Thursday, July 3, 2014

Why Spill Containment Berms Are So Important In The Fight Against Pollution

By Rosella Campbell


It seems as if this modern world can only function with the aid of oil, chemicals and toxins. Millions of tons of potentially harmful substances are manufactured, stored, transported and used every year. There is always a risk that some of these substances will leak or that an accident will cause pollution. Such accidents can cause untold harm to both humans and the environment. When an accident occurs, the very first priority is to make sure that the spill does not spread. The best and quickest way to do this is to use spill containment berms.

Merely limiting the area that has been polluted by harmful substances is not enough. The substances have to be rendered safe for removal and disposal at a suitably equipped facility. This type of operation can be extremely expensive. Special equipment is required and teams dealing with the pollution have to be specially trained. Sometimes adverse weather or rough terrain makes it even more difficult to deal with the contamination.

Much research has been conducted on the topic of dealing with pollutants and contaminants. Cleaning up operations are now done quicker and more efficient with the use of agents that are designed to either absorb the pollutants or to speed up the natural bio degrading process. This will only work, however, if the pollutants are able to bio degrade or if it can be absorbed by another agent.

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 some cases, especially on bodies of water, spilled substances cannot be treated with agents. Not all chemicals can be absorbed. In these cases machinery very similar to those used to separate milk and cream is used. The pollutants are separated from the water and then sucked into large containers. The containers can then be towed away to suitable disposal facilities.

The laws governing pollution and the way in which spilled chemicals must be treated differs wildly from country to country and even state to state. In some cases authorities simply ignore incidents, especially if the contamination took place in remote areas or in rough seas. Higher priority is given to cases occurring in densely populated areas, tourism hot spots and sensitive environments.

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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