Heart National Training Agency Ebony Park

Agriculture vs. The Environment

[The Impacts of Chemical Spills and Leaks]

Name: Francine Palmer Unit: Observe Environmental Workplace Practices Group: OHL9 Instructor: Ms. Hoffman

Table of Contents
Page Acknowledgement.............................................................................3 Introduction........................................................................................4 Chemical Spills and Leaks.................................................................5 Cleaning up Spills..............................................................................8 Cleaning up Leaks..............................................................................10 Sorbents..............................................................................................11 The Impact of Chemical Spills and Leaks on the Environment.........13 Afterword...........................................................................................14 Reference............................................................................................15

Acknowledgement
I want to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Hoffman, my instructor, for giving this project for me to do. The research has made me more aware of the environmental threats associated with agricultural chemicals and has enabled me to have the necessary know how to manage a chemical spill or leak. I would like to thank the librarian Mr. Bowman without whos patience and guidance I would not have found all the books necessary to complete this research paper. My gratitude goes to my classmate Renard Stephenson, whose laptop I used to type and modify this document. Last but not least I thank God for giving me the strength, wisdom and perseverance needed to start and complete this project.

Introduction
Agriculture, as defined by the book Caribbean Agricultural Science (book 1), (second edition) written by A.I. Henry and published in 1991, is the business of growing crops and rearing animals through the application of scientific principles and facts acquired over a period of time. Agriculture is important as it provides food for man and his animals, clothing, shelter and generates profit. However with its practice come great environmental threats. Within recent years there has been growing concerns over the preservation of the environment. The idea is that all human beings should not try to make the environment worse in any way because we live in it. Agricultural practices have greatly impacted our environment negatively; from deforestation to global warming. An agricultural workplace practice that negatively affects the environment is the use of agricultural chemicals such as pesticides. A pesticide (economic poison), as defined under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any insects, rodents, nematode, fungi or weeds or any form of life defined as a pest and also any substance used as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant. Pesticides, if used incorrectly or in abundance, adversely affect the environment by contaminating the soil, air and water and cause an imbalance in the bio-diversity. Agriculturists must help to preserve the environment in the way they use and dispose of chemicals. Care should be taken to see that all residues are disposed of so that they do not contaminate springs, streams and rivers where they could affect fish and crustaceans such as shrimp and crayfish. We should always remember that most chemicals are poisonous to man and his animals, therefore great care should be taken that neither human beings nor animals are poisoned from chemicals used on the farm. Chemicals can be spilled accidentally or deliberately. This project outlines the possible ways spills and leaks occur, the impacts they have on the environment and the ways to prevent, and treat spills and leaks. It also lists the agencies to contact if the spill is unmanageable. 5

Chemical spills/leaks
A pesticide spill/leak refers to any unplanned spill or leakage into the environment that occurs during storage, use, transport, or disposal of a pesticide. The spill may be a minor problem with a few leaking containers, or it may be a major accident where a tank truck or rail car overturns and spills its cargo, or an equipment malfunction where the contents of a fully loaded spray tank are suddenly released. Leakage from containers is a major problem in the storage and transport of pesticides. The main cause is rough handling which dents drums, weakens or splits seams and weakens closures (lids, caps and stoppers). Other causes of mechanical damage are puncturing or abrasion during transport when packages and containers rub against one another or against the sides of the truck travelling over uneven surfaces and rough roads. Leaks also result from corrosion of the container, which may be accelerated by mechanical damage (dents may rupture drum linings, for example). Corrosion may start internally, the pesticide itself or its breakdown products being the primary cause. Alternatively, corrosion may begin externally, as a result of rusting in damp storage conditions or contamination from pesticide leaking from nearby containers. Many emulsifiable concentrate (ec) formulations are very corrosive. Some, including monocrotophos, dicrotophos, dichlorvos and phosphamidon are incompatible with steel, so they should be packed in plastic or aluminium containers or in steel containers lined with inner coatings. Some pesticides are dissolved in organic solvents that cannot always be packed in plastic drums. Containers may leak for other reasons; for example, strong sunlight can degrade some plastic containers, including bottles and plastic sacks. Rodents may damage paper, board or fibre containers. Termites may attack paper and card. Stores should be inspected regularly, at least every two months. Old, rotting and leaking containers are extremely difficult to move safely, so any leaking containers should be dealt with immediately. The inability to respond properly to such an emergency, no matter how minor the problem, could seriously endanger public health and environmental quality. Untreated spills may corrode other containers, become trodden in and contaminate store personnel and may produce toxic or inflammable fumes. If not removed quickly, the 6

spilled chemicals may be absorbed by the floor. It is very important that all users of hazardous chemicals be thoroughly familiar with the laws and guidelines governing chemical spills. Their inability to respond properly to such an emergency, no matter how minor the problem, could seriously endanger public health and environmental quality. There are two types of pesticide spills: liquid solid

Both are treated in entirely different ways. Spills may occur during transport, storage and application of the chemical. The best mode of action is to use the three C approach. That is, Control the spill, Contain the spill, and Clean up the spill.

