What volume of spilled material qualifies as a large spill?

A large spill is typically defined as an event involving significant quantities of hazardous materials that can pose serious risks to public health and the environment. In many regulatory frameworks, a spill of more than 208 gallons signifies a major incident requiring immediate attention and possibly specialized containment and remediation strategies. This is because spills of this volume can lead to widespread contamination and necessitate substantial emergency response efforts.

Spills of less than 55 gallons are generally categorized as small spills, which may not require extensive reporting or intervention. A quantity between 55 and 208 gallons is often considered to be a moderate spill, which, while still significant, is not viewed as having the same immediate threat level as spills greater than 208 gallons. Consequently, by identifying spills over this specific threshold, authorities can prioritize their response efforts more effectively, mobilizing appropriate resources and ensuring safety protocols are in place.