By Brooks Morse, Lead Compliance Manager - Arizona West // 2021-01-21
Spill procedures are a part of all SWPPPs (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan). Spill protocol may differ from state to state yet the goal remains the same, to prevent and respond. Most states require an SPCP (Spill Prevention and Control Plan). Both SWPPP and SPCP are in place as soon as construction begins. These plans typically contain the procedures for labeling containers, preventative measures, containing/cleaning spills, notifying appropriate facility personnel, documentation of said spills, and agency contact information.
Every construction site should have a spill kit. Spill kits vary depending on the size of the site, construction type, location, and municipal requirements. For example, a typical 40-acre vertical subdivision construction site may have a container that includes solvents, absorbents, disposable bags, PPE, and equipment to disperse material. While a 600-acre industrial site may have a stockpile of absorbents, containers of solvents, standby equipment designated just for spills, and large BMP type material to contain larger spills. Each site must have the appropriate spill kit available onsite to address the largest possible spill.