This report covers the investigation of methods for sealing the surface of soils and preventing the percolation of spilled hazardous materials into the ground. The objective was to develop a portable, self-contained, universal sealing system which could be operated by one man, retain the spilled material through a 24-hr removal period, and pose no subsequent hazard to the user or to the environment. Sprayable sealant systems were investigated extensively but proved to be impractical. Of the sealants investigated, only polyurethane foam showed any promise of sealing soil surfaces particularly under the severe weather conditions that generally accompany bulk transport accidents. However, the quantity of chemical required to seal soil (especially grassy substrates) far exceeded the amount considered practical for a portable system. Polyethylene film in the shape of a one-end-closed tube proved to be the most practical means of containing and collecting hazardous material spills.

Caption title. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "April 1984." "EPA-600/2-84-084." Microfiche.