Groundwater

Who can make a difference?

• Fuel and chemical transporters
• Fertilizer, pesticide, fuel, or other chemical storage facility
• Public agencies (ODOT, OERS, DEQ, local governments)
• Construction site managers
• Any site where large quantities of fuels or chemicals are being stored and handled

Causes of groundwater contamination

• Leaking fuels and tanks
• Overturned vehicles transporting fuel or other chemicals
• Transfer station spills/mishaps
• Herbicide or insecticide treatment along roadways
• Improper barriers (impervious surface or curbing)

What can you do?

Individual action

• Minimize use of fuel and other chemicals that can easily leach
• Practice good spill prevention measures
• Properly maintain storage facilities
• Fix and monitor known leaks or problems
• Always handle fuel or chemicals on impervious surfaces

Community action

• Implement Best Management Practices (EPA wellhead protection site) to restrict and monitor fuel and chemicals
• Use impervious surfaces in large transfer areas
• Develop a local spill response and know how to contact spill response service (OERS)
• Get involved in spill prevention plans and spill response training in your community’s watershed

To learn more

Oregon Emergency Management

3225 State St.

P.O. Box 14370
Salem, OR 97309-5062

Phone: 503-378-2911

Fax: 503-373-7833

EPA's Safe Fuel Handling Practices: http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/safegas.htm