater pollution. With the right products, that rainwater can leave your facility as clean as it was when it arrived!

Want to learn more about stormwater absorbents? AbsorbentsOnline professionals can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a post with an original publish date of April 11, 2017.

Prepare for Spring with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

March 14, 2018 by Angie Meza

Although it’s true that “April showers bring May flowers,” the spring season also significantly increases the possibility of stormwater runoff and pollution. Stormwater runoff occurs when snow melts and rain falls onto nonabsorbent surfaces, creating a body of water that picks up debris, dirt, and other pollutants before flowing into a sewer or natural body of water.

Pollutants collected in runoff can adversely affect the environment, and they can also enter into groundwater systems used for drinking. Once there, pollutants can be almost impossible to remove. Runoff carries pollutants ranging from parking lot oils and greases to hazardous materials from construction sites or industrial facilities.

To ensure they’re doing their parts to minimize stormwater pollution, project managers should establish a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for each site and keep each stocked with the proper prevention equipment.

Plan ahead and minimize pollution

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) stormwater pollution prevention plan guide, the Clean Water Act requires operators with “discharges associated with industrial activity” to maintain water supply integrity. Therefore, they must establish Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) to mitigate possible environmental damage. An SWPPP is a document that identifies industrial activities at each site, including any structural control practices, which the site operator will implement to prevent pollutants from making their way into bodies of water via stormwater runoff.

SWPPP

The EPA requires site-specific SWPPPs. These written documents identify possible sources of pollution, control measures, and quick-response methods. Creating the most effective SWPPP requires several key steps:

Assess all potential stormwater pollution sources.
Select appropriate control measures that minimize pollutant discharge.
Form a pollution prevention team of qualified employees to educate fellow facility personnel on how to implement the SWPPP.
Develop procedures for conducting required inspection and monitoring activities.

After identifying all potential pollution sources, project managers can choose stormwater protection products such as storm drain covers and drain filter inserts to avoid stormwater runoff contamination. Used to block drains, grates, and manholes, these can help site managers avoid and remove runoff without posing pollution risks. As an alternative solution, managers can direct runoff away from potential containments using spill containment berm dikes. If a storm drain or basin already contains runoff, site managers can use catch basin oil skimmers to continuously absorb hydrocarbons such as diesel, oil, and hydraulic oil while repelling water.

With pollution prevention devices in place, educated employees, and a plan for avoiding future pollution, project managers can be well-prepared for protecting the environment — and protecting themselves against EPA enforcement actions.

Ready to set up your first autoshipment of stormwater products so you’re prepared for spring? Contact our sales team at sales@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Do Your Part: Stop Runoff Pollution with Drain Guards

November 24, 2015 by Travis Zdrazil

Storm water pollution is a growing concern on both local and national levels. Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snow flows over non-absorbent surfaces. Such as driveways, sidewalks, and roads. These surfaces prevent the water from soaking into the ground, like it would on natural dirt or grass areas.

The real issue isn’t simply that runoff exists. The problem is that storm water picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants which then flow into a sewer system. Or, directly into natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Anything that enters a storm sewer system then discharges into the bodies of water that we use for swimming, fishing, and even drinking water.

This polluted runoff can adversely affect plants, fish, other animals — and, yes, even people. Which is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations governing clean water.

There are a few major problem areas when it comes to storm runoff. For example, parking lots are a huge source of pollution. Cars and trucks drip oil and grease, which then carry into catch basins by rain water. Vehicle storage and service areas can sometimes be even worse than parking lots in terms of the oil and grease contaminants. Construction sites and industrial sites are hotbeds of vehicle and equipment fluids. And, of course, the loose dirt found at most construction sites is easily carried away into our sewer systems and natural bodies of water.

How Drain Guards keep runoff clean

Do your part in preventing storm runoff from carrying contaminants into local sewers and rivers — invest in the Drain Guard.

Drain Guard is a simple device with a design that fits most drain catch basins. A metal grate holds the guard in place so that it can filter out coarse sediments, oil, grease, litter, and debris from storm water.

Drain Guards are available in three models, based on your needs:

Oil and Sediment Model — This model has a geotextile outer material that removes oil and grease from water as it passes through the Drain Guard.
Oil and Sediment Plus Model — This model is the same as the Oil and Sediment Model. Except it also contains X-Tex absorbent filter strips to more effectively remove oil and grease.
Trash and Debris Model — This model’s design is specifically to catch larger items. Such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and paper goods.

Protect your local water systems and storm sewers. Install Drain Guards today and help eliminate storm water pollutants!

Have questions about which Drain Guard is right for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

Alpha Natural Resources Agrees To $27.5 Million Fine For Violations

March 19, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Large oil spill.

Alpha Natural Resources, one of the country’s largest producers of thermal coal, agreed to a $27.5 million fine along with an additional $200 million used to clean up their coal plants and mines throughout the Appalachian region. The company is accused of polluting streams, rivers, tributaries and waterways with coal ash and other byproducts on numerous occasions.

The settlement includes the largest fine ever imposed for water pollution violations. Water pollution is a serious problem, and the recent incident involving the chemical spill in West Virginia’s Elk River has reinforced the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions. Although the Elk River spill has since been cleaned up, the state continues to suffer from lower tourism as a result of the incident.

