If a sewer spill has a flow of 166 gpm for 217 minutes, how is the total spill volume calculated?

To find the total spill volume from a sewer spill, the appropriate calculation involves multiplying the flow rate by the duration of the spill. Flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (gpm), indicates how much liquid is being released at any given moment. Duration, given in minutes, tells us how long the flow continues.

By multiplying the flow rate (166 gpm) by the duration (217 minutes), you obtain the total volume of the spill in gallons. This calculation reflects the basic principle of volume determination, where volume is equal to flow rate multiplied by time. Thus, the correct method to calculate the total spill volume is to use the formula Duration x Flow Rate, which aligns perfectly with the principles of fluid dynamics.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurate reporting and managing environmental impacts during a spill incident. The other options presented do not represent the correct formula for calculating total volume in this context.