Pollution Prevention - Urban Watersheds: Geology, Contamination, and Sustainable Development - page 444

Other examples of substitution include
• Using paints without VOCs and certain heavy metals
• Using biodegradable oils
• Using paraffin as a lubricant instead of oil
13.3.5.3 Prevention
Prevention of contamination entering the environment can be accomplished through engi-
neering controls. Engineering control methods include release prevention, release detec-
tion, release containment, and release cleanup immediately after a spill.
The following examples (denoted by bullets) highlight some ways activities and opera-
tions can be modified to minimize the potential for the release of hazardous substances to
the environment:
• Evaluating and eliminating potential points of release. Sumps, pits, trenches, floor
drains, and chemical storage and usage areas are common points for hazardous
substance release. Conducting an inventory of these locations and locations of
chemicals present at a facility will assistance in identifying areas where releases
may occur.
Figure 13.3 provides an example of a potential release area and illustrates several prac-
tices that should be avoided, including
• Storing liquid wastes in improperly labeled containers. The center drum on
the left side has a nonhazardous label, yet it is also labeled as containing a
waste solvent.
• Storing liquid wastes in upside down containers.
• Storing liquid wastes on bare ground.
• Storing liquid wastes outside without a roof to prevent contact with stormwa-
ter and corrosion.
• Storing liquid wastes in drums where the structural integrity has been
compromised.
Drums upside
down and not
properly labeled
Bulging top indicates frost
heave or contents under
pressure and drum has been
structurally compromised
Stored on
bare ground
FIGURE 13.3
Improper storage of drums containing liquid waste. (Photo by Daniel T. Rogers.)