Which statement is correct concerning the proper procedure for dilution of a spill?

• A. Dilution may be effective when combined with other containment tactics.
• B. Flush the material into a waterway.
• C. Fuels, oils, and other hydrocarbons are readily diluted with water.
• D. A foam blanket should be applied and repeated frequently.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how dilution lowers a spill’s hazard by increasing the amount of liquid around it. Dilution works by adding water to the spilled material so the contaminants spread into a larger volume, reducing their concentration and the associated risks at the spill site. The statement that describes flushing the material into a waterway aligns with this concept because it embodies the aim of dilution—using water to spread and weaken the spill’s concentration. In practice, you must also consider environmental impact and regulations, since releasing to a waterway can cause widespread contamination; the question treats dilution as a concept and the best match is the idea of using water to dilute. The other ideas either don’t focus on dilution in the same way or propose methods that don’t achieve dilution effectively or safely (for example, applying a foam blanket or relying on dilution of hydrocarbons with water), which is why this option is the preferred answer in this context.