NOAA

Shoreline Assessment Manual

4th Edition

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Ocean Service

Office of Response and Restoration

Emergency Response Division

August 2013
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Ocean Service

Office of Response and Restoration

Emergency Response Division

Seattle, Washington, United States of America

Front Cover: Point Reyes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California on 18 August 2008. 

Cite as: 

NOAA. (2013). Shoreline Assessment Manual. 4th Edition. U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Seattle, WA: 

Emergency Response Division, Office of Response and Restoration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration. 73 pp + appendices.
NOAA

Shoreline Assessment Manual

4th Edition

August 2013

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

COMMERCE

Penny Pritzker, 

Secretary

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration

Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Acting

Under Secretary of Commerce for 

Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA 

Administrator

National Ocean Service

Dr. Holly Bamford,

Assistant Administrator for 

Ocean Services and Coastal 

Zone Management
NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration

NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) is a center of expertise in preparing for, evaluating, 

and responding to threats to coastal and marine environments, which may include oil and chemical 

spills, releases from hazardous waste sites, and marine debris. OR&R is comprised of three divisions:

Emergency Response, Assessment and Restoration, and Marine Debris. 

To fulfill its mission of protecting and restoring the nation’s coastal and marine ecosystems and 

resources, OR&R:

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•

•

•

Provides world-class scientific and technical support to prepare for and respond to oil and 

chemical releases.

Determines injuries to natural resources from spills and other hazards, then seeks damages for 

restoration to make the public whole.

Protects and restores marine and coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs.

Works with communities to address critical local and regional coastal challenges.

Acknowledgements

Many people have contributed their knowledge and expertise to the development and evolution of 

the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) process and this manual. Their contributions are 

gratefully acknowledged.
Table of Contents

1 An Introduction to the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) ................................................ 1

General Process of SCAT Support to Operations .................................................................................... 3

Information Needs Early in the Response ................................................................................................. 5

Companion Job-Aids to this Shoreline Assessment Manual .............................................................. 5

2 The Flexibility of Shoreline Assessment Methods ................................................................................................ 7

What is a SCAT Program? ................................................................................................................................ 7

“Geographic” SCAT ............................................................................................................................................ 7

“Topical” or “Hot Spot” SCAT ......................................................................................................................... 7

Response Typing as Part of the SCAT Process ......................................................................................... 9

3 Responsibilities of the SCAT Team ......................................................................................................................... 12

4 Roles and Responsibilities of the SCAT Program Members ........................................................................... 13

SCAT Coordinator ........................................................................................................................................... 13

SCAT Team Leader .......................................................................................................................................... 15

SCAT Team Member ...................................................................................................................................... 16

SCAT Data Manager ....................................................................................................................................... 17

SCAT Data Management Team .................................................................................................................. 18

SCAT-Ops Liaison ............................................................................................................................................ 19

SCAT Logistics Coordinator ......................................................................................................................... 19

5 Shoreline Assessment Process and Activities ..................................................................................................... 20

5.1 Reconnaissance Survey ..................................................................................................................... 22

5.2 Segmenting the Shoreline ............................................................................................................... 23

5.3 Developing Spill-Specific Cleanup Guidelines and Endpoints ........................................... 25

5.4 Pre-survey Planning and Daily Team Assignments ................................................................ 37

5.5 Shoreline Surveys ................................................................................................................................ 38

5.7 Cleanup Evaluation/Effectiveness Monitoring ......................................................................... 40

5.8 Post-Cleanup Inspections ................................................................................................................ 41

5.9 Final Sign-Off of Cleanup Activities .............................................................................................. 42

6 Shoreline Survey Terms, Codes, and Forms ........................................................................................................ 43

7 SCAT Data Management and Products ................................................................................................................ 55

SCAT Data Management .............................................................................................................................. 55

8 Planning for Shoreline Assessments ...................................................................................................................... 63

9 References and Further Reading ............................................................................................................................. 64

i 
Appendices

Appendix A: SCAT Equipment Checklist .................................................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B: Brief Descriptions of Shoreline Cleanup Methods ......................................................................... B-1

Appendix C: Shoreline Descriptors, Including Oil Behavior and Response Considerations .................... C-1

Appendix D: Examples of SCAT Forms and Guides ................................................................................................ D-1

Appendix E: A Primer on Drawing Field Sketches ................................................................................................... E-1

Appendix F: Example SCAT Field Safety Plan ............................................................................................................ F-1

Appendix G: SCAT Photography Guidelines ............................................................................................................. G-1

Appendix H: SCAT GPS Guidelines ............................................................................................................................... H-1

Appendix I: Step-by-Step Guidelines for Filling out the Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) Form .......... I-1

List of Figures

Figure 1. The Unified Command Structure of ICS. SCAT Teams work as part of the Environmental 

Unit to collect information on shoreline oiling conditions to support cleanup decisionmaking. .................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Figure 2. Where SCAT-generated information is used in the “Planning P” process. .................................... 4

Figure 3. SCAT process flow chart. ................................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 4. U.S. Coast Guard Response Types. ............................................................................................................... 9

Figure 5. Example of shoreline segmenting. Example SCAT segments for the 2010 Yellowstone River 

spill ....................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Figure 6. Impact and recovery of various cleanup methods, including natural recovery. Note that 

Cleanup method 3 removed the most oil but had the longest habitat recovery ................... 31

Figure 7. Sediment Types. .............................................................................................................................................. 44

Figure 8. Oil Distribution. ................................................................................................................................................ 45

Figure 9. Surface and Subsurface Oiling Descriptors – Thickness. .................................................................. 46

Figure 10. Surface Oiling Descriptors – Type. ............................................................................................................ 47

Figure 11. Subsurface Oiling Descriptors. ................................................................................................................... 48

Figure 12. Combined SOS Form completed for an example survey shown in Figure 11. ......................... 49

Figure 13. SCAT map for the example survey from the SOS form in Figure 12. ............................................ 50

Figure 14. Tar Ball SOS Form completed for zones A-D in the example survey in Figure 13 ................... 51

Figure 15. Matrices to be used in the two-step process to assign an oiling category for a segment ... 53

Figure 16. Definition of subsurface oil in fine-grained (A) and coarse-grained (B) sediments ................ 54

Figure 17. Example of using oblique aerial photographs as the basemap for presenting the results of 

the SCAT survey at the M/V Selendang Ayu spill in Alaska, USA. .................................................... 60

Figure 18. Example of using vertical aerial imagery as the basemap for presenting the results of the 

SCAT survey at the M/V Athos 1 oil spill in the Delaware River near Philadelphia, PA. .......... 61

Figure 19. Example of shoreline oiling summary map from the 2006 M/V Cosco Busan spill in San 

Francisco Bay, CA. ........................................................................................................................................... 62

ii
List of Tables

Table 1. ESI shoreline types for three habitat settings. ...................................................................................... 27

Table 2. Guidelines for development of cleanup endpoints. .......................................................................... 28

Table 3. SCAT terms to be used for spills of light, refined products. ............................................................. 48

Table 4. List of the types of SCAT data products created during spills of different degrees of 

complexity ......................................................................................................................................................... 56

Table 5. Tabular summary of the miles of shoreline by state and status within the Shoreline 

Cleanup Completion Plan process for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ....................................... 61

iii
List of Abbreviations

ACP Area Contingency Plan

BMP Best Management Practice

cm centimeter

ESA Endangered Species Act

ESI Environmental Sensitivity Index

EU Environmental Unit

FOSC Federal On-Scene Coordinator

GIS Geographic Information Systems 

GPS Global Positioning System

IAP Incident Action Plan

IC Incident Command 

ICS Incident Command System

IM Information Management

km kilometer

kpa kilopascals 

m meter

mm millimeter

MP megapixel

NFT No further treatment

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NIMS National Incident Management System

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOO No oil observed

OR&R Office of Response and Restoration

psi pounds per square inch 

QA/QC quality assurance/quality control

RP Responsible Party

SCAT Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique

SSC Scientific Support Coordinator

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SIR Shoreline Inspection Report

SLR single lens reflex

SOS Shoreline Oiling Survey

STR Shoreline Treatment Recommendation

UC Unified Command

USCG U.S. Coast Guard

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

iv
Shoreline Assessment Manual

1 An Introduction to the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT)

When spilled oil contaminates shoreline habitats, responders must survey the affected areas to 

determine the appropriate response. Although general approvals or decision tools for using shoreline 

cleanup methods can be developed during pre-spill planning stages, responders’ specific treatment 

recommendations must integrate field data on shoreline habitats, oil type, degree of shoreline 

contamination, spill-specific physical processes, and ecological and cultural resource issues. Cleanup 

endpoints must be established early so that appropriate cleanup methods can be selected to meet the 

cleanup objectives. Shoreline surveys must be conducted systematically because they are crucial 

components of effective decisions. Also, repeated surveys are needed to monitor the effectiveness 

and effects of ongoing treatment methods (changes in shoreline oiling conditions, as well as natural 

recovery), so that the need for changes in methodology, additional treatment, or constraints can be 

evaluated. This manual outlines methods for conducting shoreline assessments and incorporating the 

results into the decision-making process for shoreline cleanup at oil spills, all a part of the Shoreline 

Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) program.

