ENVIRONMENTAL SPILL RESPONSE

Any incidental release of a known water pollutant such as a chemical or petroleum product to the ground, open waterway, sanitary sewer, storm drain or air, requires swift action on the part of those involved or anyone who notices the release. Promptly reporting and initiating a clean-up will mitigate further damage and prevent potential fines or penalties. EH&S will review the initial response and advise what additional actions are necessary by the campus departments involved. This includes contacting the necessary authorities, dispatching clean-up crews and fulfilling any reporting requirements to state agencies.

Spills known to be less than 5 gallons and cleaned by staff within 2 hours of discovery:

Notify Environmental Health and Safety at 631-632-6410

Spills greater than 5 gallons or emergency conditions develop:

Contact University Police immediately by calling (631) 632-3333 from a cell phone or 333 from a campus phone.

1. Clear the area and contact University Police –
2. If possible, without putting yourself or others at risk, contain the spill using the appropriate spill control equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE):
3. Provide assistance such as information and materials to University Police and Environmental Health and Safety as needed.
First, initiate a clean-up if all of the following requirements are met:
- - The quantity is known to be less than 5 gallons; and
    
    The spill is contained and under the control of the spiller; and
    
    The spill has not and will not reach the State’s water or any land; and
    
    The spill is cleanable within 2 hours of discovery.
    
    The spill is considered to have not impacted land if it occurs on a paved surface (concrete or asphalt) or a contained area. A spill in dirt or gravel parking lot is considered to have impacted land and must be reported to University Police off-hours by calling (631) 632-3333 from a cell phone or 333 from a campus phone.
    
    Second, spill debris must be collected and disposed by Environmental Health & Safety's hazardous waste program. Email hazwaste@stonybrook.edu
    
    Oil waste is not municipal waste and must not be disposed of in the garbage
    
    For more information about hazardous waste and the procedures that need to be taken, please visit Hazardous Waste
    
    Last, report the spill to Environmental Health & Safety.
To learn more about how to prepare and respond to laboratory emergencies, click on the following links:

Biological Spills (BSL 1 & BSL 2)

Chemical Spills

Laboratory Emergency Plan