What type of materials is most often contained by dikes during hazardous material spills?

Dikes are barriers designed to contain liquids and are primarily used in response to hazardous material spills. When a spill occurs, especially involving liquids, dikes prevent the spread of these materials into the surrounding environment, protecting nearby areas from contamination. Liquid hazardous materials are often the focal point of concerns during spill management due to their potential for severe environmental and health risks.

The structure and design of dikes make them particularly effective for capturing and holding liquids, which can flow and spread quickly. In contrast, non-hazardous materials do not pose the same level of threat and would not typically require containment through dikes. Solid waste, while it can be hazardous in some circumstances, does not generally require dike formation since it doesn't flow like liquids. Compressed gases, on the other hand, present unique challenges in containment and typically require different methods for safe management and control. Therefore, the use of dikes for liquid hazardous materials is essential for efficient containment and response during spill incidents.