Is it acceptable to wash spilled pesticides down storm drains?

Washing spilled pesticides down storm drains is not acceptable because it can lead to significant environmental harm. Pesticides contain chemicals that can contaminate water supplies, harm aquatic life, and disrupt ecosystems. When these chemicals enter storm drains, they often flow directly into local waterways without treatment, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

Proper protocol when dealing with a pesticide spill involves containment and cleanup that adheres to environmental regulations and safety guidelines. Spills should be managed responsibly by following specific procedures intended to neutralize the hazardous effects of such substances, ensuring that they are disposed of safely and appropriately rather than being washed away into the stormwater system.

The other options imply some level of conditional acceptance or permissibility of washing pesticides down drains, which conflicts with best practices in environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. Therefore, the answer indicating that it is not acceptable aligns correctly with environmental protection principles.