26_NCS000250_NCDOT HSP - Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary

Hazardous Spill Survey
Response Summary
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Highway Stormwater Program (HSP)'s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program (IDDEP)
April 2019
Prepared by:
AECOM Technical Services
1600 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 400
Morrisville, NC 27560
Prepared for:
NC Department of Transportation
Hydraulics Unit and Roadside Environmental Unit
Raleigh, NC

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Table of Contents
1 Introduction........................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 List of Acronyms........................................................................................................1-1
2 Preliminary Summary .........................................................................................................2-1
3 Summary Tables.................................................................................................................3-1
4 Summary of Additional Information.....................................................................................4-1
5 Comparison with NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual...........................................5-1
5.1 Summary of NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual.........................................5-1
5.1.1 Policy and Procedure...................................................................................5-1
5.1.2
Limitations....................................................................................................5-1
5.1.3
Containment.................................................................................................5-1
5.1.4
Other Materials.............................................................................................5-1
5.1.5 Clean-up......................................................................................................5-1
5.1.6 General Spill Response................................................................................5-2
5.2 Comparison with Hazardous Spill Survey Responses...............................................5-2
5.2.1 Policy and Procedure...................................................................................5-2
5.2.2 Limitations....................................................................................................5-2
5.2.3 Containment.................................................................................................5-2
5.2.4 Other Materials.............................................................................................5-2
5.2.5 Clean-up......................................................................................................5-3
5.2.6 General Spill Response................................................................................5-3
6 Conclusions and Recommendations..................................................................................6-1
6.1 Conclusions..............................................................................................................6-1
6.2 Recommendations....................................................................................................6-1
April 2019

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
1 Introduction
AECOM conducted a survey for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Highway Stormwater Program (HSP)'s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program
(IDDEP) to document NCDOT's current procedures for handling roadside spills. The survey
outlined steps NCDOT personnel in each of the 14 Highway Divisions take to address different
types of spill events, including spills with a responsible party and spills without a responsible
party. The survey also identified spill response best management practices that various
Divisions utilize across the state.
To facilitate this task, AECOM created a questionnaire and provided it to each Division through
coordination with the Roadside Environmental Unit (REU). Appropriate Division -level staff
including Division maintenance staff and Division safety officers were included in the survey.
The questionnaire consisted of fifteen questions, some of which had multiple parts. Survey
responses were received from personnel representing each of the 14 Highway Divisions. A total
of 130 completed questionnaires were received.
After receiving completed questionnaires, AECOM also compared the responses with NCDOT's
existing Hazardous Material Spill Response, Environmental Policy and Procedures (EPP
1910.120) for First Responder Operations/ Plus dated January 2000 [also referred to as
NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual]. From these questionnaires, follow-up
conversations, and a comparison of current procedures with recommended procedures outline
in the guidance document, AECOM has produced this Hazardous Spill Survey Summary of
Findings Memorandum. Best practices and procedures identified from this survey may be
shared across the state and/or used as a resource for future staff members.
April 2019 1-1

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
1.1 List of Acronyms
The following is a list of acronyms and abbreviations that are used in the Hazardous Spill
Survey.
ASAP
As Soon As Possible
CARS
Citizen Action Request System
CME
County Maintenance Engineer
DEQ
Department of Environmental Quality
DME
Division Maintenance Engineer
DOT
Department of Transportation
DWQ
Department of Water Quality
EM
Emergency Management
EMS
Emergency Management Services
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
ERG
Emergency Response Guidance
HAZMAT
Hazardous Materials/ Hazardous Materials Response Contractor
IMAP
Incident Management Assistance Patrol (Program)
N/A
Not Applicable
NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
NCDOT
North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCDWQ
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
NCSHP
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
SDS
Safety Data Sheet
SHP
State Highway Patrol
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure
STOC
Statewide Operations Center
TIMS
Traveler Information Management System
April 2019 1-1

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
2 Preliminary Summary
How do you find out about large chemical or tankers spills?
Overall, the top three ways Division staff find out about large chemical or tanker truck spills in
their Division are: Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call), rerouted phone call from another
NCDOT Unit or State Agency, and direct phone call to the Division. Highway Patrol Dispatch is
a top three answer for all Divisions and is found on 78 percent of completed surveys. Rerouted
phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency and Direct phone call to the Division are
found on 55 and 33 percent, respectively.
2. How do you find out about abandoned drums/ containers along DOT highways and
rest areas?
Overall, the top three ways Division staff find out about abandoned drums/ containers along
DOT highways and rest areas are: Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call), visual observation
during routine maintenance activities, and visual observation by chance. Highway Patrol
Dispatch is the top answer found on 61 percent of completed surveys. Visual observation
during routine maintenance activities and visual observation by chance are found on 56 and
36 percent, respectively. The responses to this question are more variable across divisions.
The next three most common responses are rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or
State Agency, direct phone call to Division, and NCDOT's online CARS reporting system
showing up on 35, 33, and 29 percent of surveys, respectively.
3. a) What do you typically do when you arrive at a vehicle accident where damage to
passenger vehicles may have caused some fluid (fuel, oil, antifreeze) to be spilled on
the roadway?
There are varied responses across Divisions for the following questions regarding what Division
staff typically does when they arrive at a vehicle accident that caused fluid to be spilled on the
roadway. The most common responses include applying sand, controlling traffic, containing the
spill, and stating that other entities handle these situations. Some Divisions, including Divisions
3, 7, 9, 10, and 11 indicate that they try to identify and/or quantify the spill. Other Divisions,
including Divisions 3, 4, and 5 indicate that the wrecker service typically handles these
situations. Division 8 indicated that the cleanup is the responsibility of those involved in the
incident.
b) What do you typically do when you arrive at a vehicle accident where damage to
passenger vehicles may have caused some fluid (fuel, oil, antifreeze) to discharge
into the DOT drainage system?
The most common responses from Division staff include blocking ditches, notifying appropriate
personnel within NCDOT, notifying appropriate outside agencies, and contacting spill response
contractors. Division staff from Divisions 12 and 14 notes that they notify NCDEQ. Division 5
staff indicates that they locate any nearby roadway outfalls and that they fill out a report.
4. a) What do you typically do when you arrive at a large chemical or tanker spill on the
roadway?
For large chemical or tanker truck spills, the responses often include contacting outside entities
to handle the spill cleanup, securing the scene, and providing traffic control. Division 1 staff
indicates that they would contain the spill until an outside entity arrives and performs the
cleanup, while multiple other Divisions indicate that they also would contain the spill.
April 2019 2-1

