How is ethanol cleaned up if there is a spill into the soil or ground water?
As with any industrial facility with potentials for spills, ethanol facilities are required to have spill-response plans on-site, in addition to notifying the Minnesota Duty Officer any time there is a spill. Where local fire departments have spill-response capability, they are usually the first responders and handle cleanup. The MPCA’s Emergency Response Team provides oversight, backup, or direct response where it is needed. Chemical fires, train derailments, pipeline breaks, tanker truck accidents, and petroleum vapors in sewers are examples of environmental and public health emergencies to which the ERT responds. Team members also work closely with local fire and hazardous-materials responders to provide training and support. You can learn more about the ERT at the MPCA’s Emergency Response page.
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- How is ethanol cleaned up if there is a spill into the soil or ground water?