FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Material spills are a common occurrence on Fort Carson because of the number of industrial facilities on the installation and the nature and number of training exercises that occur on post and downrange training areas.
The most common types of materials spilled include petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) such as JP8 and lubricating oil, but spills of any nature can cause harm to the environment.
Proper and efficient spill response is essential to keeping Fort Carson in compliance with numerous environmental requirements. Spills are regulated by the Fort Carson Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures Plan.
"Immediate and thorough spill response ensures compliance with Clean Water Act permit requirements," said Suzanne Rohrs, Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division Stormwater Program manager. "Without proper spill response, contaminants and residues are picked up as stormwater flows across the area."
Spills left unattended can enter waterways through storm drains or can move into waterways or into groundwater through rain or snow events. This causes pollution of water used for recreation as well as sources for drinking water. When polluted water leaves Fort Carson, the responsible parties are at risk of fines for violations of environmental requirements.
Accidents happen, but individuals must make certain the proper spill reporting and response procedures are followed to ensure environmental compliance. When spills of POL or other materials are less than five gallons and have not entered a storm drain or waterway, immediately proceed to clean the material with absorbent dry sweep or absorbent pads. If the spill occurs on a hard material such as concrete or asphalt, dry sweep should be used to draw up any material that may have absorbed into the surface. Dry sweep can be used multiple times until it is spent, and no longer provides absorption. If a spill enters the soil, the contaminated soil must be dug up and removed.
Spent dry sweep and contaminated soil must be delivered to the Hazardous Waste Storage Facility, located in building 9246, for proper disposal. Used absorbent pads or booms must be bagged and also delivered to the facility. These materials should never be placed in the trash.
When spills are greater than five gallons, enter a storm drain or waterway or may be potentially harmful to those who attempt to clean it up, the person who causes or discovers the spill must immediately call the Fort Carson Fire Department by dialing 911.
The fire department will respond and provide guidance and direction on how to proceed. The second phone call that must be made is to the DPW Environmental Division Spill Line at 526-0973. This allows the staff to also respond, provide cleanup support, give guidance on reporting procedures and make regulatory determinations. DPW requires that a Fort Carson Form 1200-E, Spill Report, be submitted to the Environmental Division staff for proper tracking of all spills that are five gallons or more or enter a storm drain or waterway.
The best practice is to avoid spills in the first place. Best management practices are procedures that will anticipate the occurrence of spills and prevent them from being released to the environment.
The use of drip pans under parked vehicles will catch any leaks before they hit the ground. Secondary containment must be used for containers of POL that are 55 gallons or more.
Any containers of POL must be stored under cover, and must be labeled and in good condition.
Do not perform any oil changes or services in parking lots; only perform these services in covered buildings such as the motor pool maintenance facilities. When changing oil on personal vehicles, people can use the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Auto Craft Center, building 2427, located at 7001 Wetzel Ave.
The Environmental Compliance Assistance Team (ECAT) is available to all units, directorates and tenants on Fort Carson for questions regarding spill prevention or response. The ECAT can be contacted at 524-3534 to arrange a visit to provide guidance and education on site-specific environmental compliance best management practices.
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