Oil Spill Clean-Up

Containment Boom for Oil Spill Clean Up Operations

oil containment boomOil spill clean-up booms are durable, high-strength barriers designed to contain and control oil during a spill. Booms are equipped for oil spill containment in calm waters, moving water, and open water areas. Each boom comes in a section that can be joined together to meet required lengths in your location.

Similar in design to the silt barrier, these products contain a top floatation device, bottom skirt, and ballast chain to keep the barrier in position during use. Oil containment booms are typically EPA compliant for reliable containment of oil products.

Need help with oil spill clean-up? We can help. Call our GEI Works specialists at: +1-772-646-0597 or contact us.

Oil Spill Clean Up Boom Specifications

Calm Water Booms
Boom Height Freeboard Draft Section Sizes
Calm Water 10 10"
(250 mm)
4"
(100 mm)
6"
(150 mm)
50', 100'
Calm Water 18 18"
(450 mm)
6"
(150 mm)
12"
(300 mm)
50', 100'

Fast and Protected Booms
Boom Height Freeboard Draft Section Sizes
Fast Water 11 11"
(280 mm)
5"
(120 mm)
6"
(150 mm)
50', 100'
Fast Water 18 18"
(450 mm)
6"
(150 mm)
12"
(300 mm)
50', 100'
Fast Water 19 19"
(480 mm)
7"
(180 mm)
12"
(300 mm)
50', 100'
Fast Water 25 25"
(630 mm)
9"
(220 mm)
16"
(400 mm)
50', 100'

Open Water Booms
Boom Height Freeboard Draft Section Sizes
Open Water 31 31"
(780 mm)
11"
(280 mm)
20"
(500 mm)
50', 100'
Open Water 37 37"
(940 mm)
13"
(330 mm)
24"
(610 mm)
50', 100'

Salt Water Containment Boom

For all Salt Water Containment Booms, stainless steel cables and zinc anode connectors are recommended to help protect against corrosion during use. If these additions are cost prohibitive, standard galvanized cables and connectors can be used for a period of time up to 12 months.

How are Oil Containment Booms Used?

oil spill cleanupDesigned for almost any water type, containment booms have been used in lakes, oceans, ponds, rivers, and other fast moving water ways. Depending on your location, spill, and water conditions, booms can be implemented in one or more of the following ways:

  1. Containment: Containing spills will require oil boom installation around the perimeter of the spill to prevent further spreading/pollution.
  2. Deflection: The deflection method involves installing booms in a manner that redirects oil to a central clean up area. This approach is usually taken when containment is not possible due to rough water conditions.
  3. Exclusion: If a spill has occurred near a sensitive environmental area, booms can be deployed around this location to serve as a barrier. Acting as a perimeter, these booms will exclude oil from reaching natural habitats.

Oil Spill Clean Up Booms may also frequently be used as part of an SPCC or Spill Containment Plan. For areas dealing with hazardous materials near waterways, having a plan in the event of a spill is essential to staying in compliance with local and federal regulations. View our Complete Oil Boom Variety for more spill containment, prevention, and oil spill clean up options.

See a customer question about Affixing an Oil Containment Boom to a pier.

How Do Oil Spills Affect the Environment?

Due to the hazardous nature of fuel and oil spills, containment booms have become an essential step to preventing further contamination and stopping the spread of materials. Please see the following links to see how oil spills have affected various environments:

  • Marine Life: How Do Oil Spills Affect Marine Life? Read More
  • Environmental: How Does an Oil Spill Affect the Environment? Read More
  • Coral Reefs: How Do Oil Spills Affect Coral Reefs? Read More

After the oil spill has been contained, products such as absorbents and skimmers may be used as oil spill clean up material.

Questions about oil spill clean-up booms? We can help. Call GEI Works at +1-772-646-0597 or contact us to discuss your project.