The chemical dispersion of various compounds is an essential part of industry cleanup. Paint dispersants, pesticide dispersants and other chemical dispersants are widely used, but oil spill dispersants are particularly important because of their immediate benefits and easier cleanup.

Oil spill dispersants, also called surfactants, are defined as the chemical's ability to break up an oil slick into small droplets and this dilutes the oil and the toxicity. The advantage over merely absorbing the oil is that the cleanup is complete after application.

Although the public tends to think of oil spill cleanup as only the problem of large oil companies, nearly all businesses have some sort of oil or grease cleanup including restaurants, factories, commercial fishing and any business that has vehicles to maintain. If your business has a need for oil cleanup, you can benefit from using oil spill dispersants.

1. Use oil spill dispersants for both large and small spills.

2. Apply ecologically friendly chemical dispersion in environmentally sensitive areas.

3. Use specialized equipment to apply oil spill dispersants.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the right type oil spill dispersants for the size of the spill

The needs of a large oil company cleanup up are, of course, vastly different than for a small garage's needs, but the principle is the same. Look for companies that cater to your industry and size for best results and the most cost-effective cleanup.

I recommend: West Coast Spill Supply carries a variety of oil dispersants and kits for smaller needs. For effective large ocean oil spill cleanup, use Alabaster Corporation's Seabrat line of dispersants.

Apply eco-friendly oil spill dispersants for less environmental impact

By definition, the result of oil spill dispersants ecologically sound, but the chemicals themselves may be toxic. Many suppliers are offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional oil spill dispersants for large and small spills.

I recommend: Phase II has water and emulsion based dispersants that are non-toxic and breakdown quickly, and most are available in 1, 5, and 55 gallon containers. The Bioremediation products from Ecochem can be used for larger industrial spills on both land and water.

Rent or buy the appropriate tools to apply dispersants

The size of your business and cleanup project will probably dictate whether you buy or lease. Simple jobs may only require an inexpensive sprayer while large water jobs often need expensive technical equipment. Many companies carry both the oil spill dispersant and the application equipment.

I recommend: Markleen leases and rents large equipment for large oil spill cleanups. If you have small spills on a continuous basis, SlickBar carries a line of oil dispersants and application equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check on your local and state laws and ordinances before you use an oil dispersant to make sure that you are in compliance.