Portable apparatus for containing and regulating flow of a liquid into a drainage inlet

This patent describes a method of using an apparatus suitable for containing a mixture of spilled petroleum liquid and water and regulating the flow of water into a storm drain, having a drainage inlet with a recess area extending about a perimeter of the drainage inlet, while minimizing the flow of the petroleum liquid into the storm drain, the apparatus comprising, flange means, defining a central opening therein, for engaging the recess area of the storm drain, the flange means being substantially the same size and shape as a cover of the storm drain so that when the cover is removed from the storm drain, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the apparatus over a storm drain with the flange means being received and supported by the recess area of the storm drain with the central opening overlying the drainage inlet; allowing the mixture of petroleum liquid and water to collect around the apparatus; controlling the position of the movable hollow member, relative to the flange means, to control the flow of water into the drainage inlet, through the sidewall and central openings, while maintaining the petroleum liquid floating on the water and preventing entry of the petroleum liquid into the at least sidewall opening; and collecting the petroleum liquid after a sufficient quantity of water has been allowed to flow into the drainage inlet