In spite of the word “shoreline” in SCAT, a SCAT program can be applied to any type of response, be it 

oil, chemical (depending on the safety issues), or marine debris, and in any type of habitat, be it along 

shorelines, wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams, or uplands. Thus, everywhere in this manual where the 

word “shoreline” is used, it could easily be replaced with the appropriate habitat for a specific incident. 

SCAT was implemented during responses to the 2010 spills into the Kalamazoo River, Michigan and 

the Yellowstone River, Montana with good results. 

The SCAT program has become an integral component of spill response since the Exxon Valdez spill, 

which was the first spill where standard approaches for documentation, terminology, and decisionmaking were applied (Owens and Teal 1990). Since then, many organizations have developed SCAT 

programs, manuals, field forms, job-aids, and training courses. In North America, Environment Canada 

and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Response & Restoration 

(OR&R) have developed similar SCAT programs and associated products. 

Many improvements to SCAT were developed during the response to the 2004 Selendang Ayu spill in 

Alaska (Crosby et al. 2008; Owens et al. 2008) and the 2007 M/V Cosco Busan spill in San Francisco Bay, 

including the introduction of Shoreline Treatment Recommendation (STR) forms and the proto-type 

SCAT database. During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, up to 26 SCAT teams, consisting of Federal, 

State, local, and BP representatives, conducted field surveys to document the location, degree, and 

character of shoreline oiling using standard methods and terminology for over three years. As of May

2013, this effort involved over 7,100 SCAT team-days during which 7,058 kilometers (km) of shoreline 

were surveyed; however, over 46,000 km of total shoreline have been surveyed, because of the many 

repeated surveys of the same sections of shoreline over time. A robust SCAT database and reporting 

tools were refined and became essential to managing the data from this large SCAT effort. 

1 
During a spill response, SCAT is an integral component of the response organization that is conducted 

as part of the Incident Command System (ICS). Further information regarding ICS, response structures, 

and roles can be found in the US Coast Guard Incident Management Handbook (USCG 2013). The

SCAT function in a typical ICS structure fits into the Planning Section under the Environmental Unit 

(EU) with strong interaction with the Operations Section (Figure 1). SCAT teams are often made up of

representatives from state and federal agencies, the Responsible Party (RP), and the U.S. Coast Guard 

(USCG) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC). 

Members of the team should be trained and knowledgeable in their roles, which include 1) SCAT 

Coordinator, 2) SCAT Team Leader, 3) SCAT Team Member, and 4) SCAT Data Manager. In some cases, 

there will be a need for a SCAT-Ops Liaison and a SCAT Logistics Coordinator. The NOAA Scientific 

Support Coordinator (SSC) is a principal advisor to the FOSC, per the National Contingency Plan. The 

NOAA SSC and Scientific Support Team are trained and experienced in planning, conducting, leading, 

training, and coordinating all aspects of SCAT.

Figure 1. The Unified Command Structure of ICS. SCAT Teams work as part of the Environmental Unit 

to collect information on shoreline oiling conditions to support cleanup decision-making. 

2 
Bringing their organization’s expertise, SCAT Team Members collect the data needed to develop a 

shoreline cleanup plan that maximizes the recovery of oiled habitats and resources, while minimizing 

the risk of injury from cleanup efforts. Consideration should always be given to:

•

•

•

•

•

Potential for human exposure, by direct contact or by eating contaminated seafood;

Extent and duration of environmental impacts if the oil is not removed;

Natural removal rates;

Potential for remobilized oil to affect other sensitive resources; and

Likelihood that cleanup could cause greater harm than the oil alone.

Information from these assessments must meet the requirements of the cleanup operation, being 

both timely and of uniform quality and content. Finally, the teams must coordinate their field activities 

with the Operations Division supervisors working in the areas being assessed. This ensures that all 

operations are conducted safely and that important information is exchanged.

Information generated by SCAT is critical to spill response and is used throughout the planning and 

operational process (Figure 2). The SCAT Coordinator synthesizes field data into reports used by the 

EU and Planning Section to support the daily Incident Action Plan (IAP). The information and 

recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Planning Section and implemented by the 

Operations Section in shoreline cleanup. SCAT supports the response objectives and mandates of the 

response operations, as directed and managed by the Unified Command (UC). Appropriate 

representatives from all stakeholders in the response are involved in this activity. Shoreline 

assessment data must be collected quickly since it is necessary for operational decision making.

The following sections of this manual describe the organizational and technical aspects of conducting 

shoreline assessments. This manual is designed for use as a field guide as well as a training tool. NOAA 

has developed training programs for SCAT Team Members and Coordinators/Team Leaders that 

covers much of the material in this manual, as well as other technical topics that SCAT Team Members 

need to be able to perform their duties, including introduction to Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) 

maps, coastal processes, oil types and behavior, case studies, oil behavior and cleanup on different 

shoreline types, and field exercises to practice doing SCAT surveys. NOAA and USEPA have developed 

a similar three-day training program for Inland SCAT, using examples and case studies from inland 

spills.

General Process of SCAT Support to Operations

The SCAT Process begins as soon as the threat of shoreline oiling is identified. The following discussion 

outlines the basic SCAT process (Figure 3), keeping in mind each component is scalable to meet the 

needs of the incident. Reconnaissance is conducted to identify the shoreline types, extent (both 

along-shore and cross-shore) of oiling, and logistical requirements for deploying field teams. Teams 

are organized and trained, maps and spatial data on sensitive resources and shorelines are compiled, 

and initial cleanup guidelines and endpoints are developed. Based on the priorities to support 

Planning and Operations Sections, SCAT teams conduct the initial shoreline survey and complete the 

Shoreline Oiling Survey (SOS) forms. The results are evaluated using the cleanup guidelines (allowable 

shoreline treatment methods for different shoreline types and degree of oiling) and cleanup 

3 
Figure 2. Where SCAT-generated information is used in the “Planning P” process (from Northwest Area Committee, 2013). 

4

4 
endpoints (when treatment operations can be terminated), and each shoreline segment is assigned 

one of three categories: 1) No oil observed (NOO); 2) No further treatment (NFT) recommended; and 3) 

Treatment recommended, which results in the preparation of a STR. Cleanup endpoints should be

included as part of the STR. The draft STR is reviewed by appropriate agencies and stakeholders, 

including required consultations under federal regulations, and submitted for final approval by the UC

before submittal to the Planning Section for issuance to the Operations Section as part of the Incident 

Action Plan.

Note that the terms cleanup and treatment are used interchangeably. Shoreline treatment does not 

always remove all the oil, so that the shoreline is “clean,” so sometimes treatment is the preferred 

term. However, they both mean the same thing.

