Nviroclean® Emergency Spill Response Plan

Official Protocol Accepted by U.S. EPA Regions 1–10 and 47 State Agencies For Permanent Dry Encapsulation and Rapid No Further Action (NFA)

1. Purpose

This protocol provides a standardized, regulator-accepted method for the emergency response to hydrocarbon spills using only Nviroclean® dry powder and containment socks. The method achieves immediate containment, permanent encapsulation (non-leaching, non-biodegradable), and documented site closure typically within 7–21 days.

2. Scope

Applicable to spills of petroleum hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel, Jet-A, crude oil, hydraulic fluid, etc.) on soil, gravel, asphalt, concrete, or water. Approved for transportation incidents, aircraft crashes, tanker rollovers, UST excavations, and AST/refinery releases.

3. Product Description

Nviroclean® Dry Powder: Non-biodegradable, hydrophobic polymer that permanently encapsulates hydrocarbons on contact. Ratio: 2 cups powder per 1 cup liquid hydrocarbon (typically 8–12 % by weight). Packaging: 1.5 cubic foot bags or 62 cubic foot super sacks.
Nviroclean® Containment Socks: Rapid-deploy booms that stop migration on land or water.

4. Emergency Response Steps (In Order – Do Not Skip)

Step 1 – Safety and Notification (Immediate)

Establish Hot, Warm, and Cold Zones.
Notify National Response Center (1-800-424-8802) and appropriate state agency.
Eliminate all ignition sources.
Don appropriate PPE (minimum Level B or C depending on vapor hazard).
Monitor LEL/O₂ with PID/4-gas meter continuously.

Step 2 – Primary Containment

Deploy Nviroclean® containment socks as the first physical barrier.
“Berm the socks” by stacking or arranging them to form a low dam or raised barrier (e.g., two rows high on slopes or fully encircling the stained area) to prevent any further migration.

Step 3 – Gross Recovery of Free-Phase Product

Use vacuum trucks, pumps, or absorbent pads to recover every drop of recoverable free product first (required by regulators and reduces powder volume needed).

Step 4 – Handling Non-Nviroclean Absorbents (if already used)

If any saturated pads, booms, or granular absorbents are present:

Place them directly into a 1.5 cf Nviroclean bag or 62 cf super sack.
Fill the bag/sack only halfway with the contaminated material.
Add Nviroclean dry powder until all material is fully covered and the bag is ~¾ full.
Seal the bag securely.
Shake/tumble vigorously until no free liquid remains.
Manifest as non-hazardous petroleum-contaminated debris.

Step 5 – Application of Nviroclean® Dry Powder

Apply only after free product recovery is complete.
Application rate: 8–12 % by weight (approximately 2:1 volume ratio powder to residual hydrocarbon).
Approved methods only (NO leaf blowers): – Pour directly from 1.5 cf bags or 62 cf super sacks and rake/shovel in – Hand broadcasting – Push brooms, rakes, shovels – Electric walk-behind seeders or spreaders
Work powder thoroughly into stained soil/concrete until uniform color change is observed.

Step 6 – Cure Period

Allow 24–72 hours dwell time (24 hours sufficient for shallow surface stains; use 72 hours for deeper penetration or very large areas).
Cover with poly sheeting if heavy rain is forecast.

Step 7 – Confirmation Pressure-Wash Test

After cure, pressure wash a representative test area (up to 1,500–2,000 psi is acceptable).
Zero sheen and zero free liquid release confirms permanent encapsulation.
Document with video and photographs.

Step 8 – Recovery of Spent Product

Sweep, shovel, or vacuum the encapsulated material.
Place directly into dumpster or roll-off.
Manifest as “petroleum-contaminated debris treated with Nviroclean® – non-leaching.”
Regular landfill disposal (no incineration or Part B required).