What is the first step when constructing a dike for spill containment?

Determining which diking material will be compatible with the spilled material is crucial as the first step in constructing a dike for spill containment. The effectiveness of the dike largely depends on the chosen material's chemical compatibility with the substance that has spilled. If the material used for diking is not compatible, it could degrade, break down, or otherwise fail to retain the spilled material, leading to further contamination and environmental hazards.

Understanding the nature of the spilled substance allows responders to select a diking material that can effectively contain the spill while not undergoing adverse reactions. This step ensures the integrity and functionality of the containment effort right from the beginning, thereby maximizing the chances of successfully managing the spill situation.

While calculating the total volume of the spill, notifying local authorities, and assessing the potential environmental impact are all important actions to undertake in response to a spill, they should typically occur after ensuring that the chosen diking materials are appropriate for the task at hand.