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■ Keep gas containers out of direct sunlight. <br /> ■ Always open and use gasoline containers in a well-ventilated area. <br /> Safe Storage <br /> Gasoline moves quickly through soil and into groundwater. Therefore, store and use gasoline <br /> and fuel equipment as far away from water wells as possible. <br /> ■ Store no more than 10 gallons. <br /> ■ Keep a closed cap on the gasoline container. <br /> ■ Store the gasoline in a cool, dry place. <br /> ■ Store at ground level, not on a shelf. Ground-level storage minimizes the danger of the <br /> container falling and spilling. <br /> ■ Do not store gasoline in a vehicle's trunk, where it could explode from heat or impact. <br /> ■ Fill cautiously. <br /> ■ Always use a funnel and/or spout to prevent spilling or splashing when fueling portable <br /> and mobile equipment. <br /> ■ Always fuel outdoors where there is good ventilation to disperse the vapors. <br /> ■ Fuel equipment on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt, rather than on soil or water, <br /> ■ Portable cans and fuel tanks should be removed from the vehicle and filled while on <br /> the ground. A secondary containment device under the tank ensures even better spill <br /> protection. <br /> Avoid Spills <br /> Spilled motor fuels impact the environment through evaporation into the air, diffusion <br /> into the soil, and releases into groundwater. Each year, Americans spill more than 9 mil- <br /> lion gallons of gasoline—the equivalent of an oil supertanker. The environmental impacts <br /> of improper handling, storage, and disposal of gasoline largely stem from sloppy filling of <br /> small engines, using inappropriate containers, overfilling motor equipment engines, storing <br /> gasoline in open containers, and disposing of excess gasoline improperly. If a spill occurs, <br /> use kitty litter, sawdust, or an absorbent towel to soak up the spill, then dispose of it <br /> properly. <br /> Safe Disposal <br /> Do not dispose of gasoline down the drain, into surface water, onto the ground, or in the <br /> trash. Use the local hazardous waste collection and disposal location for safe and convenient <br /> disposal of excess or old gasoline. <br /> For more information go to the US Environmental Protection Agency website on gasoline <br /> standards and programs: www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/gasolinefuels/. <br /> 82 <br />