During cleanup activities, SCAT teams respond to requests from the Operations Section to clarify the 

STR requirements and provide guidance on best practices. The Operations Section notifies SCAT when 

a segment is deemed ready for inspection against the current cleanup endpoints. If SCAT determines 

that the segment does meet the cleanup endpoints, they recommend it for final inspection and 

signoff. If not, they recommend continued treatment, which can include creation of a new or revised 

STR. Eventually, all shoreline segments, including those that were initially determined to be NFT, are 

subject to final inspection or review and signoff. A Shoreline Inspection Report (SIR) can be used to 

document the oiling conditions prior to moving a segment out of the response.

Information Needs Early in the Response

In the initial phase of a spill, the conditions may require immediate information on shoreline oiling to 

deploy cleanup contractors for gross oil recovery. The UC can direct Field Observers, who are 

organized under the Situation Unit (Figure 1), to gather such information. As well as knowing 

accepted terms and cleanup guidelines, Field Observers must understand the key agency concerns 

about a spill, such as the shoreline sensitivity or special resource issues, (e.g., protected species or 

cultural resources), that need to be considered during any type of shoreline cleanup operations.

Companion Job-Aids to this Shoreline Assessment Manual

NOAA has generated a series of job-aids that should be considered companion documents to this 

manual. These include:

•

•

•

Shoreline Assessment Job-Aid: A pocket-sized, laminated field guide used by members of 

Shoreline Assessment Teams to assist them in recording accurate field observations in a concise, 

systematic, and standard format.

Characteristics of Response Strategies: A Guide for Spill Response Planning in Marine 

Environments: A pocket-sized field guide that summarizes the technical rational for selecting 

response methods and describes shoreline treatment methods in terms of their objectives, 

descriptions, applicable habitats, when to use, biological constraints, environmental effects, and 

waste generation.

Characteristic Coastal Habitats: Choosing Spill Response Alternatives: A pocket-sized guide 

that illustrates typical physical and biological attributes of coastal habitats. 

5 
Figure 3. SCAT process flow chart.

6

6 
2 The Flexibility of Shoreline Assessment Methods

What is a SCAT Program?

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•

•

•

It is a systematic approach that uses standard terminology to collect data on shoreline oiling 

conditions and support decision-making for shoreline cleanup;

It is flexible in terms of scale of the survey and detail of the data sets collected; 

It is multi-agency, with trained representatives from all stakeholders, who have authority to 

make decisions; and

It provides a clear organizational framework that links the SCAT process to both cleanup 

decision-making and logistical coordination.

The SCAT process should be easily modified to fit the spill conditions; it should be as simple as 

possible, yet comprehensive enough to address all of the issues and concerns of shoreline cleanup. It 

must not be a slow, cumbersome process that keeps decision-makers waiting for key data. Two types 

of SCAT are outlined below, representing a range of complexity. Many spills will require some 

elements of both: detailed surveys of specific problem areas, and application of general guidelines for 

cleanup of shorelines with simple cleanup requirements.

“Geographic” SCAT

This assessment approach generates site-specific recommendations on resource protection and 

cleanup methodology.

Involves... 

•

•

•

Completing forms, segment maps, and/or sketches for each segment; 

Photodocumenting oiling conditions; and

Making detailed treatment recommendations unique to each segment, identifying specific 

locations to be cleaned.

Is used for...

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•

•

•

Very small spills where all sites can be readily inspected by the same team;

Very large spills where many teams are required;

Sites where many different shorelines types have been oiled; and

Areas where full documentation of oiling conditions is required, such as:

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Spill conditions where cleanup problems are not readily apparent (e.g., buried oil that 

must be located by digging, or when repeated surveys are needed to ensure that removal 

is complete); and

Areas with resource constraints that need to be specifically identified in the field.

“Topical” or “Hot Spot” SCAT

This assessment approach is appropriate when the degree of oiling is relatively uniform or 

uncomplicated, or when the shoreline type is not particularly sensitive, such as man-made structures. 

The cleanup guidelines should be detailed enough to prevent confusion about their use. Terminology 

7 
used in the guidelines should reflect local usage (e.g., use “seaweed” rather than “brown algae” or 

“Fucus” if that is what the cleanup workers call it). Box 1 is an example of general cleanup guidelines.

•

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Conducting familiarization surveys by the team to identify oiling conditions and cleanup 

issues for each shoreline type or resource of concern;

Developing spill-specific cleanup guidelines for each shoreline type, to be implemented in the 

field;

Meeting with cleanup supervisors to make sure that the cleanup guidelines are understood, 

what leeway they have in implementing them, and the key issues of concern to the resource 

agencies;

Spot-checking cleanup operations for compliance with cleanup guidelines and effectiveness 

toward achieving target cleanup endpoints; and

Responding to requests to resolve “hot spot” problems encountered during cleanup activities.

Is used for...

Involves...

•

•

•

Small-volume spills that spread over very large areas (e.g., widespread stranding of tar balls on 

beaches);

Man-made shoreline types, such as seawalls, with few site-specific sensitive ecological or 

cultural resource issues; and

Cleanup work that continues for a very long time because of chronic re-oiling or seasonal 

changes in shoreline oiling.

Box 1:

Guidelines for Hot-Water Flushing of Oiled Riprap/Bulkheads

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Water temperature not to exceed 120°F.

Spray nozzle will be held at a distance of 5 inches or greater from the surface. All 

spraying/flushing will be into water for collection.

No attached seaweed will be sprayed with hot water.

Once the water level reaches the seaweed, hot-water flushing will be terminated.

Once hot-water washing is terminated, all released oil will be recovered immediately. Coldwater flushing of the seaweed is allowed when oil has accumulated in it.

Removal of heavily oiled seaweed will be allowed in specific areas identified by SCAT. If 

seaweed is to be cut, the root attachment and a 30-cm stem will be left.

Cold-water flushing will be conducted until no more oil is mobilized.

Hot-water flushing will be repeated until no free oil is released by the hot wash and no more 

than a stain (cannot be scraped off with a fingernail) remains on the surface.

Sorbents will be deployed along areas where sheens are being released from the shoreline.

NOTE: The guidelines will be revised, as needed, in response to changing conditions as the oil weathers.

8 
Response Typing as Part of the SCAT Process 

Under ICS, the USCG classifies incidents as to their complexity using a 1-5 Type scale, so that their 

personnel have the appropriate training to handle the responsibilities required of them during an 

incident (Figure 4). Type 5 is limited to one operational period and one responder; Type 4 is limited to 

one operational period and multiple responders. SCAT is unlikely to be required for these types of 

incidents. Types 1-3 may extend into multiple operational periods and involve increasingly complex 

organizational structures. NOAA has adopted a similar Incident typing approach in its SCAT planning, 

training, and response. This concept uses the flexibility of the SCAT process to consistently scale SCAT 

skills, organization, methods, and products appropriately to a specific spill’s requirements. The primary 

objectives are to: 

1) Guide procedural SCAT needs for varying response complexity; 

2) Specify appropriate tools; 

3) Identify useful and/or required products; and 

4) Provide the basis for developing guidelines for NOAA SCAT personnel and equipment 

requirements for on-scene and home team support. 

Figure 4. U.S. Coast Guard Response Types.

Factors that NOAA considers when determining spill complexity include: 

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Spill volume and type of product released (especially if unusual or dangerous) 

Spatial extent of oiling (e.g., number of miles or acres affected) 

Number, sensitivity, and complexity of shoreline types potentially affected 

Estimate of duration of SCAT surveys needed (days vs. weeks vs. months) and complexity 

of SCAT data management

Number of SCAT teams needed or assembled

Uniformity/complexity of oiling

o Multiple zones of oiling within segments prevalent vs. one continuous band 

9 
o “3-dimensional” oiling (e.g., oiling on stems or branches of marsh/mangrove/forested 

wetlands) 

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Spill conditions 

o

o

Are oiling conditions difficult to visualize (e.g., buried or sunken oil)? 

Are oiling conditions rapidly changing? 

Are weather, rough conditions, or other factors a hindrance to the SCAT process?

