Oil Spill Kits
Oil Spill Prevention, Response and Recycling
For a limited time (while they last) you can pickup your free Rubicon Clean Trail Kits at Loon Lake Kiosk (weekends only).
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.edcgov.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.