Natural Absorbents

Coast Guard recognizes peat moss absorbents

Natural Absorbent is Reusable for Smarter Cleanup

USCG Integrated Support Command Ketchikan
From: Leading the Way Toward Pollution Prevention and Improved Environmental Management
The Interagency Pollution Prevention Initiative steering committee

Spill prevention is always the primary goal for shop operations. However, when spills happen, the clean up can generate a significant amount of oily waste. The U.S. Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Kodiak (ISC Kodiak) was looking for an alternative to using kitty litter or absorbent pads to clean up spills which are expensive to dispose. They found their solution in a natural moss that soaks up hydrocarbons—and its reusable.

Objective:

Eliminate the waste stream of oil/hydrocarbon soaked pads and absorbents used to clean up accidental shop spills.

Process:

Sphag (or Sphagnum) Moss is used to clean up spills. The moss will soak up hydrocarbons from virtually any surface and can be reused until completely saturated.

Results:

	The Sphag Moss has been found effective in soaking up oil, fuel, paints and solvents and can be reused numerous times, decreasing costs for spill pads and other absorbents.
	A drum of oily pads weighs around 400 pounds and costs over $250 to dispose of from ISC Kodiak. The Sphag Moss has eliminated the disposal of several drums per year, for a significant cost savings.
	The Sphag Moss cost " " per 2 cubic-foot long bag, and has yet to be replaced since it was purchased 4 months ago.

Contact:

Mr. Chris Rose
USCG Integrated Support Command Ketchikan
(907) 228-0308