Spill source changes, such as acute or chronic re-oiling incident(s), unknown source(s), or 

oiling changes due to weather (severe weather, extreme heat) or seasonal changes 

Logistical constraints to shoreline access (remoteness, accessibility, tidal range)

Resource concerns that need to be specifically confirmed in the field 

o

o

o

Threatened/Endangered species nesting and use of designated critical habitat 

Migratory/spawning concentrations 

Cultural resource considerations 

Recreational or industrial use of the oiled shorelines, seasonal use factors 

Commercial, recreational, and/or subsistence consumption of resources 

Degree of cooperation among the RP and Natural Resource Trustee agencies 

1

A Type 3 SCAT effort is most appropriate when some of the following factors occur: 

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•

The volume of spilled oil is small (e.g., <10,000 gallons) 

The spatial extent of oiled shoreline is small (e.g., <10 miles) 

The majority of shoreline types are not particularly sensitive (e.g., manmade or sand beaches) 

Time required to survey entire impacted area is short (e.g., 3 days) 

Only 1-2 teams are required and assembled 

The degree of oiling is uniform or uncomplicated 

Logistical access for SCAT surveys is simple (e.g., easily accessible by foot or boats) 

Few site-specific sensitive resource issues identified 

SCAT data can be managed by one person

Cooperation and consensus between Trustees and RP is easily met (or no known RP) 

A Type 2 SCAT effort is most appropriate when some of the following factors occur: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

The volume of spilled oil is moderate (e.g., 10,000-100,000 gallons) 

A small-volume spill spreads over very large areas (e.g., tar balls) 

The spatial extent of oiled shoreline is moderate (e.g., > 10 miles and < 100 miles) 

Time required to initially survey entire impacted area is two weeks or less 

No more than 4 teams are assembled at first; this number may diminish down to 2 as the initial 

survey is completed 

The degree of oiling is fairly uniform and uncomplicated, but there are some hot spots or 

problem areas 

Logistical access for SCAT surveys is simple to moderate (e.g., accessible by foot or boat; need 

for some easily accessible equipment like 4-wheel drive trucks or airboats) 

1 Specifics from a particular event may fall within more than one incident type over space or time.

10

 
•

•

•

•

•

There are some sensitive resource issues or shoreline types that can mitigated with moderate 

effort 

There is recreational (particularly high season) or industrial use of an area that is impacted 

SCAT data are more complex, requiring more than one data manager

There is reasonable cooperation and consensus amongst and/or between Trustees and RP 

Resource, shoreline, or cleanup issues emerge in a ”Type 1” spill that complicate the situation 

and require additional time and effort 

A Type 1 SCAT effort is likely most appropriate when some of the following factors occur:

•

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•

•

•

•

•

•

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•

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The volume of spilled oil is large (e.g., > 100,000 gallons) 

The product spilled is unusual or dangerous 

The spatial extent of oiled shoreline is large or complex (e.g., over 100 miles, hundreds of acres 

of broken marsh) 

Time required to initially survey entire impacted area is lengthy (2-4 weeks or longer in some 

cases) 

Four or more SCAT teams are needed daily for multiple weeks 

The degree of oiling is complicated and lacks uniformity due to multiple shoreline types or 

other factors 

Spill conditions exist where cleanup problems are not readily apparent (e.g., buried or 

submerged oil) 

Cleanup work continues for a very long time because of acute or chronic re-oiling or changes 

in shoreline oiling due to weather or other factors 

Logistical issues for SCAT teams 

Working in remote areas with long daily travel times or strenuous hiking/access (e.g., Aleutian 

Islands, rocky coasts of California) 

Accessible only by air or sea 

Extensive broken marsh subject to tidal changes making accurate assessment and mapping 

difficult 

Traveling in urban areas with traffic constraints 

Resource concerns that need to be specifically identified in the field are numerous 

Threatened/Endangered species nesting in impacted areas 

Large numbers of animals congregating seasonally (e.g., wintering waterfowl, fish spawning) 

Cultural resource considerations 

Recreational (particularly high season), industrial, or tourist areas are impacted 

High-value real estate or property are oiled 

Potential degradation of a “pristine” environment or one heavily relied upon for consumptive 

use (subsistence, commercial, or recreational)

SCAT data are very complex, requiring a large data management team

Relationships amongst and/or between Trustees and RP are contentious

11
3 Responsibilities of the SCAT Team

As SCAT Teams represent the “eyes and ears” of the Unified Command in the field, they have the 

following responsibilities:

•

•

•

•

Describe shoreline types, oiling conditions, and physical setting

Identify sensitive resources (ecological, recreational, cultural)

Determine the need for cleanup

Recommend shoreline cleanup methods and endpoints:

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- 

- 

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- 

- 

- 

Specify generic and site-specific constraints for cleanup activities

Determine the need for follow-up surveys if archaeological and cultural resources are 

present

Establish cleanup priorities

Identify safety concerns for cleanup operations

Monitor cleanup effectiveness and effects, suggesting changes where needed

Determine when cleanup operations are no longer effective

Conduct post-cleanup inspections before sign-off

Teams must answer these questions:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Is cleanup necessary at this segment? 

Which cleanup methods are appropriate or recommended?

Which constraints are needed to protect sensitive resources?

What is the priority for cleanup at this segment? 

Are cleanup operations being conducted properly?

Is the cleanup method no longer effective, or causing collateral damage? Do we need to try 

another method?

Does the segment meet the cleanup endpoints? 

SCAT data need to be collected efficiently and the results provided to the Unified Command in a 

timely manner.

12
4 Roles and Responsibilities of the SCAT Program Members

The SCAT Program usually consists of a Coordinator, Team Leaders for each team, Team Members, and 

Data Managers. For large, complex responses, there may be a need for a SCAT-Ops Liaison and a SCAT 

Logistics Coordinator. Responsibilities and NOAA’s position qualification guidelines for each member 

are outlined below. Other organizations may have different position qualification guidelines. 

SCAT Coordinator

Responsibilities: 

SCAT Team Management Responsibilities

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Conduct reconnaissance survey to scope the shoreline oiling issues

Oversee the creation of shoreline segments for collection of SCAT data

Conduct or coordinates refresher training for SCAT teams prior to field deployment

Ensure that all teams have the necessary expertise and stakeholder representation

Develop daily assignments for each team and provides a daily safety briefing prior to team 

deployment

Ensure that teams use proper terminology and apply guidelines uniformly and are properly 

calibrated

Arrange for logistical support for the SCAT Teams 

ICS Responsibilities

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Serve as the primary point of contact for all SCAT activities, both at the Incident Command 

Post and in the field

Participate in Planning Section meetings

Recommend the need for and number of SCAT Teams

Participate in development of incident-specific Cleanup Endpoints; Continue to lead 

evaluation of targeted cleanup endpoints, modifies them as necessary, and coordinate with 

the Unified Command for approval

Develop a reporting schedule to produce survey results in time for incorporation into the 

Incident Action Plan

Prepare interim daily summaries of SCAT activities and results, for use in briefing during daily 

Planning Section meetings

Obtain briefing information and special instructions from Environmental Unit Leader, and/or 

SCAT Team Leaders and shares information as appropriate

Brief the response management team on issues raised by the SCAT, particularly where 

cleanup methods must be modified to increase effectiveness or decrease impacts

Coordinate with other members of the response effort to optimize data sharing, including 

the NRDA team, Operations, and Planning

Integrate cleanup concerns of the various resource agencies and managers into the decisionmaking process

Generate and make sure all SCAT team members sign the incident-specific Site Safety Plan

13
NOAA Position Qualification Guidelines:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Has completed the SCAT Team Coordinator/Team Leader training course

Has current HAZWOPER certification

Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-700, and 

ICS-800

For all NOAA personnel, must have the most current required training dictated by NOAA 

policies

Has knowledge of coastal ecology, coastal processes, and/or geology

Is aware of regional protocols and the Area Contingency Plan

Has SCAT experience from at least five different spills

Has experience with weather forecasts to make decisions on team safety while in the field

Has experience in developing cleanup guidelines and endpoints for different shoreline types

Is familiar with effective management, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills

Special Considerations: 

•

•

NOAA recommends that the SCAT Coordinator role be filled by a public agency 

representative if possible

On small spills, the NOAA SSC often fills the role of SCAT Coordinator

SCAT Information Management Responsibilities

•

•

•

•

•

•

Optimize SCAT data collection (forms and process), management, and reporting to support 

operational decisions

Identify sensitive resources and shares information with SCAT teams

Receive reports from field teams and synthesizes them into a daily summary

Ensure that field-collected data are accurate and appropriately presented for use in the 

Incident Command Post

Oversee the generation of all SCAT products, including shoreline oiling and cleanup stage 

maps and tables, sites of special concern maps and tables, shoreline treatment 

recommendations and priorities, and shoreline inspection reports

Monitor effectiveness of cleanup

•

•

•

•

•

Possess overall responsibility for ensuring that all members have the necessary training, field 

gear, and safety equipment

Ensure availability of critical field information, including weather, tides, and key phone 

numbers (e.g., safety, wildlife operations, 3rd party claims, Joint Information Center, etc.)