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
b) What do you typically do when you arrive at a large chemical or tanker spill that
discharged into the DOT drainage system?
Responses are similar for spills on the highway and discharges to the DOT drainage system. A
common response to this question that is different from the previous question's responses is
blocking the drainage system. Division 11 staff indicate that they closed the shut off, possibly
indicating that they close the sluice gate on a nearby hazardous spill basin. Division staff from
Divisions 12 and 14 again note that they notify NCDEQ.
5. Have you ever been trained to respond to hazardous spills or contamination sites?
Overall, 48 percent of those who completed the survey indicate that they have been trained to
respond to hazardous spills or contamination sites. Division 10 had the highest percentage of
survey takers that are trained, coming in at 86 percent of those surveyed. In Divisions 2, 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, and 4 less than 50 percent of survey takers indicate that they had been trained to respond
to hazardous spills or contamination sites.
6. Have you ever referenced the NCDOT Hazardous Material Spill Response
Environmental Policy and Procedures?
Overall, 45 percent of those who completed the survey indicate they had referenced this
document. In Divisions 4 and 12, 100 percent of survey takers indicate that they have used this
reference. Responses from Divisions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, and 14 indicate that 40 percent or
less of those surveyed have referenced this document.
7. Do you use any references when responding to a roadside spill, abandoned
container, or noticeable fluid leaking from a vehicle at a rest area or along the
roadway?
Overall, 45 percent of those who completed the survey indicate they utilize references when
responding to spills. Responses varied considerably across Divisions, with a high of
100 percent and a low of 17 percent.
8. What materials and supplies do you typically bring when responding to a roadway
spill?
All Divisions indicate that they typically bring sand and absorbent material. Divisions 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 12, and 14 indicate that they bring traffic control devices. Divisions 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12,
and 14 indicate that they bring safety gear or personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or
guidance documents. Divisions 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, and 14 indicate that they bring heavy
machinery such as backhoes and spreaders.
9. What do you do with any used spill response materials once the spill cleanup is
complete?
The most common answers are to dispose of properly and not applicable (N/A) indicating that
other entities are in charge of disposal. Divisions 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 14 each indicate that
they would store it until another entity could collect it for proper disposal.
10. a) Regarding abandoned barrels left along right-of-way, at rest areas, or other
NCDOT property: how often do you respond to requests to handle?
Overall, the most common responses are rarely and never at 51 and 43 percent, respectively.
Only one survey taker in Division 14 indicates that this was a frequent occurrence.
April 2019 2-2

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
b) Regarding abandoned barrels left along right-of-way, at rest areas, or other
NCDOT property: how often are they unlabeled/ unknown contents?
Common responses of survey takers that indicate they have responded to abandoned barrels
said the barrels are usually unlabeled or of unknown contents, with actual results being are
always (15%), frequently (34%), sometimes (14%), and rarely (25%).
11. How do you identify what type of chemical or substance was spilled?
Survey responses indicate that chemicals and substances are identified by container labels/
placards, visual observations, and by contacting entities that specialize in spill response. Some
Divisions indicate that they would take samples of the spilled material in order to identify it,
including Divisions 5, 9, 11, and 14. Multiple survey takers indicate that they err on the side of
safety and do not try to identify chemicals or substances; these include Division staff from
Divisions 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12.
12. During a typical spill where multiple parties are on scene, who typically directs
cleanup efforts?
Based on responses, Local Emergency Management most commonly directs cleanup efforts.
However, it appears that the party that directs cleanup efforts is established on a case -by -case
basis. Responses include: NCDOT/County Maintenance Engineer (CME), Highway Patrol, Fire
Department, spill response contractor, wrecker service, and the trucking company.
13. What do you do if oil has been spilled along the roadway and it appears to be: about
'/2 gallon; about 10 gallons; about 30 gallons; about 100 gallons; causing oil sheen in
a wet roadside ditch; entering a storm drain; contained, but within 50 feet of a
receiving stream or surface water body; contained but is between 50 and 100 feet of
a receiving stream or surface water body; contained, but is more than 100 feet from
a receiving stream or surface water body; or entering a receiving stream or surface
water body?
Based on responses, no clear distinction was made between reportable and non -reportable
spills across the Divisions.
April 2019 2-3

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
3 Summary Tables
1. How do you find out about large chemical or tankers spills?
Highway
Division
Top 3 Answers [% of responses]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [83%]
1
Other [67%]
Visual Observation by Chance [33%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [33%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [100%]
2
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [100%]
Direct phone call to Division [100%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [60%]
3
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [53%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [40%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [100%]
4
Visual Observation by Chance [50%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [50%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [73%]
5
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [53%]
Direct phone call to Division [47%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [53%]
6
Visual observation by chance [47%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [41 %]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [41 %]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [100%]
7
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [80%]
Direct phone call to Division [60%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [85%]
8
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [69%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [38%]
Direct phone call to Division [38%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [100%]
9
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [57%]
Other [57%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [86%]
10
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [43%]
Other [43%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [83%]
11
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [83%]
Direct phone call to Division [67%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [86%]
12
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [86%]
Other [43%]
April 2019 3-1

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Top 3 Answers [% of responses]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [89%]
13
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [56%]
The online CARS reporting system [33%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [67%]
14
Traveler Information Management System (TIMS) [67%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [44%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [78%]
Overall
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [55%]
Direct phone call to Division [33%]
2. How do you find out about abandoned drums/ containers along DOT highways and rest
areas?
Highway
Division
Top 3 Answers [% of responses]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [50%]
1
Visual Observation by Chance [50%]
Other [50%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [100%]
2
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [100%]
The online CARS reporting system [100%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [53%]
3
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [53%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [40%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [100%]
4
Visual Observation by Chance [50%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [50%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [67%]
5
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [47%]
Direct phone call to Division [40%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [71 %]
6
Visual observation by chance [53%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [47%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [80%]
7
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [60%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [60%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [77%]
8
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [69%]
Visual observation by chance [62%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [86%]
9
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [57%]
The online CARS reporting system [43%]
Other [43%]
April 2019 3-2

