How to Clean Up a Sewage Spill in the Bayou

Ecological spills are one of the most common dangers to natural water systems. Bayous are particularly prone to spillage, as they are often repositories of landfills or reclaimed water sites. The problem is that Bayous do not wash freely out into the ocean, as do some rivers and streams. The swamp-like enclosure of a bayou creates a great danger for sewage to become trapped in the area. The effects of sewage spills in bayous can lead to long-term health concerns for the ecological systems well as for the human population near the bayou.

Things You'll Need

• Sewage treatment equipment
• Sewage treatment facility
• Sewage spill clean-up crew

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess the damage to the area. Tests should be conducted to assess the health of the biodiversity of the area. The animal populations, plant populations, as well as any human health risks should be studied and known.

• 2

  Close off the area of damage. Seal a perimeter of the area off so it is uncontaminated. If possible, remove all animals and wildlife from the contaminated area. Shut off all power lines that can pose a threat to workers.

• 3

  Arrange for waste removal from the area. If not furnished by local municipalities or the state, private sewage removal companies must be used. Sewage companies remove the waste, if possible, by truck. Or, they can build waste removal pump locations where the waste can be processed, then moved further outward, until it can reach the sewage treatment facility.

• 4

  Sanitize the bayou after the waste is removed. Have the sanitation trucks pump the remaining sewage from the most contaminated areas of the bayou. Also, have the workers dig and transport contaminated soil to the trucks and have it carted away. Test the water and the soil for remaining contamination results.

• 5

  Decontaminate the workers after the site is cleaned. While working, they should continually be cleaned by showers and cold water. Workers should wear gloves at all times while working, as well as boots, overalls and eyewear. Their garments should be cleaned and tested for contamination before permanent disposal.

• 6

  Maintain a system of health support for the local community. Vaccinations, or shots, should be given for tetanus, and hepatitis A. Various parasites and bacteria, such as E. coli., should be treated as necessary.