Ensure that all SCAT field teams are present and accounted for

Work to achieve consensus among SCAT members on treatment recommendations, 

priorities, constraints, etc.; reports dissenting opinions when consensus is not reached

Generate and make sure all SCAT team members sign the incident-specific Site Safety Plan

14
SCAT Team Leader

NOAA Position Qualification Guidelines:

•

•

•

•

•

•

Has completed SCAT Team Coordinator/Team Leader training course

Has current HAZWOPER certification

Has participated as a member on a SCAT in at least two significant responses

Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800

For NOAA personnel, has the most current required training dictated by NOAA policies

Has knowledge of the coastal ecology, processes, and/or geology of the affected area

Responsibilities:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

All SCAT Team Member responsibilities

Ensure that field gear for SCAT teams (maps, photography equipment, GPS, communications, 

etc.) are adequate and assembled prior to deployment

Ensure that field gear and safety equipment are maintained by SCAT Team Members and 

reports any problems to the SCAT Coordinator 

Review each SCAT segment assigned to their team prior to deployment for issues such as 

access sites (vehicle, boat, helicopter), problematic terrain (streams, cliffs), special safety 

considerations, communications, limitations, etc.

Manage the team while it conducts field surveys

Act as the team Safety Officer

Make sure that the forms and sketches are 100% completed in the field

Guide the team toward consensus on treatment recommendations, priorities, special 

constraints, etc., and notes dissenting opinions

Brief the SCAT Coordinator and other SCAT Leaders on field survey results

Aware of Best Management Practices that are inplace

Record cleanup issues and any other spill-specific issues identified by the team that need to 

be addressed

Determine need for additional expertise to address specific sites, i.e., archaeologist, 

geomorphologist, response cleanup experts, etc. 

Provide quality control of field-collected data for use in the Incident Command Post

Recommend to SCAT Coordinator modifications to cleanup methods and target cleanup 

endpoints based on SCAT Team recommendations

Can serve as Deputy SCAT Coordinator, if required

Manage and assist with field documentation of observed oiling conditions and/or record 

photo/waypoint details

Obtain briefing information and special instructions from Environmental Unit Leader, and/or 

SCAT Team Coordinator, and shares information as appropriate.

Read and sign the incident-specific Site Safety Plan

Perform other tasks as defined by the SCAT Coordinator

Generate and make sure all SCAT team members sign the incident-specific Site Safety Plan

15
SCAT Team Member

NOAA Position Qualification Guidelines:

•

•

•

•

•

Has current HAZWOPER certification

Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800

Has completed formal SCAT training, preferably a 3-day course

For NOAA personnel, has the most current required training dictated by NOAA policies

Has a general knowledge of the coastal ecology, coastal processes, and/or geology

Responsibilities:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Assist in data collection on shoreline types, oiling conditions and special considerations

Recommend site-specific constraints or precautions to be followed during cleanup

Recommend need for cleanup, considering cleanup guidelines and endpoints, site safety, 

and sensitive resources

Recommend shoreline cleanup methods, priorities, and endpoints considering cleanup 

guidelines, site safety, and sensitive resources

Assist with field documentation of observed oiling conditions (e.g., record photos, waypoints 

and related details) 

Ensure that field gear and safety equipment are maintained and reports any problems to the 

SCAT Leader

Monitor effectiveness of cleanup

Identify and be aware of sensitive resources and shares information with other SCAT 

members 

Work to achieve consensus among SCAT Team Members on treatment recommendations, 

priorities, constraints, etc.

Obtain briefing information and special instructions from SCAT Coordinator and/or SCAT 

Team Leader

Read and sign the incident-specific Site Safety Plan

Is responsible for personal safety

•

•

•

•

•

•

Has experience in evaluating cleanup methods for different shoreline types

Is proficient with operating a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, including collection, 

upload, and download of waypoints and track lines and selecting datum and coordinate 

formats (see SCAT GPS Guidelines in Appendix H)

Is proficient with operating a digital camera, including setting the correct date and time (see 

SCAT Photography Guidelines in Appendix G)

Knows proper sampling methods and how to maintain chain of custody of samples

Has experience conducting field surveys

Knows how to download images captured in the field and organize them based on standard 

protocols

16
SCAT Data Manager

NOAA Position Qualification Guidelines:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Has the ability to set up and maintain hardware and software needed for response

Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS-800

Has completed Introduction to SCAT training course (familiar with SCAT terminology)

Is proficient in use of commonly used spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel) 

Is proficient in use of database software to manage SCAT data

Knows how to operate a GPS, including collection of waypoints and track lines, selecting 

datum and coordinate formats, and download data to computer

Is proficient in use of commonly used GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS)

Is skilled in creation of output files in various formats (e.g., Google Earth KMZ files)

Has general knowledge of relational database structures

Responsibilities (see also Chapter 7):

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Assist the SCAT Coordinator in optimizing SCAT data collection (forms and process), 

management, and reporting to support operational decisions

Modify existing SCAT data entry forms as needed (working with SCAT Coordinator)

Review daily SCAT forms for completeness and consistency

Enter or supervise the entry of daily SCAT data

Conduct data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); identifies common data problems 

and trains SCAT members how to prevent future problems

Generate daily summary reports (database-generated) of shoreline cleanup status, maps 

(hard copy, KMZ, PDF) of shoreline cleanup status, and specific data summaries determined 

by the SCAT Coordinator and Incident Command

Maintain an archive of all SCAT data (e.g., forms, photographs, GPS data, etc.)

Provide access to all SCAT data entry forms and field manuals to Incident Command

Is prepared to work odd and extended hours

Read and sign the incident-specific Site Safety Plan

Is aware of health and safety issues for a particular work site

Manage field team photographs using appropriate database and protocols

Manage field team GPS data using appropriate software

•

•

•

•

Is proficient with operating a GPS, including collection, upload, and download of waypoints 

and track lines and selecting datum and coordinate formats (see SCAT GPS Guidelines in 

Appendix H)

Is proficient with operating a digital camera, including setting the correct date and time (see 

SCAT Photography Guidelines in Appendix G)

Is proficient with downloading images captured in the field and organizing/labeling them

Understand proper sampling methodologies and chain of custody protocols

17
SCAT Data Management Team

NOAA Position Qualification Guidelines:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Has the ability to set up and maintain hardware and software needed for response

Has completed Introduction to SCAT training course (familiar with SCAT terminology)

Is proficient in use of commonly used spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel) 

Is proficient in use of commonly used database software (e.g., Access)

Know how to operate a GPS, including collection of waypoints and track lines, selecting

datum and coordinate formats, and download data to computer

Is proficient in use of commonly used GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS)

Is skilled in creation of output files in various formats (e.g., Google Earth KMZ files)

Know how to operate a digital camera, including setting the correct date and time and 

organizing photos based on SCAT protocols 

Is proficient in use of commonly used photo georeferencing software (e.g., GPS PhotoLink, 

OziPhoto, OziExplorer)

Has general knowledge of relational database structures 

Has general knowledge of QA/QC procedures

Has the ability to diagnose/troubleshoot hardware/software/networking issues

Is proficient in standard spatial data directory structures, file naming conventions

Responsibilities (see also Chapter 7):