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Top 3 Answers [% of responses]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [71 %]
10
Visual observation by chance [57%]
Other [57%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [75%]
11
Direct phone call to Division [58%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [50%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [86%]
12
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [71 %]
The online CARS reporting system [57%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [89%]
13
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [56%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [44%]
Direct phone call to Division [67%]
14
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [56%]
The online CARS reporting system [56%]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [56%]
Highway Patrol Dispatch (via 911 call) [61 %]
Visual observation during routine maintenance activities [56%]
Overall
Visual observation by chance [36%]
Rerouted phone call from another NCDOT Unit or State Agency [35%]
Direct phone call to Division [33%]
The online CARS reporting system [29%]
April 2019 3-3

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
3. a) What do you typically do when you arrive at a vehicle accident where damage to
passenger vehicles may have caused some fluid (fuel, oil, antifreeze) to be spilled on the
roadway?
Highway
Division
Responses
• Fire Department typically
• Apply Sand
1
handles
• Contain Spill
2
• Spread Sand
• Traffic Control
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
• Clean-up sand and properly
• Traffic Control
dispose
3
Contact Emergency
• Attempt to identify fluid/ hazard
Management
and amount
• Apply Sand
• Wrecker service typically
handles
• Wrecker service or Fire
• Apply sand or oil dry
4
Department typically handles
• Sweep up sand and take to
landfill
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
• Wrecker service typically
• Apply Sand
handles if small, otherwise
5
Notify Safety Engineer/
HAZMAT comes
County Maintenance
• Contact Emergency
Engineer
Management
• Apply sand
• Call Highway Maintenance
• Fire Department typically
• Attempt to contain and remove
6
handles
spill
• Contact Emergency
• Call Environmental Group
Management
• Identify fluid
• Contact Emergency
7
Call contractor
Management
• Help if needed
• Secure/ safely survey scene
• Apply sand
• Contain spill/ prevent runoff/
• Call County Maintenance Unit
8
use spill kit
• If tractor trailer, advise operator it
• Call HAZMAT contractor, if
is their responsibility
needed
• Fire department or wrecker
• Local HAZMAT handles
9
service handles
• Check area and determine
• Apply sand
spilled volume
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
April 2019 3-4

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
10
11
12
13
14
• Fire Department typically
handles
• Contact County Maintenan
Engineer/ Division Safety
Engineer
• Estimate quantity of spill
• Contact Emergency
Management [contact STAT,
local co.]
• HAZMAT and Emergency
Services handle
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
and then remove
• Contact Emergency
Management
• Contact Regional Spill
Response Contractor, as
necessary
• Fire Department typically
handles (small amounts)
• Apply sand/ absorbents
• Contain leak/ spill
• Assist Fire Department
• Contact Safety Unit
• Contact EMS and STOC
• Contact Regional Spill
Response Contractor, as
necessary
Responses
• Contact HAZMAT Company, as
necessary
ce • Apply sand, at request of fire
department
• Assist with traffic control
• Attempt to identify fluid/ hazard
and amount
• Apply sand
• Apply sand/ absorbents
• Local Emergency Management
typically handles
• Local HAZMAT handles
• Call 911
• Traffic Control
• Apply Sand
• Contain Spill
• Call 911/ Fire Department
April 2019 3-5

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
3. b) What do you typically do when you arrive at a vehicle accident where damage to
passenger vehicles may have caused some fluid (fuel, oil, antifreeze) to discharge into the
DOT drainage system?
Highway
Division
Responses
• Fire Department typically
• Contain spill until responsible
handles
party initiates cleanup
• Ensure responsible party is
• Notify environmental personnel
1
handling containment and
• Follow direction of Emergency
cleanup
Management
• Put out absorbent socks/
pads
• Use sand to block ditches
• Install downstream dam
• Notify Emergency Management
2
Put out absorbent socks/
pads
• Contact Emergency
• Barricade area
Management
• Attempt to identify fluid/ hazard
3
Contact HAZMAT Contractor
and amount
• Call 911
• Contain spill
• Contain with absorbent
• Block ditch with sand if a lot of
material, sweep up, and haul
fluid is spilled
4
to landfill
• Contact Emergency
Management
• Find outfall
• First responders typically provide
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
equipment to control spill
5
Block drainage system
• Contact Emergency
• Notify Safety Engineer/
Management
County Maintenance
• Have towing company cleanup
Engineer
• Fill out report
• Block drainage system
• Call Highway Maintenance
• Apply sand
• Attempt to contain and remove
6
Contact Emergency
spill
Management
• Call Environmental Group
• Contact HAZMAT contractor
• Report to division
7
Call environmental agency
• Fire Department and HAZMAT
• Call cleaning contractor
contractor handles
• Secure scene
• Call County Maintenance Unit
8
Contain spill/ prevent runoff/
• Close gates at HSBs
use spill kit
• Emergency Services usually
• Block drainage system
handles, has contractor on -call
April 2019 3-6

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
12 •
13 •
14
Fire department installs
booms
Notify Division
Environmental Personnel
Contact HAZMAT contractor
Fire Department typically •
handles
Contact County Maintenance •
Engineer/ Division Safety
Engineer
Contact Emergency •
Management [contact STAT,
local co.]
HAZMAT and Emergency
Services handle
Contact Emergency •
Management
Contact Regional Spill
Response Contractor, as
necessary
Block drainage system
Block drainage system •
Contact HAZMAT
Contact Safety Unit •
Contact STOC •
Contact Regional Spill •
Response Contractor, as •
necessary
Coordinate with fire/ police
Responses
• Local HAZMAT handles
• Notify authorities
• Block drainage system (dikes)
Contact HAZMAT Company, as
necessary
Block drainage system
Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
Block drainage system
Contact Division management
and environmental personnel
Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
Local Emergency Management
typically handles and contacts
NCDEQ (Mooresville Office)
Work with environmental
contractor to cleanup
Block drainage system
Contain Spill
Call 911
Notify NCDEQ
April 2019 3-7

