In an emergency, what is a common method used to contain a hazardous material spill?

The correct choice is based on the need to control and redirect the flow of hazardous materials to prevent further spread and minimize the impact on the environment and public health. Diversion involves creating barriers or channels to redirect the hazardous material away from critical areas such as waterways or populated regions. This method allows responders to effectively manage the spill by guiding it towards a safer area where it can be contained and addressed.

Monitoring is important for assessing the situation and ensuring safety, but it does not actively prevent the spread of the material. Capping refers to sealing the source of the leak, which can be effective in certain situations but does not address the spread already occurring from the spillage. Neutralization involves chemically altering the hazardous substance to make it less harmful, which is a critical step but typically takes place after initial containment and diversion efforts are implemented. Therefore, diversion is the most common and immediate method employed to contain a hazardous material spill in an emergency.