•

•

•

•

Assist with producing daily status maps showing current SCAT deployments and assessment 

activities; maintain archive copies for distribution and reference 

Assist with obtaining weather from NOAA sources and post and print for morning ops 

briefings

Assist with managing and QA/QC SCAT Teams’ GPS tracklogs and waypoints from GPS units 

and digital photos; process with appropriate software tools (e.g., OziExplorer, GPS Photo Link, 

HoudahGeo) 

Assist with making SCAT maps available in all appropriate formats, including hard copies, 

PDFs, and Google Earth KML/KMZ files

•

•

•

•

•

•

Know how to operate a digital camera, set the correct date/time and organize photos based 

on SCAT protocols 

Is proficient in use of commonly used photo georeferencing software (e.g., GPS PhotoLink, 

OziPhoto, OziExplorer)

Has general knowledge of QA/QC procedures

Has the ability to diagnose/troubleshoot hardware/software/networking issues

Is proficient in standard spatial data directory structures, file naming conventions

Can delegate work to and manage additional SCAT information management team 

members, if required

18
SCAT-Ops Liaison

For large, complex responses, SCAT teams will be very busy conducting surveys and may not have the 

time to work in the field with Operations Supervisors as shoreline cleanup begins. Under these 

conditions, a SCAT-Ops Liaison position may be created, particularly during the early phase of the 

response. This position should be filled by experienced responders who understand both SCAT and 

shoreline cleanup operations. 

SCAT Logistics Coordinator

For responses that require complex logistics to get SCAT teams into the field, making all the logistical 

arrangements is a full-time job. A Logistics Coordinator will be essential to making sure that the teams 

have the resources needed to get to their assigned segments, including field and safety gear, boats, 

aircraft, and vehicles.

Responsibilities:

•

•

•

•

•

Develop a daily tasking plan for all SCAT teams. This plan should extend out several days and 

be posted on white boards for all to review. This information is to include team number, 

team members by organization, location name and segments to be surveyed, departure 

time, and any special instructions

Prepare and submit ICS-213 resource request forms to order any resources needed, such as 

type of boats or aircraft, vehicles, and field and safety gear, in time for these resources to be 

ordered to meet the tasking plan

Track the status reports from the teams in the field, particularly when they depart/arrive back 

to the deployment area (e.g., marina, airport)

Repair/replace field and safety gear returned by the teams

Attend the daily SCAT debrief to learn of any logistical or safety issues so they can be 

resolved

Responsibilities:

•

•

•

•

•

Be the link between SCAT and Operations to make sure that Operation Supervisors 

understand the shoreline treatment recommendations, how they should be interpreted, and 

best practices for implementation

Meet with the Operations Supervisors in each Operations Division to discuss the shoreline 

treatment recommendations and clarify any misunderstandings

Visit each work crew to observe operations and answer questions about methods

Discuss with the SCAT Coordinator any issues raised by the Operations Section

Document daily activities with a daily report that includes photographs of the operations and 

any issues that need to be addressed

19
5 Shoreline Assessment Process and Activities

The following sections describe the full range of activities normally conducted as part of the shoreline 

assessment process for the steps outlined below. 

The degree to which each activity is implemented depends on the complexity of the spill. Flexibility is 

important; activities should be modified as appropriate to specific spill conditions. Yet every SCAT 

Program should contain these basic activities.

Various resources and tools have been developed to assist SCAT Coordinators, Team Leaders, and 

Team Members in conducting each of these activities. These tools and resources are briefly 

summarized below.

Shoreline Assessment Job-Aid: A pocket-sized, laminated field guide used by members of Shoreline 

Assessment Teams to assist them in recording accurate field observations in a concise, systematic, and standard 

format. It consists of color photographic examples of all shoreline assessment terms, shoreline types, and 

cleanup methods. NOAA produced the Job-Aid in 1998 and updated it in 2007. Laminated hardcopies are 

available for purchase and electronic copies are available for download at: 

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/jobaid_shore_assess_aug2007.pdf

20
In addition, shoreline assessment manuals have been developed by Environment Canada, CEDRE, and 

the United Kingdom, as listed in the references cited.

Characteristics of Response Strategies: A Guide for Spill Response Planning in Marine Environments: A 

pocket-sized field guide that summarizes the technical rational for selecting response methods and describes 

shoreline treatment methods in terms of their objectives, descriptions, applicable habitats, when to use, biological 

constraints, environmental effects, and waste generation.Prepared by NOAA in 2000 and updated in 2010. 

Hardcopies are available at no costs and electronic copies are available for download at: 

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/Characteristics_Response_Strategies.pdf

Characteristic Coastal Habitats: Choosing Spill Response Alternatives: A pocket-sized guide that illustrates 

typical physical and biological attributes of coastal habitats at risk from oil spills. For each of 18 shoreline types, it 

includes a sketch, description, predicted oil behavior, response considerations, and the response method table. It 

is a useful aid for training people who will be participating in Shoreline Assessment surveys. Prepared by NOAA 

in 2000 and updated in 2010. Hardcopies are available at no cost and electronic copies are available for 

download at: http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/Characteristic_Coastal_Habitats.pdf

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Maps: Provide detailed data on shoreline habitats, sensitive biological and 

human-use resources, and life-history data on biological resources. The latest ESI maps can be downloaded at: 

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/maps-and-spatial-data/environmental-sensitivity-index-esi-maps.html

Open Water Oil Identification Job Aid for Aerial Observation: Field guide to assess the character and extent of 

oil spilled on the water. It was updated in 2012. Laminated hardcopies are available for purchase and soft copies 

are available at: http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/OWJA_2012.pdf

International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) Technical Information Papers (TIPs): A 

series of seventeen papers that describe technological advances and ITOPF's more recent collective experience 

on a wide range of marine pollution topics. Each paper covers a specific subject in a concise manner, illustrated 

with photographs and diagrams. Available at: http://www.itopf.com/information-services/publications/

21
5.1 Reconnaissance Survey

Objectives

•

•

•

Obtain overall perspective on shoreline types and degree 

of contamination in the area of impact. 

Determine areal extent of oiling on the shoreline.

Identify logistical constraints to shoreline access for both 

shoreline assessment and cleanup teams.

Responsibility

• Usually conducted by the SCAT Coordinator, although 

someone with local-area knowledge can also be a 

valuable participant.

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

Should be conducted in the first day or two of the incident and as oil expands into new areas.

Review maps to become familiar with area and resource concerns.

It is best to conduct an aerial survey, but it could also be conducted by vessel, vehicle, or foot.

Develop a flight plan of the area to be surveyed and brief the pilot on the survey objectives, 

flight line direction (so that the key observers have direct view of the shoreline), likely 

duration, and special requirements such as flight altitude.

Fly entire impact area (~400 feet altitude at a maximum of 100 miles per hour) in helicopter or 

high-wing aircraft. Schedule the flight during low tide to view maximum extent of potentially 

oiled shoreline.

Use GPS and topographic maps or nautical charts to record: 

-

-

-

-

-

Flight path, including date and time;

Objective descriptors of shoreline oiling conditions2

; 

Location of floating oil, possibly affecting shoreline oiling conditions;

References to photographs/video taken; and 

Access points for survey teams, especially in remote areas.

•

•

After the aerial survey, compile your observations, tracklines, photographs, etc. into a report to 

share with other SCAT personnel. Select key photographs, particularly of oiled areas needing 

immediate response, to brief Operations and Planning. 

Visit representative ground sites to confirm and scale the degree of shoreline impacts and 

note special problems, such as potential for burial of oil, which could affect cleanup decision 

planning.

2 Objective oiling descriptors (Chapter 6, Figure 6) must be modified according to observations made during the 

reconnaissance survey.

22

 
5.2 Segmenting the Shoreline

Objective

• Divide the shoreline into operational working units, called segments, for recording and 

tracking survey data and making treatment recommendations.

Responsibility

•

•

Can be completed in the command post by the SCAT Coordinator or workgroup using maps, 

or in the field by SCAT Teams. Local-area knowledge will be valuable. 

Some areas already have pre-segmented shorelines identified in their Area Contingency Plan.

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Generate base maps from digital databases or aerial imagery.