Control The Spill/Leak

Immediate steps should be taken to control the flow of the liquid being spilled regardless of the source. If a sprayer has tipped over, or if a hazardous chemical is leaking from a damaged tank truck, or if a one-gallon can on a storage shelf has rusted through and is leaking, do everything possible to stop the leak or spill at once. For instance, smaller containers up to 55 gallons can be put into larger containers to prevent further release of the chemical. Stopping larger leaks or spills often isnt so simple. Dont expose yourself unnecessarily to the leaking chemical; use protective equipment when attempting to control the leak. Also, dont charge in blindly if someone is injured; again, make sure you are properly protected.

Contain The Spill/Leak

At the same time the leak is being controlled, contain the spilled material in as small an area as possible. Do everything possible to keep it from spreading or getting worse. In some situations you may need to use a shovel or power equipment to construct a

dam. The important thing to remember is dont let the spilled material get into any body of water, including storm sewers, no matter how small the spill. If the chemical does contaminate a stream,, or any other waterway, contact the relevant authority in your area. Isolate the area Rope off the contaminated area; keep people at least 30 feet away from the spill. Avoid coming in contact with any drift or fumes that may be released. Do not use road flares if you suspect the leaking material is flammable. At times it may be necessary to evacuate people downwind from the spill. Do not leave the spill site until someone relieves you. Someone should be present at the spill site continuously until the chemical is cleaned up and the danger removed.

Clean Up The Spill/Leak

When cleaning up spills/leaks there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration; the type of chemical, the concentration, the toxicity, the area of the spillage or leakage, the method of clean up required and the materials and equipment needed to successfully and safely decontaminate the area. There are different methods used clean up spills. They vary according to the state the chemical is in whether liquid or solid. These are discussed on page 7.

Cleaning up Spills
Liquid spills
The spill should not be hosed down as this merely disperses the pesticide over a wider area. A supply of absorbent sawdust, sand or dry soil should be kept in a container in the store. Nitrile rubber protective gloves and face-mask should be worn. Sawdust, sand or dry soil should be scattered over the area of the spill and left for a few minutes to soak up the chemical. The sawdust, sand or dry soil containing absorbed spilled chemical should be swept or shovelled up and placed in a marked container for disposal (figure 1) After sweeping, more than once if necessary, a scrubbing brush at the end of a stick should be used to scrub down the area of the spill with water and strong soap or detergent. Excess soapy water should be removed with a rough floor cloth and not hosed down.

Solid spills
Dusts, wettable powders or granules can create dust when swept up without the use of an absorbent material. A supply of absorbent sawdust, sand or dry soil should be kept in a container in the store where they can easily be reached for use in an emergency. Nitrile rubber protective gloves and face-mask should be worn. The sawdust, sand or dry soil should be dampened and applied with a shovel over the area of the spill. The damp sawdust, sand or soil containing spillage material should be swept or shovelled up carefully and placed in a marked container for disposal (Figure 1). After sweeping, more than once if necessary, a scrubbing brush at the end of a stick should be used to scrub down the area of the spill with water and

strong soap or detergent. Excess soapy water should be removed with a rough floor cloth and not hosed down.

Figure 1 Spill soaked up by sand or sawdust being carefully swept

up and placed in a container to be collected and taken for central disposal by the national authority

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Cleaning up Leaks
Usually, the only way to deal with a leak is to repack the material in a sound container. New containers are preferable, if available, but old containers of various types and sizes may be used for this purpose (old containers are also useful for temporarily storing the products of spills). They must have been thoroughly decontaminated and their old labels completely removed. Pesticides should be repacked in containers made of the same materials as the original containers as some chemicals are not compatible with different materials. Ideally a drum that contained the same product should be used. If unavailable, the container must have been properly cleaned of previous contents to avoid cross-contamination. New labels must be written out immediately with all the information on the old label and fastened securely to the new container. Write the date of repacking (and the date of the original receipt) on the replacement container and ensure that the repacked material is used first.

