A spill of 8,500 gallons occurs in coastal waters. It is classified as which class?

A spill of 8,500 gallons occurs in coastal waters. It is classified as which class?

• A. MINOR in inland waters.
• B. MINOR in coastal waters.
• C. MAJOR in inland waters.
• D. MAJOR in coastal waters.

Answer: (B)

Spill classifications hinge on two factors: where the spill happens and how large it is. There’s a defined threshold that distinguishes a minor release from a major one in coastal environments. An 8,500-gallon spill in coastal waters falls below that threshold, so it is categorized as minor in coastal waters. This classification guides the level of response and reporting required. If the spill were inland, or if the volume exceeded the coastal major threshold, the category would be different.

Spill classifications hinge on two factors: where the spill happens and how large it is. There’s a defined threshold that distinguishes a minor release from a major one in coastal environments. An 8,500-gallon spill in coastal waters falls below that threshold, so it is categorized as minor in coastal waters. This classification guides the level of response and reporting required. If the spill were inland, or if the volume exceeded the coastal major threshold, the category would be different.