Mark segments based on similarity of geomorphology (refer to ESI maps), degree of oiling, or 

the boundary of an Operations zone; local staff familiar with the area should be involved.

Segment boundaries should be readily recognizable in the field.

Size segments appropriate to spill conditions and total area of impact (often 0.2 to 2.0 km 

long). Because separate forms are completed for each segment, the interval should not be so 

small that the number of forms required becomes unmanageable for the size of the spill.

Use divisions or zones already in use by cleanup operations, when possible. Develop the 

segment-naming scheme with the Operations Section so it is most useful. SCAT segments 

should not include multiple Operations work zones.

Consider the logistics for deploying cleanup crews when segmenting the shoreline. For 

example, segment boundaries along a uniform shoreline (e.g., long sand beach) could be 

between two access points.

For long uniform shorelines select a fixed length, such as 500 m, and mark with stakes or flags

Pre-number segments with alphanumeric code (e.g., BI-9 for segment number 9 on Block 

Island; or A-1 for the first segment in cleanup zone A). Remember that the spill responders 

may not be familiar with local geographic names.

When segmenting a river shoreline, river miles and river bank (e.g., left or right descending) 

are often used to delineate each segment. 

As an example, on the eastern end of Galveston Island, Texas (Figure 5, top), the parks are different 

segments because of their special management status, the Gulf beaches are segmented based on 

access routes, and the other segments are based on shoreline type. For inland spills, oil often spreads 

laterally and contaminates habitats over larger areas, such as in a floodplain, rather than forming a 

relatively narrow band along a shoreline. In these cases, SCAT teams may define segments as areas or 

polygons, as shown in Figure 5 (bottom) for the 2010 spill into the Yellowstone River, Montana. It may 

be difficult to determine appropriate boundaries between segments in areas of thick vegetation. SCAT 

teams need to be flexible and have more creativity when surveying under these kinds of conditions. 

Up-to-date aerial photographs will be essential to determine locations and mark boundaries. Use of 

GPS in track mode will also be essential for documenting the actual areas surveyed. 

23
Figure 5. (top) Example of shoreline segmenting. (bottom) Example SCAT segments for the 2010 

Yellowstone River spill; note the need for polygons where the oil spread into the river 

floodplain.

24
5.3 Developing Spill-Specific Cleanup Guidelines and Endpoints

Endpoints are selected based on general cleanup objectives, 

which are to: 1) minimize exposure hazards for human health; 

2) speed recovery of impacted areas if possible; and 3) reduce 

the threat of additional or prolonged natural resource impacts. 

These objectives lead to developing cleanup strategies that do 

not cause more harm to the environment than good.

Ideally, cleanup efforts will return the resource to its baseline 

condition without suffering further impact or affecting other 

resources. Aggressive and inappropriate cleanup techniques 

can make matters worse. Less intrusive methods or natural recovery are often preferable. The best 

cleanup strategy is often not the one that removes the most oil; rather, it is the strategy that removes 

oil that poses a greater risk of injury than would result from cleanup, and allows remaining oil to be 

removed by natural processes.

Objectives

•

•

Guide the Operations Section in conducting specific cleanup methods to minimize adverse 

environmental impact.

Provide the Operations Section with environmental and safety constraints on conducting 

cleanup activities in specific habitats. 

Responsibility

• SCAT Coordinator, agency staff, major landowners, and Team Leaders.

Methods

•

•

A more detailed discussion of how to develop cleanup endpoints follows this bulleted list.

Develop spill-specific cleanup objectives, guidelines, and target endpoints. Refer to the 

Characteristics of Response Strategies Job-Aid that describes cleanup methods. Cleanup 

methods are usually generated for each shoreline type that is oiled. Appendix C describes the 

ESI shoreline types (see Table 1), expected oil behavior, and general response considerations. 

Guidelines for shoreline cleanup endpoints that can be used as the basis for developing the 

spill-specific cleanup endpoints are provided in Table 2. 

Evaluate proposed cleanup methods for potential habitat or resource effects.

Identify time-critical and degree-of-use issues to be combined with cleanup priorities and 

endpoints.

Identify sensitive resources that may be adversely affected by the proposed treatment 

methods (e.g., rich intertidal biota on rocky shores where low-pressure ambient-water flushing

will be used). Consult with the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service (USFWS) about compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act

(ESA). See Box 2 for a summary of the process to make this determination during an 

emergency response.

•

•

•

25
• Consult with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service to comply with regulations to protect 

Essential Fish Habitat under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 

Act.

• Determine if there are Historic Properties (such as archaeological or cultural resources) in the 

area of operations that could be disturbed by cleanup activities. See Box 3 for the process to 

make this determination during an emergency response.

• Discuss among stakeholders the trade-off issues between the desire to remove all the oil 

versus the potential impacts associated with intensive treatments. Consider natural removal 

processes and the timing of habitat use. Even the presence of cleanup workers can disturb 

wildlife such as marine mammals at haulout sites and nesting birds and sea turtles.

• Write operational guidelines to minimize adverse impacts (e.g., restrict flushing operations to 

times when the rich biota zones are underwater). Date the guidelines in order to track 

revisions.

• Conduct field trials and evaluate new methods or equipment to determine effectiveness and 

potential adverse effects.

• Observe actual operations to confirm the method’s use, i.e., that the cleanup is effective and is 

not more damaging than the oil alone.

• Modify cleanup guidelines as the oil changes from weathering, rendering the technique 

ineffective, or when unacceptable impacts occur under actual use.

26
Table 1. ESI shoreline types for three habitat settings. The color scheme for the ESI classifications is 

shown in the first column.

ESI

NO. ESTUARINE LACUSTRINE RIVERINE

1A Exposed rocky shores Exposed rocky shores Exposed rocky banks

1B Exposed, solid man-made 

structures

Exposed, solid man-made 

structures

Exposed, solid man-made 

structures

1C Exposed rocky cliffs with 

boulder talus base

Exposed rocky cliffs with 

boulder talus base

Exposed rocky cliffs with 

boulder talus base

2A Exposed wave-cut platforms in 

bedrock, mud, or clay

Shelving bedrock shores Rocky shoals; bedrock ledges

2B Exposed scarps and steep 

slopes in clay

3A Fine- to medium-grained sand 

beaches

3B Scarps and steep slopes in sand Eroding scarps in 

unconsolidated sediments

Exposed, eroding banks in 

unconsolidated sediments

3C Tundra cliffs

4 Coarse-grained sand beaches Sand beaches Sandy bars and gently sloping 

banks

5 Mixed sand and gravel 

beaches

Mixed sand and gravel 

beaches

Mixed sand and gravel bars 

and gently sloping banks

6A Gravel beaches (granules and 

pebbles)

Gravel beaches Gravel bars and gently sloping 

banks

6B Riprap Riprap Riprap

7 Exposed tidal flats Exposed tidal flats

8A Sheltered scarps in bedrock, 

mud, or clay

Sheltered scarps in bedrock, 

mud, or clay

8B Sheltered, solid man-made 

structures

Sheltered, solid man-made 

structures

Sheltered, solid man-made 

structures

8C Sheltered riprap Sheltered riprap Sheltered riprap

8D Sheltered rocky rubble shores

8E Peat shorelines

8F Vegetated, steeply-sloping 

bluffs 

9A Sheltered tidal flats Sheltered sand/mud flats

9B Vegetated low banks Vegetated low banks Vegetated low banks

9C Hypersaline tidal flats

10A Salt- and brackish-water 

marshes

10B Freshwater marshes Freshwater marshes Freshwater marshes

10C Swamps Swamps Swamps

10D Scrub-shrub wetlands; 

Mangroves

Scrub-shrub wetlands Scrub-shrub wetlands

10E Inundated low-lying tundra

27
Table 2. Guidelines for development of cleanup endpoints. Use these guidelines to develop spillspecific cleanup endpoints for terminating active cleanup.

No Oil Observed

(NOO): Not 

Detectable by 

Sight, Smell, Feel

This endpoint is often used for sand beaches where oil removal can be effective 

without delaying resource recovery.