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
4. a) What do you typically do when you arrive at a large chemical or tanker spill on the
roadway?
Highway
Division
Responses
• Emergency responders
• Traffic control and assist with
(highway patrol, emergency
detour signage, as needed.
1
management) handle and we
• Ensure responsible party is
assist as needed
handling containment and
• Contain spill until responsible
cleanup
party initiates cleanup
• Contact appropriate personnel
• Spread sand over affected
• Notify Emergency Management
2
area
• Traffic control
• Contact Emergency
• Report to proper authorities
Management
• Attempt to identify fluid/ hazard
3
• Contact HAZMAT Contractor
and amount
• Call 911
• Stay out of harm's way
• Contain spill
• Traffic control
• Work with local responders
• Assess scene and assist as
• Traffic control
4
needed
. Contact emergency services
• Contact safety engineer to get
director
environmental service ASAP
. Apply sand
• Traffic control
• Setup perimeter identify material
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
• Contact Emergency
5
Notify Safety Engineer/
Management
County Maintenance Engineer
• Contact and wait for HAZMAT
• Call 911
• Call 911
• Call Environmental Group
6
Apply sand
• Report to division
• Contact Emergency
• Contact HAZMAT contractor
Management
• Identify material and contain
• Contact Emergency
7
Follow direction of agency in
Management
command
• Fire Department and HAZMAT
Contractor handle
• Contain spill/ prevent runoff/
• Call County Maintenance Unit
use spill kit
• Emergency Services usually
8
Contact Division
handles, has contractor on -call
Representative
• Secure scene
• Advise operator cleanup is
. Contact Emergency
their responsibility
Management
April 2019 3-8

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division Responses
9
10
11
12
13
14
• Assess and secure scene
• Notify Division Environmental
Personnel
• Contact HAZMAT contractor
• Fire Department typically
contacts HAZMAT company
• Contact County Maintenance
Engineer/ Division Safety
Engineer
• Attempt to identify spilled
material and volume of spill
• Contact Emergency
Management [contact STAT,
local co.]
• HAZMAT and Emergency
Services handle
• Apply sand
• Contact Emergency
Management
• Contact Regional Spill
Response Contractor, as
necessary
• Traffic control
• Contact HAZMAT
• Identify material before
handling
• Contact Safety Unit
• Contact STOC
• Contact Regional Spill
Response Contractor, as
necessary
• Local HAZMAT handles
• Notify authorities
• Apply booms
• Contact Fire Department
• Contact HAZMAT Company, as
necessary
• Contact all local agencies
• Monitor and assure the work is
completed
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
• Traffic control
• Contact Division management
and environmental personnel
• Call 911
• Apply sand
• Local Emergency Management/
Fire Department/ HAZMAT
contractor typically handles
• Fire Department and HAZMAT
team handle
• Assist if needed
• Identify material before handling
• Contain Spill
• Call 911
• Traffic Control
April 2019 3-9

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
4. b) What do you typically do when you arrive at a large chemical or tanker spill that
discharged into the DOT drainage system?
Highway
Division
Responses
• Fire Department typically
• Contain spill until responsible
handles
party initiates cleanup
1
• Ensure responsible party is
• Notify environmental
handling containment and
personnel
cleanup
• Follow direction of
• Traffic control
Emergency Management
2
Install downstream dam
• Notify Emergency
• Install filtration measures
Management
• Contact Emergency
• Contain spill
3
Management
• Traffic control
• Contact HAZMAT Contractor
. Report to proper authorities
• Call 911
• Contain spill
• Contact safety engineer to
• Apply sand
get environmental service
4
Contact Emergency
ASAP
Management
• Assist cleanup crew, as
• Assess the scene
needed
• Setup perimeter identify material
• Contact HAZMAT Contractor
• Protect inlet and outlet
• Contact Emergency
5
Contain Spill
Management
• Notify Safety Engineer/ County
• Fill out report
Maintenance Engineer
• Call 911
• Block drainage system
• Call Highway Maintenance
• HAZMAT typically handles
• Call Environmental Group
6
Contact Emergency
• Report to division
Management
• Contain spill
• Contact HAZMAT contractor
• Avoid HAZMAT zone
• Call environmental agency
• Identify material
7
HAZMAT contractor handles
• Contact Emergency
Management
• Secure scene
• Call County Maintenance
• Use spill kit to contain spill
Unit
8
• Apply sand
• Notify safety division
• Block drainage system
• Emergency Services usually
handles, has contractor on -
call
April 2019 3-10

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
• Notify Division Environmental
• Local HAZMAT handles
Personnel
• Notify authorities
9
• Contact HAZMAT contractor
• Contain spill/ apply booms
• Have soil tested and try to
stabilize
• Fire Department contacts
• Contact HAZMAT Company
HAZMAT Company
• Contact all local agencies
• Contact County Maintenance
• Monitor and assure work is
10
Engineer/ Division Safety
complete
Engineer
• Contact Division Hazardous
• Attempt to identify spilled
Material Manager
material and volume of spill
• Avoid hazards (stay back)
• Contact Emergency
• Check, treat, report
Management [contact STAT,
• Block drainage system
11
local co.]
• Contact Division
• HAZMAT and Emergency
management and
Services handle
environmental personnel
• Apply sand
• Close shut off
• Contact Emergency
• Use Spill Kit to Contain Spill
Management
• Local Emergency
• Contact Regional Spill Response
Management typically
12
Contractor, as necessary
handles and contacts
• HAZMAT calls EPA
NCDEQ (Mooresville Office)
• Whoever spilled the chemical is
• Remain outside hot zone
responsible for cleanup
• Traffic control
• Block drainage system
• Work with environmental
13
Contact HAZMAT
contractor/ Fire Department
to cleanup
• Contact Emergency
• Contain Spill
Management
• Call911
14
Contact STOC
• Notify NCDEQ
• Contact Regional Spill Response
• Coordinate with fire/ police
Contractor, as necessary
• Secure area
• HAZMAT typically handles
April 2019 3-11

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
5. Have you ever been trained to respond to hazardous spills or contamination sites?
Highway
Division
#
of Responses
Have referenced
[% of those who completed
surveys]
1
6
50%
2
1
0%
3
15
47%
4
4
75%
5
15
60%
6
17
35%
7
5
20%
8
13
38%
9
7
29%
10
7
86%
11
12
50%
12
7
71 %
13
9
44%
14
9
33%
Overall
130*
48%
*Note: 3 survey responses from Division 3/6 did not list their Division; therefore, the overall
number is greater than the sum of the Divisions
April 2019 3-12