According to officials with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Alpha Natural Resources and over a dozen of its subsidiaries violated water pollution limits an estimated 6,000 times between 2006 and 2013. The lawsuit claims the coal-producing company drained heavy metals, toxins and chemicals into 800 pipes which led directly to nearby water sources. The good news is that none of the 6,000 violations were believed to have contaminated drinking water.

Most of the allegations against Alpha Natural Resources include the company’s failure to properly maintain functional wastewater treatment facilities. Rather than treating their coal byproducts, they simply drained it into nearby streams, rivers and tributaries. Some of the pollutants Alpha Natural Resources is believed to have released into nearby water sources include aluminum, selenium, iron and manganese.

It’s likely West Virginia’s chemical spill prompted the EPA to take a more aggressive approach towards the protection of our nation’s waterways. Allowing companies to continue to violating water permits without consequence sends the wrong message. And in this case, Alpha Natural Resources had a mind-blowing 6,000 violations in just a 7-year period.

“The unprecedented size of the civil penalty in this settlement sends a strong deterrent message to others in this industry that such egregious violations of the nation’s Clean Water Act will not be tolerated,” said Robert G. Dreher, acting assistant attorney general for the U.S. Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

It’s also important to note that the lawsuit placed against Alpha Natural Resources was civil, not criminal. Along with the $27.5 million fine and the additional $200 required to clean up their act, the company must install wastewater treatment facilities at its 79 coal mines and 25 coal plants in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Toxic Coal Ash Pollutes N. Carolina River

March 1, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Pile of ash It seems like we were just talking about the massive West Virginia chemical spill the other day. Now, however, there’s news of yet another chemical spill. This time involving an estimated 50,000-82,000 tons of toxic coal ash leaking from a Duke Energy power plant and spilling into nearby river.

The power plant where the incident had occurred was actually shut down. It wasn’t until a security guard performing a routine check of the premises noticed the leak and contacted authorities. Duke Energy sent hundreds of officials to the site in an effort to contain the leak. According to the latest reports, though, workers have not successfully plugged the leak, meaning there’s potential for even further coal ash spilling into the public’s water sources.

Duke Energy issued a response to the public saying they were working around the clock to try and fix the leak.

“We are exploring multiple options to permanently and safely seal the broken stormwater pipe that has released ash into the river. Flow to the river significantly decreased throughout the day Tuesday. It fluctuated a bit earlier today but has been very low this afternoon,” said Charlie Gates, senior vice president of the generating fleet.

While the size and scope of this chemical leak is yet to be determined, early reports suggest an estimated 50,000-82,000 tons of coal ash along with 27 million gallons of contaminated water. The end result is a murky toxic sludge that has both residents and city officials concerned. Some of the toxic chemicals believed to be present in the toxic sludge include lead, mercury, arsenic and selenium — all of which you do not want to find in your tap water.

The small town of Danville, North Carolina is placed at the highest risk for water contamination due to this recent spill. The toxic coal ash sludge leaked into the Dan River, which the town uses for its municipal water system. Preliminary tests show the water is still safe for human consumption. “We’ve done some testing, and it’s been verified that there is none of the heavy metals coming downstream,” said David Stiles, specialist at the Danville Water Treatment Plant.

Of course, residents remain dubious over claims their water is safe to drink. City officials have taken steps to both filter and redirect water, but with such a large quantity of toxic sludge seeping into the town’s water, some people here are resorting to bottled water.

West Virginia Chemical Spill Declared an Emergency

January 10, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

On Thursday morning, West Virginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency in the wake of a massive chemical spill of 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol in the Elk river. Due to the size and scope of this spill, President Obama also stepped in to offer federal help, expanding the emergency declaration from five counties to nine.

Nearly 300,000 West Virginia residents are being told to completely avoid the municipal tap water system until the spill has been properly cleaned. This means no bathing, brushing teeth, making coffee, and of course no drinking the tap water. Governor Tomblin stated that tap water form these nine counties should only be used to flush the toilet and put out fires.

Local police officers stood guard around supermarkets and convenience stores as residents rushed to buy bottled water. “Right now, our priorities are our hospitals, nursing homes and schools. I’ve been working with our National Guard and Office of Emergency Services in an effort to provide water and supplies through the county emergency services offices as quickly as possible,” said governor Tomblin.

The National Guard is also preparing to enter the region for support. Their goal is to aid residents by providing them with fresh bottled water along with food and other necessary supplies.

So, just how much of a danger does the chemical spill pose to residents? The chemical, 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, is used in the production of coal. A spokesperson from the state’s Environmental Protection Department said that while 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol isn’t toxic, it is harmful if ingested. And since the Elk river is one of the region’s main water sources, there’s a good chance of this potentially harmful chemical reaching tap water supplies.

According to reports, the 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol foaming agent began leaking from a 48,000-gallon tanker upstream at a nearby chemical storage facility. Officials have yet to disclose the amount of chemical leaked into the river. Scientists and crews are currently examining the area to determine the best possible course of cleanup. As you can see in the photo above, booms are being used to help contain the chemical spill.

Unfortunately, incidents such as this are an all-too-common occurrence. There’s no word yet on the total cost of this spill, but it will likely go well into the millions, as businesses are closed, schools are closed, and the National Guard is sent in for help.