Which step is NOT part of the appropriate response to a petroleum product spill?

The appropriate response to a petroleum product spill focuses on immediate containment, mitigation of the environmental impact, and proper notification to relevant authorities. Stopping the source of the leak is crucial as it prevents further pollutants from entering the waterway, which is vital for minimizing the spill's overall impact.

Using oil absorbent pads or booms is an effective method for containing and cleaning up spills, as these materials help to absorb the oil and reduce contamination in the surrounding environment and water. Notifying your marina or local authorities is necessary to ensure that proper procedures are followed and that additional resources can be mobilized if required.

Hiring a private cleanup company, while a viable option in certain circumstances, is not considered an immediate step necessary to address the spill effectively. In a pressing situation, the priority should be to contain and control the spill using available resources and alerting officials rather than relying immediately on external contractors.