Stewardship Tip 22nd Jun, 2010- Be prepared for Gas Spills
Preventing a spill is a far better alternative than dealing with gasoline or oil in the water. However, as recent events in the Gulf and at Donner Pass have demonstrated, being prepared to deal with an oil or fuel spill is an important part of handling fuel.
If you own a boat, you should be prepared to clean up oil or gas spills on the water. Acting quickly and decisively will contain a spill and can help to keep spilled oil or gas from killing fish and destroying habitat.
Be prepared for spills: Every boat owner should have a spill kit. The kit should include a set of oil and gas absorbent pads or pillows, a set of oil and gas absorbent booms, and disposal bags. You can pick up these items at many marinas or boating supply stores.
Brief your crew: Every member of your crew should be ready to take action if a spill occurs. Develop a set of procedures to follow in the event of a spill and brief your crew on those procedures.
One crew member should be responsible for stopping the source of the spill. This is important as it is the task that must be executed first. This responsibility should fall on the boat owner’s shoulders.
Another crew member should be responsible for deploying absorbent booms to contain the spill.And, yet, another crew member should be responsible for deploying absorbent pads or pillows inside the boom to absorb the gasoline or oil.
Make sure that each crew member know where the booms, pads, and blankets are located. Even if you are fueling your boat alone, have the procedures fresh in your mind, know where the kit is located, and be prepared to act.
Also, make sure to check with your local marina on the procedures to follow with regard to disposal and reporting. For example, if the spill exceeds a certain amount, you may be required to report it to your local Department of Environmental Services or local Fire Department. If the volume of a spill constitutes a sudden threat to the public health or the well-being of the environment, then it must be reported tot the US EPA (National Response Center at: 1-800-424-8802).
Be prepared to clean up oil or gas spill on the water. Act quickly and decisively and help to keep gas and oil away from our fish.
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THE BAIT SHUTTLE™ BOBBER allows you to deliver bait to the fish intact, day or night. You place a baited hook and any weight inside the shuttle. When casting, the bait is protected from being thrown off the hook because it is protected inside The Bait Shuttle™. We dig the Bait Shuttle, because it eliminates the loss of bait (like live minnows) into our lakes, and it encourages families fishing together, where kids can do more on their own.
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