Spill Guidance Manual (SGM)

First Time Users

The Spill Response Guidance manual was designed for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) spill responders and engineers. It also may be of use to environmental consultants, contractors, home and business owners and attorneys. It contains information about DEC policies, notification and enforcement requirements, and procedures for carrying out the technical and administrative activities of a DEC spill responder. This manual combines information from DEC Action Memoranda, the Technical Operating Guidance series, the Policies and Procedures Manual, and a variety of other DEC sources useful in spill response.

This is a guidance manual and many sections can be interpreted to fit the conditions of a particular situation. If you need clarification please contact the appropriate regional or central office staff.

In several instances supplemental guidance on topics contained in this manual has been released by the Department. When appropriate we have chosen to provide hotlinks to the more recent information. If you have any questions pertaining to the status of the guidance contained in this document please contact the appropriate regional or central office staff contacts.

Section 1

1.1 Spill Reporting and Initial Notification Requirements (PDF) (34 Page, 87 KB)

  • Notification Requirements
  • Enforcement of Spiller Responsibility
  • Access and Right-of-Entry

1.2 Contractor Selection and Call Out

  • Information in this section has been revised. Please contact the department at (518) 402-9543.

1.3 Emergency Response (PDF) (94 Page, 598 KB)

  • Fire and Safety Hazards
  • Confining and Containing Releases
  • Emergency Communications

1.4 Site Investigation Procedures (PDF) (109 Page, 881 KB)

1.5 Corrective Plans and Responsible Party Reports (PDF) (8 Page, 39 KB)

1.6 Corrective Action (PDF) (153 Page, 455 KB)

  • Exposure and Risk Assessment
  • Free Product in Structures, Sewers, and Underground Utility Lines
  • Vapors in Structures, Sewers, and Underground Utility Lines
  • Free Product on Soil Surface
  • Free Product on Water Surface
  • Corrective Action (part 2) (PDF) (126 Page, 547 KB)
  • Soil Remediation
  • Groundwater Remediation
  • Alternative Water Supplies
  • Frequently asked questions about The Division's Guidance Values for Site Cleanup

1.7 Closing-Out a Spill (PDF) (26 Page, 197 KB)

Section 2

2.1 Personal Health and Safety Protection (PDF) (71 Page, 1.15 MB)

2.2 Equipment Training, Calibration, and Maintenance (PDF) (47 Page, 817 KB)

2.3 Proper Management of Spill Residuals and Debris (PDF) (26 Page, 218 KB)

  • The Division's Guidance on Petroleum Contaminated Soil Disposal and Reuse is STARS #1 and #2

2.4 Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures (PDF) (16 Page, 57 KB)

2.5 Public Participation and Media Relations (PDF) (4 Page, 22 KB)

Section 3

3.1 Synopsis of Spill Management and Cleanup Technologies (PDF) (149 Page, 864 KB)

3.2 Transport and Storage Vessels (PDF) (78 Page, 847 KB)

Section 4

4.1 Case Documentation (PDF) (39 Page, 196 KB)

4.2 State Contractor Oversight (PDF) (5 pages, 61 KB)

4.3 Preparation of Payment Packages

  • Information in this section has been revised please contact the department at (518) 402-9764 for information.

Appendices

All regulation links leave DEC website.

A. Petroleum Bulk Storage Requirements

B. Chemical Bulk Storage Requirements

C. CERCLA Reporting Requirements (see off-site link on right)

D. New York SARA Title III and the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Programs State Implementation Memorandum (PDF) (7 Page, 26 KB)

E. Ambient Water Quality Standards (TOG 1.1.1)

F. Ground-Water Contamination Remediation Strategy (TOG 2.1.1)

G. 10 NYCRR, Part 170 - Sources of Water Supply (see off-site link on right)

H. 10 NYCRR, Part 5 - Drinking Water Supplies (see off-site link on right)

I. Tests or Analytical Determinations

J. Solicitation of Quotes: Whole House Water Treatment System & Detailed Specifications (PDF) (17 Page, 571 KB)

K. Guidelines for Replacement of a Single Water Supply (PDF) (9 Page, 35 KB)

L. Access and Right-of-Entry and Enforcement Guidance for Penalties (PDF) (18 Page, 298 KB)

M. Relevant Sections of New York Navigation Law, New York Environmental Law, and Petroleum Bulk Storage Regulations for Penalty Recommendations (PDF) (9 Page, 34 KB)

N. Sample Collection Protocols (PDF) (35 Page, 600 KB)

O. Generic Health & Safety Plan (PDF) (9 Page, 29 KB)

P. Recognition & Treatment of Heat and Cold Stress (PDF) (8 Page, 34 KB)

Q. New York Identification and Listing of Hazardous Wastes (link leaves DEC website)

R. Hazardous Materials Definitions (PDF) (4 Page, 1.0 MB)

S. Hazardous Materials Warning Placards (PDF) (3 Page, 697 KB)

T. Guide for Markings (PDF) (11 Page, 391 KB)

U. Hazardous Materials Shipping Papers (PDF) (11 Page, 283 KB)

V. DOT Specification Cylinders Shipping Containers (PDF) (5 Page, 767 KB)

W. NYSDEC Oil Spill Data Base Dictionary (PDF) (24 Page, 61 KB)


Contact for this Page

Division of Environmental Remediation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

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