Spill/Release Response

Proper cleaning of spills depends on the type and volume of the material involved. Users can immediately clean up small spills of low hazard materials. If you are unsure, contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359.

Larger spills, or spills involving more hazardous items, may require EH&S or Ames Fire Department assistance. Read more detailed information on spills here: https://www.ehs.iastate.edu/research/laboratory/spills-leaks.

A properly stocked spill control kit shall be available in each laboratory. Spill kits are available at Central Stores or safety equipment suppliers. Ensure that the spill kit location is marked with a sign (available from EH&S). In lieu of purchasing a kit, personnel may choose to assemble a kit. A guide for spill kit assembly can be found here. The spill control kit must contain appropriate neutralizers for acids and bases stored in the laboratory.

University personnel play a key role in protecting our waterways from chemical contamination. Spill kits should be maintained in laboratory spaces Chemicals may not be poured or dumped into sanitary or storm drains, in garbage cans or dumpsters, or onto the ground.

The following publication is available at your request; call EH&S at (515) 294-5359.

Flowchart image of incident response procedure

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure

The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule includes requirements for oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response to prevent oil discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. The rule requires specific facilities to prepare, amend, and implement SPCC Plans. The SPCC rule is part of the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation, which also includes the Facility Response Plan rule and is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SPCC rules can also apply to farms. Facilities or farms that store more than 1,320 gallons in aboveground containers of oil or oil products, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, or hydraulic oil, are required to comply with the SPCC rules. The inspection requirements of the SPCC rule are designed to detect oil leaks, spills, or other potential integrity or structural issues before they can result in a discharge of oil to navigable waters of the U.S. or adjoining shorelines. Regularly scheduled inspections, evaluations, and testing of bulk oil storage containers by qualified personnel are critical parts of discharge prevention.

To complete the online course, login to Workday Learning or Canvas (students) for the Spill Control and Stormwater Pollution Prevention training. If you need assistance, please contact ehstrain@iastate.edu.

Please send any questions, comments, or concerns to the EH&S Environmental Programs team at ehs_envprog@iastate.edu.