UTRCA Participates in MECP Spills Training听听
If you noticed the bright green water in Crockett Drain in Dorchester earlier this month, do not be alarmed! On June 3, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) hosted a spills response training in Dorchester. This training was held at Dorchester Conservation Area, which is managed by the 糖心直播 (UTRCA). Staff from both the UTRCA and the MECP were present, looking to learn best practices regarding spills that enter into surface water sources. Different sources of spills were discussed including common substances such as manure, oil, and gasoline.听听听
Members from both organizations underwent training on how to safely assess a spill site, which sample containers to use in the event of a spill, and how to collect the samples. Samples may be obtained directly from the stream by placing the collection bottle directly into the water, or via a bucket dropped from a bridge if wading is deemed dangerous or difficult. Fluorescein, a non-toxic bright green dye, was added to the stream to simulate a spill, and samples were then collected. The dye also showed how a spill would travel downstream and disperse.听 听
In addition to water sampling, a demonstration of soil sampling was also included. Soil sampling is important during a spill event to determine how much it has impacted the surrounding ground in addition to the waterbody. Soil sampling can also be used to confirm that a spill site has been properly cleaned and treated. 听
In the circumstance of a real-world spill, all samples would be collected by the MECP and sent to the government lab for analysis. Parameters tested include substances including听E. coli, metals, and nutrients. In addition, field data is collected with a probe to determine factors such as pH, temperature, conductivity, and the amount of dissolved oxygen.听听听
Overall, it was a successful day of hands-on learning for both the UTRCA and the MECP!听听
If you see or suspect a spill or pollution incident, please report it to 听From there you can submit an online form鈥�or call their hotline 1-866-663-8477 and they will ask for further details on the incident.听听