Why Spill Containment Berms Should Be Available When Working With Harmful Substances

By Rosella Campbell


Modern society seems to run on chemicals. Tons and tons of various chemicals are manufactured each year. These chemicals have to be stored and transported to where they are needed. It is only logical to accept the fact that mishaps will occur and that pollution will take place. Many pollutants are extremely dangerous and can pose a real threat to both humans and the environment. When pollution occurs, it is vital to do everything possible to contain the harmful substances. To achieve this, spill containment berms are used.

This equipment is very efficient at helping to make sure that pollutants do not spread. However, containing the pollutants is just the first emergency step in the process of dealing with the matter. The pollutants have to be neutralized and removed to a facility that is equipped to deal with the waste. Such operations are expensive and complex, requiring specialist equipment and specially trained operators.

Advances have been made in the field of clean up operations. These days special agents are used. Some of the agents are able to absorb the contaminants while others act as catalyst that speeds up the natural bio degrading process. These agents allow for the contaminant to be removed safely. Unfortunately, not all chemicals and toxins can be absorbed and many do not bio degrade at all.

Scientists and environmentalist alike are delighted with the introduction of a modern agent that not only renders the pollutants harmless, but that also transforms it in a new substance that is economically useful. This substance can be used during the construction of roads and in the manufacture of various products. By selling the substance the cost of cleaning up operations can often be covered.

In cases where the spilled substances cannot be absorbed or transformed, a different approach is needed. If the pollution occurred in a body of water, such as a river, lake or the ocean, special equipment is employed to agitate the water with the aim of separating the chemicals from the body of water. The chemicals are them quickly pumped into large floating containers that can be towed away.

It is problematic that the laws governing the manufacture and transport of potentially harmful chemicals are often vague. When pollution occurs most authorities responsible for such matters will prioritize the cleaning operation in terms of the budget and qualified personnel available. In some cases spillage is allowed to go its natural course without intervention of any kind. Priority is given to sensitive wildlife and densely populated areas.

Morally, every business that deals with potentially harmful chemicals and toxins should do everything possible to prevent pollution and to make sure that they are geared to deal with accidents. Emergency equipment should be available at all times and staff needs to be trained to deal with spillage. It is also necessary to develop emergency plans and procedures and to drill staff in their roles when disaster strikes.

It is a sad fact that humans treat the planet in a shabby manner. Experts warn that human greed is busy destroying the only home we have. It is only right and moral to expect those who are responsible for spillages of toxins and chemicals to accept responsibility for cleaning up the mess.




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