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3 ) Beginning ontainment -- The containmt_,t procedure is the <br /> _ step which will determine the method of cleanup. Early <br /> and sensible containment will keep the spilled material <br /> in as small an area as possible, thus making the cleanup <br /> easier. <br /> Containment Procedures <br /> Spilled material flowing toward a diversion ditch or water <br /> channel can be contained by constructing an earthen dam. If water <br /> is flowing in the stream, a surface barrier may be constructed that <br /> _ contains oil while allowing water to pass unimpeded. Chicken wire <br /> mesh, porous filter material such as erosion control fabric, nylon <br /> or plastic netting, may be placed in the stream to a depth of 6-12 <br /> inches, to be staked into or strung across the stream channel. <br /> With any type of boom, efficiencies decrease if stream flows <br /> are greater than 1.5 feet per second. When stream flows are <br /> greater than 1 . 5 feet per second, a deflection boom may be set up <br /> to divert the oil to a quiet area. <br /> Examples of containment devices are illustrated in Figures <br /> 3 . 1-3 . 5. Experience has found that baled straw is one of the best <br /> materials available to control oil. However, any combinations of <br /> materials and boom configurations should be tried to contain an oil <br /> spill. <br /> Sorbents <br /> Sorbents are oil scavengers or cleanup agents which absorb <br /> oil. Some examples of sorbents available in an emergency are <br /> straw, hay, tree bark, saw-dust, peatmoss, dry pumice, textile <br /> scraps, feathers, charcoal, and expanded perlite. The product, <br /> whatever it may be, must float under all conditions. <br /> — These items are only effective on a relatively calm body of <br /> water and, if allowed to remain in the water, will eventually <br /> become waterlogged and sink. <br /> Sorbents should be used mainly as the polishing agent to <br /> remove the slick after booming and skimming have removed most of <br /> the oil. <br /> Sorbents placed upstream of a boom will increase its <br /> effectiveness in faster water currents. Also, a series of wire <br /> mesh barriers containing hay or straw behind it will collect oil in <br /> stream currents of up to 2-3 feet per second. <br /> _ The proper disposal of the contaminated soil or sorbent <br /> materials is very important. The Plant Superintendent must be <br /> contacted to assist in the selection of the best disposal method. <br /> — 11 <br />