Fueling Up and Spill Prevention
Fueling Up:
Refueling of watercraft on or near the lake is a potential spill into the water. Spill prevention begins with slowing down when filling fuel tanks, knowing the size of your tank, and resisting the temptation to top off your tank. Fuel collars, absorbent pads, and fuel/air separators are tools that you can use to help avoid spills or to contain excess fuel that has accidentally spilled. A fuel collar is a doughnut of absorbent material that fits around the fueling nozzle and catches splashes or drips during refueling. Absorbent pads can be used to wipe up excess fuel or to capture fuel from leaks. A fuel/air separator can prevent the escape of fuel from the air vent during filling. These devices are available at most boating stores.
Remember, two-stroke engines present an additional risk of spilling due to the extra step of mixing oil and gas. Take special care when mixing the oil and gas to avoid spills.
What Can Boaters Do?
Fueling Up Tips:- Make sure the gas tank is easily accessible.
- Take your boat or tank to a gas station. Refill oil and gas away from the water.
- Pump/pour fuel extremely slowly.
- Know your fuel tank size prior to filling.
- Don’t top off the tank-leave room for expansion.
- Have an absorbent pad and/or fuel collar ready for drips.
- Install a fuel/air separator.
- Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely.
- Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank.
- Mix fuel/oil for two-strokes away from the lakeshore, tributaries, and stormdrains.
Fuel Disposal / Storage and Winterization:
Fuel Disposal:
Proper disposal of excess fuel does not end with the fuel itself. Absorbent materials used to soak up oil and gas can be wrung out and their contents can often be used again. The Disposal of Toxics Program will accept soaked pads and rags as well as used oil filters. Keep all the different fluids such as oil, gas, antifreeze and transmission fluid separate and call the Whatcom County Recycling Hotline (676-5723) for information on where and how to dispose of these items.
Fuel Storage and Winterization:
Temporary storage of fuel containers on the beach or dock is an accident waiting to happen! Waves generated by the near shore operation of boats and personal watercraft can cause fuel containers to be tipped over or even knocked off of a dock into the water. Keep fuel away from the water. The storage of fuel, oils and other toxic materials is prohibited on docks. Avoid wasting gas at the end of the season by either using it all up or adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel that will sit all winter. Fill your tank at the end of the year to reduce the build up of condensation. Leave space for expansion.
Make sure you purchase the appropriate fuel additive for your engine. If you wind up with stale gas, dispose of it properly by calling the Disposal of Toxics Program.
(360) 380-4640
Spill Prevention:
What Can Boaters Do?
Spill Prevention:- Plan for spills – Keep absorbent materials available and dispose of used materials properly. Contact Disposal of Toxics Program (360) 380-4640
- Inventory the toxic products you use for boat projects
- Consolidate and label the products you have to better manage them,
- Put them in a tray lined with absorbent materials to catch the leakers;
- Dispose of outdated and unneeded products properly. Contact Disposal of Toxics Program (360) 380-4640
- Handle and store all chemicals with extreme care – Identify ways to prevent spills (e.g. store containers on a solid surface and keep the lids on tight)
- Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use or when the tank is stored.
- Do not leave fuel containers on or near docks and shorelines.
- Call 911 for spills. Be prepared to answer where, when, how, what, and how much.
- If you have a small spill from your gas can or bilge, stop the source of the spill and contain the spill immediately with absorbent materials.
