Oil Spill Kits

For a limited time (while they last) you can pickup your free Rubicon Clean Trail Kits at Loon Lake Kiosk (weekends only).

Oil Spill Prevention, Response and Recycling

[pdf version]

Before You Go
Prior to heading out on the trail, perform your pre-trip maintenance to prevent leaks and minimize the
chances of breaking down. Small leaks at home can turn into major leaks under extreme conditions.
Small leaks from hundreds of vehicles result in a huge impact on the trail.

Clean your engine, transmission, transfer case and driveline to check for oil leaks. Repair or replace
leaking gaskets and seals. Check the fuel, cooling, brake, power steering and other systems as well.
Repair or replace lines, hoses, reservoirs and other components. Install skid plates to protect critical
areas from damage. Make sure your battery is firmly secured.

While Wheeling
Drive cautiously to prevent damage to your vehicle. Don’t straddle large rocks that can puncture
vulnerable components. Cross obstacles at an angle, one wheel at a time, raising vehicle clearance.
Know where the low points on your vehicle are; the differential, transmission, transfer case, etc.

Use a spotter in front of your vehicle to let you know what’s going on underneath. Know what’s ahead
of you. Stop frequently, get out, walk ahead and observe. Evaluate the options and select the least
damaging route.

Spill Response
If you do experience a spill on the trail, the first step is to control the leak. Use whatever means
available to stop or slow the leak at its source. Hoses can be clamped and in some cases small holes
can be plugged.

Secondly, contain what has spilled. Use the absorbent provided to soak up any petroleum based
liquid. The absorbent will float on water and skim oil off the top. You can also carry rags, kitty litter
or other absorbents. Leaks can be captured in containers. After use, absorbents can be placed in the
plastic bag provided for transport out of the forest. If the spill soaks into the soil, the soil can also be
placed in the bag and packed out. Additional absorbent material can often be obtained at auto supply
stores.

Recycling and Disposal
Saturated absorbent, rags, kitty litter, soil, etc. can be dropped off on your way out at one of the
hazardous material storage sheds located at each end of the trail. The storage shed on the west end
is next to the kiosk at Loon Lake. On the east end, the shed is located next to the restrooms in the
parking lot.

Saturated materials can also be taken to the household hazardous waste collection facilities in your
area. For facilities In El Dorado County and the hours of operation, please check our website at
www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/emd . For the nearest oil recycling facility call 1-800-CLEANUP.
This program is being implemented by the El Dorado County Environmental Management Department
and funded by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Thanks for doing
your part.