How should water used for decontamination be managed in a field environment?

• A. Contain and treat effluent, prevent environmental release, and dispose per SOP after proper decon.
• B. Release the water to the environment after brief rinsing.
• C. Use untreated water for decon.
• D. Discharge decon water directly into a drain without treatment.

Answer: (A)

Field decontamination water management focuses on containing and treating runoff to prevent environmental contamination. The water that runs off during decon can carry hazardous residues, so it must be collected in containment, processed through the appropriate treatment steps defined in the SOP, and then disposed of through the approved pathway after proper decon. This sequence protects soil, water sources, and personnel, and ensures compliance with environmental and safety requirements. Brief rinsing or releasing untreated water would leave hazardous material in the environment, while discharging decon water directly into a drain without treatment bypasses safeguards and regulatory controls.