Gas Station Guide to Cleaning Up Gasoline and Oil Spills

369 million gallons of finished motor gasoline are consumed every day across the United States. That’s a lot of gas fueling a lot of cars. Fortunately, gas station owners and operators are trained to make sure gasoline is transported, stored and used safely.

However, despite the best measures, spills can happen. Recognizing and managing gasoline and oil spills promptly is essential not only for safety but also for the environment. Today, we’ll break down the steps to effectively manage these spills, and introduce you to OPG+ — your reliable partner in biodegradable cleanup solutions.

Recognizing an Oil Spill

Before we dive into the cleanup process, it’s crucial to know what to look for:

Visual Clues: Gasoline and oil spills are typically shiny and rainbow-colored on the surface. On asphalt, the liquid will darken the area it covers.

Odor: Gasoline has a distinct smell which is hard to miss. In fact, the potency of gasoline is so strong, that humans can smell it at 0.25 parts per million! If you get a whiff of that unmistakable scent without an obvious source, there could be a spill.

Texture: If you notice a slippery patch on the ground, particularly in areas close to the pumps, this could indicate a spill.

Steps to Cleaning Up Gasoline and Oil Spills

Always follow local regulations and guidelines when dealing with hazardous materials and spills. The steps provided below are general suggestions and might need to be adapted based on the specific situation and local requirements. Remember to use personal protective equipment whenever possible to not put yourself or others at unnecessary risk.

1. Prioritize Safety First: Before you begin any cleanup, ensure the area is safe. Turn off any nearby ignition sources and prohibit smoking in the vicinity. Put up barriers or cones around the spill to warn and divert customers.
2. Stop the Source: If the spill is ongoing, such as a leak from a pump, turn off the source immediately or instruct the customer to stop fueling.
3. Contain the Spill: Using absorbent pads or other barriers, try to prevent the spill from spreading, especially towards storm drains or water sources.
4. Call a Professional: For larger spills or if you are unsure about the cleanup, it’s always best to call in professionals. In Florida and Georgia, OPG+ is an excellent resource. Recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Contingency Plan for Oil Spills, you can trust us to handle it with expertise.
5. Use Biodegradable Cleaners: Gone are the days when harsh chemicals were needed to manage oil spills. Today, OPG+ offers a biodegradable product that is effective in eliminating oil, petroleum, and grease spills without harming the environment.
6. Dispose of Used Materials Properly: After the cleanup, ensure all used absorbent pads, gloves, and other materials are disposed of as hazardous waste, in compliance with local regulations.
7. Document the Incident: Always maintain a record of any spills, no matter how minor. This can be useful for insurance purposes and for understanding patterns that might indicate a recurring issue.
8. Review and Improve: After any incident, take a moment to review the cause and see if there are preventative measures that can be implemented. Continuous improvement is the key to safety.

Why Choose OPG+ for Spill Cleanups?

Gasoline and oil spills can have severe environmental consequences, especially when they find their way into our water systems. Traditional cleanup methods can be effective, but they might introduce other environmental hazards.

OPG+ stands out by providing a unique biodegradable solution for these spills. Not only are our methods effective, but they also prioritize the health of our planet. Schedule your 24/7 Quick Response Cleanup now!