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
6. Have you ever referenced the NCDOT Hazardous Material Spill Response Environmental
Policy and Procedures?
Highway
Division
#
of Responses
Have referenced
[% of those who completed
surveys]
1
6
0%
2
1
0%
3
15
40%
4
4
100%
5
15
60%
6
17
35%
7
5
20%
8
13
31%
9
7
29%
10
7
71%
11
12
83%
12
7
100%
13
9
22%
14
9
22%
Overall
130*
45%
*Note: 3 survey responses from Division 3/6 did not list their Division; therefore, the overall
number is greater than the sum of the Divisions
April 2019 3-13

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
7. Do you use any references when responding to a roadside spill, abandoned container, or
noticeable fluid leaking from a vehicle at a rest area or along the roadway?
Highway
Division
#
of Responses
Have referenced
[% of those who completed
surveys]
1
6
17%
2
1
100%
3
15
40%
4
4
50%
5
15
40%
6
17
41%
7
5
40%
8
13
38%
9
7
57%
10
7
86%
11
12
58%
12
7
71%
13
9
22%
14
9
33%
Overall
130*
45%
*Note: 3 survey responses from Division 3/6 did not list their Division; therefore, the overall
number is greater than the sum of the Divisions
8. What materials and supplies do you typically bring when responding to a roadway spill?
Highway
Division
Responses
1
Material: sand, absorbent booms, spill kit
2
Material: sand, filtration measures (PIG Socks)
Tools & Equipment: sand spreader, loader with sand, traffic control
measures
3
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit
Tools & Equipment: shovels, brooms, backhoe, barricades, cones
Safety/Information: PPE, emergency contact roster
4
Material: sand, oil dry, small response kit, absorbent pads, booms
Tools & Equipment: traffic control measures
5
Material: sand, spill kit, oil dry, wattles,
Tools & Equipment: broom tractor, backhoe, broom, shovel, traffic
control devices
April 2019 3-14

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit
Tools & Equipment: shovels, brooms, rakes, backhoe, spreader,
barricades, cones
6
Safety/Information: goggles, gloves, mask, PPE
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit
Tools & Equipment: shovels, brooms, rakes, backhoe, spreader,
barricades, cones
7
Safety/Information: goggles, gloves, mask, PPE
8
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit, wattles, dirt/sand, absorbent mats
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit, wood shavings
Tools & Equipment: tablet, camera
9
Safety/Information: safety vest
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit, absorbent (cat litter type), kiddy pool,
spill socks, absorbent pads
Tools & Equipment: sand truck
10
Safety/Information: spill response book, Roadway Spill Response:
Guidelines for Spill and Crash Responders, gloves, coveralls, other
safety gear
Material: sand, oil dry, spill kit, absorbents, cat litter, spill socks,
11
absorbent pads, screenings, pillow, drum, approved containment
system/ container
Safety/Information: PPE
Material: sand, absorbent, wattles, kiddy pool
Tools & Equipment: shovels, rakes, broom, non -spark tools, traffic
12
control devices
Safety/Information: gloves, rubber boots, safety glasses, Tyvek suit,
vest
Material: sand, oil dry, dirt, socks
13
Tools & Equipment: sand spreader truck, shovel, basic tools on truck
already
Material: sand, chemical dry, absorbent material, boom, socks, oil dry,
oil sheets, spill kit, wattles
Tools & Equipment: trackhoe/backhoe, dump truck, traffic control
14
devices
Safety/Information: HAZMAT response book, PPE, first aid kit
April 2019 3-15

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
9. What do you do with any used spill response materials once the spill cleanup is complete?
Highway
Division
Responses
1
Dispose of properly
• N/A— no experience, emergency management disposes of materials
2
Reclaim the materials and restore the site
• Dispose of materials to an approved site
• Call a company to pick up
• Call team leader of stormwater
• N/A— we do not clean up hazardous waste spills
• Oil dry is swept up and disposed of properly by collection company
3
Carry to landfill or store them at yard, call HAZMAT team
• Dispose of properly, HAZMAT contractor
• Bag up and put in barrels, get HAZMAT company to dispose of
• Requires spill cleanup staff, remove contaminated material
• Drum up and have HAZMAT contactor pick it up
• Take sand to the landfill. Environmental cleanup service handles their
materials.
4
• See to it that a cleanup company is called to dispose of it properly.
• Leave for environmental cleanup crew to dispose of
• N/A— we do not clean up; environmental company handles that
• Disposal drum, barrels
• Dispose of at a licensed facility or location that can handle it
• Place it in a container and work with safety engineer to dispose of
properly
5
• Dispose of in our recycle box
• Depends on amount and type
• Contain in barrels, barrels picked up by HAZMAT contractor
• Notify appropriate NCDOT personnel
• Pack it into leak proof container
• N/A— emergency management handles the cleanup
• Usually disposed of by HAZMAT contractor
• N/A— we don't clean up spills, emergency management handles
coordination/ calls environmental cleanup contractor
6
Maintenance handles that
• Secure it until pickup
• Dispose of correctly
• Contain and dispose of properly
• Call HAZMAT contractor
7
N/A— Environmental agency handles, HAZMAT contractor handles
• N/A— nothing, picked up by emergency response agency,
professional company cleans it up
8
Store properly for HAZMAT contractor to pick up
• Seal in trash bag/ secure in container for proper disposal
• Dispose of properly
April 2019 3-16

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
• Apply sand, sweep off roadway
9
N/A— Wrecker company/ HAZMAT contractor clean it up
• Haul to proper place for disposal
• N/A— cleanup company disposes of it
• Depending on type of materials, but obtain it and place in drums for
10
more information provide where to discharge it
• Sand is not reused once spread on roadway
• Place in barrels and coordinate for hazardous material collection
• N/A— HAZMAT CONTRACTOR removes, EM handles disposal, no
experience
11
Dispose of properly
• Put in drum and call for disposal pickup
• Stockpile them, silt fence surrounding them, cover with tarps
• Process through local county maintenance facility
• N/A— HAZMAT contractor disposes, allow local response team to
12
clean and remove hazardous material, not NCDOT responsibility/
party causing the incident is responsible for environmental cleanup
• N/A— we do not remove, fire department handles, environmental
13
cleanup company handles
• Give to wrecker service
• N/A— HAZMAT handles
• Dispose of properly
14
Store properly for HAZMAT contractor to pick up
• Coordinate with DEQ, local authorities, disposal contractors
• Report to emergency management
April 2019 3-17

