Environmentally friendly hydrocarbon mitigation agent

[TYMinColton]

Rather than a post about oils, lubricants, and other petroleum products, this deals with cleaning up after 'em.

I have several large oil spills on a concrete floor in my garage, and I'm looking for a way to safely clean them up that is "environmentally friendly". Several products are available from such companies as Enviroclean and Biosolve that appear to emulsify (defat) hydrocarbons for clean-up, but these products seem to only be available for industrial apps. Does anyone know of any environmentally safe products that can be picked up at a local hardware store that might do the job. Like many of you I have well-water, so I really want to avoid anything that could contaminate ground-water.

 

[oldmech]

Hi! You can put some dry sawdust on your floor about one inche. You walk on two or more days. The sawdust absorb oil . Good Luck Oldmech

 

[TYMinColton]

Hi! You can put some dry sawdust on your floor about one inche. You walk on two or more days. The sawdust absorb oil . Good Luck Oldmech

Good suggestion. Thanks. I actually ended up using sand (and have used kitty litter) to soak up the bulk of the oil, but there's still plenty that has penetrated and/or been absorbed by the concrete. So, perhaps I should have been more specific in my request for a reagent that might digest and/or remove the oil that has penetrated the concrete.

While I actually like the black spills - makes me feel like I'm getting work done - there must be some way to completely remove them. . . .

 

[Danno1]

.

I don't think anything will completely remove them. But for enviro freindly, you could try Simple Green.

.

 

[TYMinColton]

.

I don't think anything will completely remove them. But for enviro freindly, you could try Simple Green.

.

Agreed, but I think what I'm really looking for would be better classified as a hydrocarbon digester, perhaps involving microbes? Several products, including simple green, are clearly effective at solubilizing and lifting oil stains, but I don't think these products really breakdown the oil into something that is biodegradable and safe for yard/septic dumping. I suspect that after clean-up I'd end-up with either a large volume of hazardous grey water , or if I pressure washed, oil that leaches into my soil and groundwater . I do know there are a few products that can be applied directly to soils (after the fact) that enhance and supplement natural micr obes that can literally digest hydrocarbons into their basic elements of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, etc. My question is whether anyone knows of a product like this that can be purchased OTC at a reasonable price.

 

[AlanB]

Best OTC type one I have seen.

Pour-N-Restore: Oil Stain Remover, Oil Stain Removal, Removing Oil Stain on Driveway, Concrete Oil Stains

We look at these constantly, and as you are well aware, what you do with the water afterwards is a hassle.

Just had one of the best demo's I ever saw and it would not fully remove the material from concrete.

As the saying goes, Concrete is a sponge, and gravity works in it's favor.

We have had pretty good results all in all and with the Pour-n-restore, it dries into a chalky powder that you can then sweep up and dispose of. Technically you should check with your local landfill to see what their requirements are, but, it is probably very similar to what you would do with an oily rag from your house.

 

[TYMinColton]

Best OTC type one I have seen.

Pour-N-Restore: Oil Stain Remover, Oil Stain Removal, Removing Oil Stain on Driveway, Concrete Oil Stains

We look at these constantly, and as you are well aware, what you do with the water afterwards is a hassle.

Just had one of the best demo's I ever saw and it would not fully remove the material from concrete.

As the saying goes, Concrete is a sponge, and gravity works in it's favor.

We have had pretty good results all in all and with the Pour-n-restore, it dries into a chalky powder that you can then sweep up and dispose of. Technically you should check with your local landfill to see what their requirements are, but, it is probably very similar to what you would do with an oily rag from your house.

You mean of course . . . burn it .

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give 'em a looksee. The wife will appreciate it .

 

[DieselPower]

The best products I have used for deep cleaning concrete floors are the bacteria kind. Comes in a powder form which you activate with water (some come in liquid form), it wakes up the little critters, spread the solution on the oil spot and keep damp. I find placing a wet sponge or wet towel on it works best. The bacteria produce enzymes that break down the oil into it's basic components, stain gone.

 

[TYMinColton]

The best products I have used for deep cleaning concrete floors are the bacteria kind. Comes in a powder form which you activate with water (some come in liquid form), it wakes up the little critters, spread the solution on the oil spot and keep damp. I find placing a wet sponge or wet towel on it works best. The bacteria produce enzymes that break down the oil into it's basic components, stain gone.

This is exactly the sort of product I've been looking for. Do happen to know what this product is called? Do you know if I can buy it at my local auto/hardware store?
Thanks!
Pete

 

[firedog]

Not sure if this will work for you.
Verde Environmental Welcomes You to the Home of Micro-Blaze MIcrobial Products!