Figure 2 Inspecting a leak from a pesticide container

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Sorbents
Sorbents are materials used to recover liquids (leaks, drips, spills, etc.). Synthetic sorbents are made of polypropylene - a type of plastic - and are designed to adsorb liquids onto their surfaces, while more basic sorbents like rags, corn cobs, recycled cellulose, vermiculite or clay actually absorb the liquids into the material itself. Polypropylene is petroleum based product, and will naturally repel water while adsorbing any oil or oil-based liquids. Water-based spills can be absorbed by polypropylene products after they have been treated with a surfactant. Often sorbents are colour coded to help the user select the correct one. Consider how to dispose of the sorbents prior to purchasing them. If you plan to apply any spilled material that has been absorbed, it must be easily handled for dispersal at or below the labelled rate, to a labelled site, which has not already received the maximum rate allowed. If you select a material, like a pad, that cannot be applied, have a plan for how to dispose of the material (state sponsored clean-sweep hazardous waste collection, or private hazardous waste contractor). All materials for disposal require proper identification of the contents (product name, active ingredient, approximate amount). There are three general types of sorbents. 1. Universal sorbents. Will absorb any liquid, including aggressive liquids, such as acids and bases, and are flexible enough to soak up cleaners, water-based fluids, alcohol and gasoline. Universal sorbents may be made from polypropylene treated with a surfactant or expanded silicates. 2. Petroleum sorbents. These are designed to absorb oil or other petroleumbased liquids. They will not absorb any water-based liquids. These sorbents are made of polypropylene or treated cellulose. 3. Maintenance sorbents. These are designed to absorb non-aggressive liquids found in industrial and business operations. Some are made of recycled cotton, wool, paper or corn cobs. There are also some made of polypropylene.

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Forms of Sorbents
1. Booms, socks and mini booms can be placed around a spill or machine to keep the liquid from moving. 2. Pillows are good for absorbing large spills of liquids. They may also be used in maintenance mode for recurring leaks from valves or pipes. 3. Pads and rolls are used to catch drips and leaks as they occur. These can be used in high-traffic aisles or next to machines. Pads can be laid under machines, or valves. 4. Loose sorbents are granules formulated to absorb liquids when poured on the spill. Loose sorbents are typically used on small liquid spills.

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The Impact of Chemical Spills/Leaks on the Environment.

A chemical spill/leak, no matter how small, results in a high concentration of the chemical in an area. The soil in that area is severely affected. The micro-organisms, such as earth-worms and soil beetles are destroyed or if the conditions are favourable there are mutations in insects that will take time and energy to control and the imbalance will have a negative impact on the ecosystem. The chemical may also affect the soil structure and render it useless. The spilled/leaked chemical can also enter the water systems (surface and ground water) by percolation. This destroys aquatic organisms and contaminates our water. This has a crumbling effect on the ecosystem and poses a health risk for man and his livestock. The fumes from the spilled chemical affect air-borne organisms such as birds and flying insects by disrupting or preventing respiration. These toxic fumes also cause respiratory illnesses in humans some of them fatal. When these fumes enter the atmosphere they cause acid rain and/or results in the greenhouse effect. This increases the destruction of the ozone layer, therefore increasing the rate of global warming.

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Afterword
The environment can be easily harmed by careless mixing and filling procedures. Areas where pesticides are mixed and equipment is filled have significant potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water if proper precautions are not taken. Carefully choose the pesticide mixing and loading area. It should be outside, away from other people, livestock, and pets. Pesticides should not be mixed in areas where a spill or overflow could get into a water supply. If possible, mix and load pesticides on a concrete pad so that spilled pesticides can be removed without entering the soil. Handling areas frequently must be near a pond or stream bank, as water is needed to fill the sprayer. If this is the case, the area should be graded to slope away from the water. If you must work indoors, or at night, be sure there is adequate ventilation and light to minimize the chance of an accident. Have a supply of clean water and soap available and, if possible, do not work alone.

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Reference
Henry A.I. (1991) Caribbean Agricultural Science (book 1) Macmillan Publishers Limited Bohmont Bert L. (2001) The Standard Pesticide Users Guide (2nd edition) Prentice Hall Ruberson John R. (1999) Handbook of Pest Management (revised edition) Marcel Dekker Inc. Hudson Norman (1995) (3rd edition) Soil Conservation B.T. Bratsford Limited http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uo193.pdf http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uo229.pdf http://www.fao.org/docrep/v8966e/V8966e05.htm

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