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
10. A) Regarding abandoned barrels left along right-of-way, at rest areas, or other NCDOT
property: how often do you respond to requests to handle?
Highway
Division
Responses
1
Rarely:33%
Never: 67%
2
Rarely:100%
3
Rarely:43%
Never: 57%
Sometimes (once every two months): 25%
4
Rarely:50%
Never: 25%
5
Rarely:73%
Never: 27%
Rarely: 20%
6
Never: 67%
Other (call hazmat): 13%
7
Rarely (3-4 times per year): 75%
Never: 25%
8
Rarely:38%
Never: 62%
9
Rarely:86%
Never: 14%
Rarely: 50%
10
Never:33%
Other (non -frequency answer): 17%
11
Rarely: 67%
Never: 33%
12
Sometimes (several times a year): 17%
Rarely: 83%
13
Rarely:33%
Never: 67%
Frequently: 14%
14
Rarely:43%
Never: 29%
Other (always, if needed): 14%
Frequently: 1 %
Sometimes: 2%
Overall
Rarely: 51 %
Never: 43%
Other (non -frequency answer):3%
April 2019 3-18

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
10. B) Regarding abandoned barrels left along right-of-way, at rest areas, or other NCDOT
property: how often are they unlabeled/ unknown contents?
Highway
Division
Responses
1
Rarely:100%
2
Frequently:100%
Always: 40%
3
Frequently:40%
Rarely: 20%
4
Always: 33%
Frequently: 67%
Always: 11 %
Frequently: 33%
5
Sometimes: 11 %
Rarely: 11 %
Other (N/A): 33%
Always: 50%
6
Rarely: 25%
Other (call hazmat): 25%
Frequently: 33%
7
Sometimes: 33%
Never: 33%
Frequently: 33%
8
Sometimes: 33%
Rarely: 33%
Always: 33%
9
Sometimes: 33%
Rarely: 33%
10
Frequently: 50%
Rarely: 50%
Always: 12.5%
11
Frequently: 25%
Sometimes: 25%
Rarely: 37.5%
Always: 17%
12
Frequently: 33%
Sometimes: 17%
Other (N/A): 33%
13
Rarely:100%
Frequently: 67%
14
Sometimes: 17%
Rarely: 17%
April 2019 3-19

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division Responses
Always: 15%
Frequently: 34%
Overall Sometimes:14%
Rarely: 25%
Never: 2%
Other: 10%
11. How do you identify what type of chemical or substance was spilled?
Highway
Division
Responses
•
By label, if available
•
Reference emergency response guidebook
•
Contact emergency management
1
Ask the driver
•
Look for SDS
•
Obtain vehicle identification and contact owner
•
Call CHEMTREC or if on water Coast Guard
2
Reference tank or container the substance is leaking from
•
Read spill kit instructions
•
Call DOT
•
Container labels/ placard
3
Visual observation for known chemicals
•
HAZMAT contractor will do this
•
Contact emergency management
•
If unknown we don't mess with, call HAZMAT contractor
•
Call environmental cleanup service
4
Treat them all as hazardous
•
Don't, let qualified people do it
•
Emergency Management handles
•
Container label/ placard
•
Visual/ color/ smell/ consistency
•
Taking a sample
5
Call division safety
•
Testing facility, always treat as hazardous
•
Call HAZMAT contractor
•
Do not attempt to identify
•
Coordination with fire department
•
Container label/ placard
•
Usually from HAZMAT team
•
Don't, call emergency management
6
SDS
•
Don't, call HAZMAT contractor
•
Identify chemical from book
•
If unknown, call HAZMAT contractor
•
Call HAZMAT contractor
April 2019 3-20

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
•
Container label/ placard
7
Emergency responder handles
•
HAZMAT contractor handles
•
Depends on motor vehicle fluids and placard identification
•
Container label/ placard
8
Contact county emergency response and HAZMAT, if needed
•
If not easily identified, call HAZMAT
•
Experienced personnel at scene handle
•
Container label/ placard
•
Don't
9
Local HAZMAT handles
•
Testing
•
Environmental company handles
•
Container label/ placard/ shipping papers
•
County or city emergency management, fire department, HAZMAT
10
cleanup company
•
Visual/ smell/ source help to identify the material
•
Special identification is done by hazardous waste professionals
•
Use guidebook to identify
•
HAZMAT CONTRACTORor test kit
•
Visual/ smell/ source
•
Contact county emergency management
11
SDS
•
Container label/ placard
•
HAZMAT Spill Manual
•
Call sheriff is possibly drug related
12
Contact local HAZMAT team, emergency management
•
Don't, either local EMS or HAZMAT crew handle
•
Fire department identifies
13
Call HAZMAT and safety officer
•
County emergency management handles
•
SDS
•
Container labels/ placards
14
Unsure
•
Testing material
•
Emergency management handles
•
HAZMAT handles
April 2019 3-21

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
12. During a typical spill where multiple parties are on scene, who typically directs cleanup
efforts?
Highway
Division
Responses
•
Local emergency management team
1
Fire/ Rescue agencies
•
Highway patrol
2
•
County emergency management
•
DOT and Stormwater agencies
•
First responders until proper cleanup crew arrives
•
Fire Department
3
Competent supervisor with HAZMAT training
•
Emergency management
•
Incident Commander
•
Company who had the spill
•
HAZMAT contractor
•
Emergency management
•
The environmental cleanup service who responds
4
Emergency services will handle initial response, but NCDOT will
contact environmental cleanup contractor to cleanup site
•
If in the road or on the right-of-way we make sure it is done properly.
In our division, the safety engineer follows up with this.
•
Towing company
•
County emergency management
•
HAZMAT contractor
5
Highest level supervisor
•
CME or safety officer
•
First responders/ fire department
•
Incident command or HAZMAT team
•
HAZMAT crew leader with input from on scene DOT
•
Incident commander with oversight from NCDOT
•
Emergency management
•
HAZMAT contractor
6
CME
•
Highway patrol/ fire department/ EMS
•
Properly trained personnel
•
Road maintenance unit
•
Environmental crews
7
Incident commander
•
County response team
•
Emergency Management/ Response/ EMS
8
NCDOT
•
The party responsible for hauling the material
•
HAZMAT contractor
April 2019 3-22

