Chemical Spills
Wisconsin's 24-Hour Spill Emergency Hotline:1-800-943-0003
| When a spill occurs, there are a number of response actions that can be taken to mitigate the spill. These actions can vary depending on whether the spill is on land or on water, and include mechanical as well as chemical and/or biological methods. For most spills, regardless of whether they are on land or water, mechanical containment and recovery of the spilled material is the typical response. Spills on Water When spills reach the water, mechanical containment and recovery equipment used to collect spilled material include:
Chemical and biological methods are also marketed for use in conjunction with mechanical means for containing and cleaning up certain types of spills. These methods are most commonly used for oil spills in marine environments, not fresh water environments. Chemical and biological agents are federally regulated for use on oil spills in the water. These regulations are found in Subpart J of the National Contingency Plan (NCP), which is available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) web site at www.epa.gov/oilspill/ncp/. The NCP establishes the process for authorizing the use of the following:
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Spills on Land For spills that are contained on land, responders may use mechanical and/or chemical/biological methods they determine necessary when an emergency involves fire or imminent threats to human health. There is no specific law in Wisconsin that addresses the use of these types of products. However, the department urges caution in the use of chemical and/or biological agents as these materials are considered hazardous substances if allowed to enter the waters of the state (including storm sewers). Any chemical or biological agent used must be contained and collected along with the spilled material for proper disposal. Hazardous Substances Defined in s. 292.01(5), Wis. Stats., as “any substance or combination of substances including any waste of a solid, semisolid, liquid or gaseous form which may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness or which may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment because or its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics.” Additional Information |