What does "spill containment" involve?

"Spill containment" specifically refers to the strategies and materials employed to control and limit the spread of hazardous substance spills. This process is crucial in minimizing environmental damage and protecting public health during a hazardous material incident. Effective spill containment involves using barriers, absorbents, and other tools designed to confine the spill area, preventing the hazardous substance from seeping into soil, waterways, or reaching other sensitive areas.

Containment strategies may include various techniques such as diking, trenching, or applying absorbent materials to quickly halt the flow of the spilled substance. The objectives are not only to restrict the spread but also to facilitate the cleanup process, thereby lessening the overall impact of the spill. This direct approach is what differentiates spill containment from other related concepts, such as financial policies or training programs, which, while important in their own right, do not specifically deal with the immediate actions taken to manage a spill incident.