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
•
Fire Department/ Fire Marshall
•
Emergency management/ EMS
•
DOT
9
Truck company
•
Wrecker service
•
Supervisor
•
Incident commander
•
Emergency management
•
Fire department
10
HAZMAT contractor
•
Fire department HAZMAT team until HAZMAT contractor arrives on
site and NCDOT will take over
•
CME
11
Emergency management/ commander/ incident command
•
Fire department
•
Emergency management
12
NCDOT handles traffic control
•
HAZMAT
•
Fire department
•
Fire department
13
Emergency management
•
NCSHP
•
HAZMAT
•
HAZMAT contractor
•
First on scene
14
Fire department
•
Emergency management
•
DEQ
April 2019 3-23

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
14. Additional information on your Division's policy for responding to spills or abandoned
containers.*
15. Additional thoughts or comments.*
*Responses to questions 14 and 15 were merged into a single table for simplicity.
Highway
Division
Responses
• Notify emergency management
• Our Division operates on the thought that if a spill is caused by an
accident on the roadway or if a responsible party is known, then we
1
encourage the local county emergency management to ensure the
proper cleanup is carried out by the responsible party. NCDOT typically
only contains the spills or places absorbent/ abrasives on the roadway.
If responsible parties are unknown then NCDOT has to initiate action
by way of contract cleanup by existing on call statewide contracts.
2
• Utilize the hazardous chemical removal contract if needed.
• Communication
• Covered in SOP and Policy and HAZMAT regulations
• Old days emergency management used to take care of this, but now
3
we just call HAZMAT contractor (SR&R) and they clean up or over pack
the drum and dispose of charging the county maintenance yard $1000s
of dollars.
• Love to have a re-training class on spills from you guys.
• Contact safety engineer if there is a spill
4
• 1 believe the Division Safety Engineer is a good point of contact to
handle incidents involving spills.
• Work Place Safety Manual
• Told to coordinate through CME's and Eddie Grooms
5
• Doesn't really apply to traffic services that I've seen over the last 10
years
• Do not respond to accidents or spills at this time
• NCDOT is not properly trained and/or equipped to handle any spills
• We don't remove anything, call HAZMAT contractor
• Contact emergency response
• At emergency management request, we will provide long term traffic
6
control and/or sand for blotting. We do not do environmental cleanup.
• Call appropriate response team.
• Act immediately, your actions may save someone's life.
• Employees are trained for awareness, not for response.
• I always contact CME's during spill especially emergency spills
April 2019 3-24

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
• More training would be helpful
• Most spills are as a result of private party incidents SHP handles the
cleanup
7
. Spills on the yard are handled by contract
• Unless substance is known, leave it to contractor to clean up
• We do not touch any spills; fire department takes lead and
environmental contractor is notified
8
• For large spills, Division 8 has on -call HAZMAT cleanup contractor
• Containment and remove any unused tanks
• Do it safely
9
• Contact DME, NCDEQ, DWQ
• We do not touch containers, HAZMAT handles
• Most spills handled by HAZMAT, contact Division Safety Officer for help
April 2019 3-25

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division I Responses
As Division 10 Safety Engineer and Hazardous Materials Manager, our
field units are instructed to notify me on all spills. Only then is a plan of
action determined. My role is to provide oversight for cleanup
depending on the situation. Our forces provide very little cleanup
services. Upon arrival on any spill, we may provide traffic control or
sand or containment with sand/dirt, but no remediation. Usually the fire
dept. will cleanup small spills and discard materials. Larger spills will be
cleaned up by an authorized contractor selected by the responsible
party or law enforcement or myself as a last resort. At times this
involves a trucker's refusal to cleanup while a busy interstate is
shutdown. We use ERG's occasionally for identification. When
abandoned containers are discovered, a cleanup contractor is called in.
Depending on the hazard, it may be our on -contract company or if the
risk is high it could be a local company for faster response. Abandoned
containers are rare, maybe 2-3 times a year. The responding cleanup
company will direct the cleanup process in coordination with DOT
scheduling. It is difficult to identify response methods by quantity, for
instance a garbage truck may spray 25 gallons of hyd. fluid down the
10 road, and sand is used to lightly cover. Or the same truck may lose 25
gallons while sitting at a traffic light and a cleanup company may be
called in. In D10 which includes Mecklenburg County with bodies of
water, I have probably experienced just about every scenario
imaginable. Frequently, I have several "working "spills in progress.
Right now, I have 6 with 2 happening this weekend. I've been told by
Robin Maycock, Bob Holman and others over the years, that D10
handles spills extremely well, but it does take effort. Be glad to talk with
you further about our procedures if you desire.
• There is a huge communications gap between finding out about spills
from fire dept. EMS, and law enforcement. Many times, DOT is
unaware of a spill if no help from DOT is required. Many times,
accidents are worked, the initial spill is cleaned from the roadway, and
everybody leaves and we have no knowledge of additional
contamination.
Also, we have no support or recourse when a trucker and/or his
insurance company refuses to cleanup. Same thing with passenger
vehicles since most of those policies don't cover any hazmat cleanup. I
run into these situations quite frequently.
• Communicate always appears to breakdown
• STAT (HAZMAT contractor) is specific to Caldwell
• Notify EM ASAP and utilize dikes and/or socks
11 • New to maintenance department and learning maintenance SOPs still.
• For questions 1 and 2, 1 am assuming because I have not experienced
this, but we have a good relationship with dispatch. Also, I need to
review policies and procedures.
April 2019 3-26

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
Highway
Division
Responses
• Contact emergency management and allow them to contact NCDEQ
and local response team for clean up
• Contact HAZMAT disposal
12
. We call our Division Safety Engineer and they decide and direct our
efforts for responding to spills and abandoned containers.
• Contact safety officer and get in touch with emergency hazardous
vendor.
13
. HAZMAT is always on scene
• Maintenance staff is not trained to clean up spills
• Contact local EMS
14
. Let professionals handle it
• We are there for support of traffic control and detour, HAZMAT owns
the road.
April 2019 3-27

