As required by Maryland’s state regulation for the storage of pesticides, enough absorbent material must be available to handle a spill of the largest container in storage. Sorbent materials include booms, socks or mini booms, pillows, pads and rolls, and loose sorbents. These sorbent materials may be universal or more specific (such as for petroleum products).
In Maryland, the MDA Pesticide Regulation section investigates accidents/incidents related to pesticides and agricultural fertilizers and must be notified immediately of any accident or spill involving a pesticide (410-841-5710). MDE Emergency Response Division offers a hotline (866-633-4686) for reporting and receiving assistance with immediate environmental emergencies and hazardous material spills that endanger the public. MDE must be notified of releases of materials threatening or impacting surface and sub-surface public drinking water supplies and spill materials threatening or impacting groundwater, surface water, or any waters of the state. Local officials should need to be notified as well. If the spill constitutes a reportable quantity, the EPA’s National Response Center (800-424-8802) must also be notified. All contact information and reporting requirements should be identified in the emergency plan.
For more information on emergency planning and response to unintended releases in Maryland see:
- Chapter 9 “Emergency Planning.” Maryland Pesticide Applicator Core Manual, pp. 137-147.
- Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 16: Handling Pesticide Spills. 2013. University of Maryland.
Best Management Practices
- Develop a golf course facility emergency response plan that includes procedures to control, contain, collect, and store spilled materials.
- Prominently post “Important Telephone Numbers,” including the numbers for MDA, MDE, and CHEMTREC (800-424-9300), for emergency information on hazards or actions to take in the event of a spill.
- Ensure an adequately sized spill containment kit is readily available.
- Designate a spokesperson who will speak on behalf of the facility should an emergency occur.
- Host a tour for local emergency response teams (e.g., firefighters) to show them the facility and to discuss the emergency response plan. Seek advice on ways to improve the plan.
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