What environmental guideline should be strictly followed after a petroleum spill?

Containing the spill and assessing the damage is a critical environmental guideline to follow after a petroleum spill. This approach allows for immediate action to limit the spread of contaminants, which is essential for protecting surrounding ecosystems, water sources, and human health. By containing the spill, responders can prevent further environmental degradation and start evaluating the extent of the impact on the land, water, and wildlife.

Proper assessment of the damage also facilitates the development of a comprehensive cleanup plan, which may include remediation strategies to restore the affected area. This proactive response aligns with best practices in spill management, as it underscores the importance of swift, systematic actions to mitigate environmental harm.

The other choices do not prioritize environmental protection in the same way. For instance, leaving the area open to traffic can exacerbate the situation by spreading pollutants further, while advertising the spill publicly might not address the core issue of containment and assessment. Waiting for the spill to evaporate is an ineffective and hazardous approach, as it ignores the immediate dangers posed by the spill to the environment and public safety.