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
4 Summary of Additional Information
The open-ended section at the end of the questionnaire allowed Division personnel to add any
additional comments or thoughts regarding the handling of roadside spills in their division. The
following is a summary of those comments.
The most common response indicates that HAZMAT contractors are utilized for spill
response and cleanup. Several responses noted the costs associated with using
HAZMAT contractors for handling roadside spills.
2. Many Divisions also noted that NCDOT employees do not handle HAZMAT spills
because they are not trained or equipped for hazardous substance spill cleanup (as
first responders). Lastly, contacts for roadside spill notification were listed, including
Local Emergency Management, NCDEQ, County Maintenance Engineer, Division
Maintenance Engineer, and Division Safety Engineer.
3. Many requests were made for additional training on the proper handling of roadside
spills.
4. A potential communication gap was noted between organizations involved in the
handling of roadside spills, including the Fire Department, Local Emergency
Management, Law Enforcement, and NCDOT. This potential breakdown in
communication leaves NCDOT unaware of potential contamination along the roadway.
April 2019 4-1

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
5 Comparison with NCDOT's Spill Response
Guidance Manual
5.1 Summary of NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual
The following information was extracted from NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual based
on relevancy to the Hazardous Spill Survey.
5.1.1 Policy and Procedure
NCDOT will cooperate with other governmental agencies and emergency services
to support response activities for accidents involving petroleum and engine fluid
spills on state roadways and rights -of -way to minimize adverse effects on the
travelling public, state and private property, and the environment.
5.1.2 Limitations
200 gallons or less of diesel fuel.
Engine fluids such as brake fluids, motor oils, antifreeze, and hydraulic oils.
30 gallons or less of gasoline.
5.1.3 Containment
Containment measures only, will be undertaken by NCDOT employees.
On large spills, or spills of unknown product, NCDOT employees will remain outside
the established hot zone.
For large spills, NCDOT's primary role will be that of providing traffic control and
coordinating the restoration of the roadway and right-of-way.
5.1.4 Other Materials
NCDOT response personnel are not to come in contact with any quantity of
hazardous materials or unknown material which may be hazardous (other than
petroleum and engine fluids).
NCDOT personnel will not collect or transport for disposal any hazardous materials
whether generated from emergency spill response activities or found abandoned on
the right-of-way. Removal and final disposal of accumulated hazardous materials/
waste are to be accomplished by a qualified hazardous waste disposal contractor.
5.1.5 Clean-up
Whenever possible, NCDOT will coordinate with state or local Environmental Health
officials to ensure that the responsibility and cost of clean-up, disposal, and
restoration is placed on the responsible party that caused the spill or contamination.
April 2019 5-1

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
5.1.6 General Spill Response
Small Spills
— On -site spill containment requiring direct contact by NCDOT personnel (e.g.,
placement of sand or absorbents on spills, or the shoveling or sweeping of
spilled material) will be limited to small spills reflected in the Limitations.
NCDOT personnel may respond to small gasoline spills (see Limitations)
provided that containment is accomplished using non -sparking hand tools or
approved polymer absorbent material prior to the use of any hand tools that
may cause inadvertent sparks.
Large Spills
— For spills exceeding the Limitations, NCDOT personnel will stay out of the
immediate hazard area (hot zone) as established by the On -Scene Incident
Commander. Containment measures only (e.g., excavations, dikes, and berms)
may be undertaken by NCDOT personnel outside of the established hot zone to
prevent overland flow of large spills provided that personnel are not exposed to
the hazard. In large spill situations, NCDOT's primary role will be that of
providing for traffic flow and coordinating the restoration of the roadway and
right-of-way following the event. This may include providing sand for skid
resistance.
5.2 Comparison with Hazardous Spill Survey Responses
The following summary statements represent the results from comparing information from
NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual with the Hazardous Spill Survey Responses.
5.2.1 Policy and Procedure
Survey responses are in agreement with the Spill Response Guidance Manual.
5.2.2 Limitations
Survey responses did not note quantity limitations.
5.2.3 Containment
Survey responses indicate that:
— NCDOT personnel were not trained or equipped to clean-up hazardous or
unknown materials.
— Containment measures such as dikes and berms are implemented to prevent
overland flow of large spills.
— Traffic control and coordinating the restoration of the roadway and right-of-way
is provided.
5.2.4 Other Materials
Survey responses indicate that:
— NCDOT personnel were not trained or equipped to clean-up hazardous or
unknown materials.
April 2019 5-2

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
- Some NCDOT personnel are collecting and/or transporting hazardous material
for disposal.
5.2.5 Clean-up
• Survey responses indicate that:
- NCDOT does coordinate with state or local Environmental Health Officials.
- The cost of clean-up, disposal, and restoration is placed on the responsible
party, when responsible party is known.
- Occasionally the responsible party neglects these responsibilities.
5.2.6 General Spill Response
• Small Spills
- Survey responses indicate that:
o NCDOT personnel will perform on -site spill containment (e.g., placement of
sand or absorbents on spills, or the shoveling or sweeping of spilled
material) for small spills.
- Survey responses did not indicate that:
o Containment is accomplished using non -sparking hand tools or approved
polymer absorbent material prior to the use of any hand tools that may
cause inadvertent sparks.
Large Spills
- Survey responses indicate that:
o Containment measures such as dikes and berms are implemented to
prevent overland flow of large spills.
o Traffic control (may include providing sand for skid resistance) and
coordinating the restoration of the roadway and right-of-way is provided.
April 2019 5-3

Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary
6 Conclusions and Recommendations
As a result of the Hazardous Spill Survey Response Summary, the following conclusions and
recommendations are provided below.
6.1 Conclusions
Slight variations in the handling of roadside spills are present across the 14 Highway
Divisions, including how they are being informed of spills, who they contact for spill
response, and the spill response materials they provide.
Even though only approximately 45% of those surveyed had reviewed NCDOT's
Spill Response Guidance Manual, their existing procedures mostly follow the
manual's guidance. This is because the Divisions follow generally well established
procedures.
6.2 Recommendations
Update NCDOT's Spill Response Guidance Manual (dated January 2000) to make
sure that current regulations and proper guidance are provided.
Provide Spill Response Training as part of the rollout of an updated manual.
Develop policies and procedures for handling spill clean-up along roadways
(specifically when the responsible party is not present).
April 2019 6-1