Visual inspections are preferred over chemical analysis of samples because of: 

difficulty of sampling areas with high variability; time and costs to complete 

sampling and analysis; and lack of guidelines on what levels are safe.

Visible Oil But 

No More than 

Background

This endpoint is often applied where there is a significant background rate of tar ball 

deposition on the shoreline. 

No Longer 

Generates Sheens 

that Will Affect 

Sensitive Areas, 

Wildlife, or 

Human Health

This endpoint is used where sheening persists after cleanup efforts become 

ineffective, or on sensitive habitats where further cleanup efforts will cause more 

harm than natural removal. Residual sheening should persist over a relatively short 

time period. 

Sheen is an oil film ranging from barely visible to dull colors. Sorbents effectiveness 

is usually limited in recovery of sheens. Consider the amount and duration of 

sheening, and the distance to sensitive resources, to determine if sheening poses a 

significant threat.

Consider the degree of exposure: high wave/tidal exposure speeds removal and 

breaks up sheens; sheltered areas will sheen longer and sheens will be more 

persistent.

Consider the degree and timing of use: sheening may be tolerated in areas or during 

periods of low use; even minor sheens may not be tolerated in areas of high use, such 

as swimming beaches.

No Longer Rubs 

Off on Contact

This endpoint is usually defined as oil removal to a stain or coat, or weathering to the 

point that it is no longer sticky. It is applied to hard substrates (rocky shores, 

seawalls, riprap, gravel) and vegetation (marshes, mangroves).

The objective is to prevent oiling of fur, feathers, and feet of wildlife, and oiling of 

people and property during contact with oiled surfaces. 

Consider the degree and timing of use: high-use areas often require higher 

cleanliness, whereas natural removal is allowed in low-use areas where further 

cleanup efforts will be disruptive.

Oil Removal to 

Allow Recovery/

recolonization 

Without Causing 

More Harm than 

Natural Removal 

of Oil Residues

This endpoint is used where further oil removal will result in excessive habitat 

disruption (e.g., trampling of soft sediments and plant roots, mixing oil deeper, 

extensive sediment removal, vegetation cutting) or high biota mortality (e.g., from 

high-pressure, hot-water washing of intertidal communities).

It is also used for areas with difficult access, which limits the type of cleanup that can 

be conducted along that shoreline segment. 

Consider the potential for erosion from excessive sediment removal, particularly 

where erosion/deposition patterns of the beach cycle will re-work and clean 

sediments within an acceptable time frame.

28
Box 2: 

Complying with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) During Oil Spill Response

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

ESA provides protection for listed species and their designated critical habitats (50 CFR 402). 

Section 7 of the ESA prohibits “take” of individual animals or adverse modification or destruction 

of critical habitat. 

Take is defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to 

attempt to engage in any such conduct. 

Federal agencies must ensure that their actions don’t jeopardize the continued existence of 

listed species or destroy critical habitat. 

The FOSC (either USCG or USEPA), as the Lead Federal Agency, must determine whether or not 

listed species and/or critical habitats are present within the area of the operation.

Action is defined as “...all activities or programs of any kind authorized, funded, or carried out, 

in whole or in part, by Federal agencies in the United States or upon the high seas.”

Federal agencies conduct interagency consultation, (aka Section 7 consultation), with the US 

Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service either formally or informally on 

any action that may affect listed species.

The USFWS and/or NMFS generate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for response-related 

activities to minimize impacts to listed species and critical habitats. These become part of the 

shoreline treatment recommendations that are issued to the Operations Section.

Depending on the spill conditions, these recommendations may require special agency field 

monitors during cleanup operations to document compliance with the BMPs

Furthermore, there may be a need to document SCAT compliance with any BMPs that have been 

developed for SCAT teams to follow during their field surveys.

The Inter-agency Memorandum of Agreement Regarding Oil Spill Planning and Response 

Activities Under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s National Oil and Hazardous 

Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the Endangered Species Act (dated 2001) is 

available at: http://www.uscg.mil/npfc/docs/PDFs/urg/App/ESA_MOA_AppA_04.pdf

29
The SCAT Coordinator can form a work group to evaluate cleanup options and make 

recommendations on other issues that arise. Besides reviewing published studies and case histories, 

they can consider on-site testing for effectiveness and environmental effects of the proposed 

method(s) under the spill-specific conditions. The selection of shoreline treatment methods involves

choices (aka tradeoffs) between the degree of oil removal and degree of impact associated with the 

Box 3: 

Complying with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) During Oil Spill 

Response

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Under Section 106 of 36 CFR 800, Federal agencies are required to take into account the effects 

of their undertakings on historic properties that are listed in, or eligible for, inclusion in the 

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The FOSC (either USCG or USEPA), as the Lead Federal Agency, must determine whether or not 

NRHP-eligible Historic Properties are present within the area of the operation.

If Historic Properties are present, the Lead Federal Agency must then determine whether or not 

the undertaking will have an adverse effect on them.

This determination is made by consulting with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), 

Native American tribes, Federal land managers, and other stakeholders on the presence of and 

potential adverse effects to Historic Properties prior to the start of cleanup operations.

After consultations, the FOSC, the SHPO, and other stakeholders reach an agreement on how 

the adverse effects on Historic Properties will be addressed such as avoidance, monitoring, 

mitigation, or other procedure.

A Historic Properties Specialist oversees the Section 106 process during the development of 

shoreline treatment recommendations and develops recommendations to be implemented by 

SCAT and Operations during their work. Examples include:

No Known Cultural Concern – Work can proceed without archaeological monitoring. If cultural 

concerns are discovered, work must stop and Section 106 Team notified.

Potential Cultural Concern – Project area requires archaeological survey before work can 

proceed.

250 Meter Sensitivity Zone – Project is within 250 meters of a known cultural resource. 

Archaeological monitoring required during the undertaking.

There is a Programmatic Agreement under the National Contingency Plan whereby this process 

is expedited during oil spill emergencies.

In some regions of high sensitivity, archaeologists and/or tribal representatives may accompany 

the SCAT teams to identify unknown historic sites, confirm current condition of known sites, 

and make sure that SCAT team activities do not disturb such sites.

The Programmatic Agreement on Protection of Historical Properties During Emergency 

Response Under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan is 

available at: http://www.achp.gov/NCP-PA.html.

30
method as shown in Figure 6. Method 3 was too aggressive; though it removed the most oil, it also 

had the longest recovery rate. Method 2 removed less oil but had moderate habitat recovery. Method 

1 was the best option; it removed the most oil and had the best recovery.

Figure 6. Impact and recovery of various cleanup methods, including natural recovery. Note that 

Cleanup method 3 removed the most oil but had the longest habitat recovery. Cleanup 

method 1 was the best option because it removed more oil and had the fastest habitat 

recovery.

Guidelines for cleanup endpoints that consider this tradeoff concept are outlined in Table 2. Although 

the highest cleanup endpoint is removal to the point of no observed oil, this is often not possible, 

particularly if there is a background rate of oil deposition (e.g., natural seeps, shipping traffic). In these 

cases, a more appropriate endpoint would be cleanup of visible oil, but not exceeding the background 

amount. Note that “visible” oil applies not only to oil on the surface, but also subsurface oil that must 

be exposed in trenches dug into the sediments. When shoreline cleanup to achieve these endpoints is 

likely to cause added harm to the environment, three additional endpoints may be considered:

•

•

•

Oil removal to the point where the shoreline no longer generates sheens that affect sensitive 

areas, wildlife, or human health;

Oil removal to the point where it no longer rubs off (e.g., no longer sticky or tacky or a threat 

to wildlife); and

Oil removal to the point that allows recovery/recolonization without causing more harm than 

leaving the oil in place.

31
Cleanup Endpoints and Trade-off Issues by ESI Shoreline Type

Examples of cleanup endpoints and trade-off issues used at previous oil spills for different shoreline 

types are included below, to assist you in developing spill- and site-specific endpoints. Each spill will 

have a unique combination of oil type, rate of natural removal, biological sensitivity, timing windows 

(how quickly the cleanup has to be completed), and human use issues that may lead to different 

endpoints. Note that many of the endpoints incorporate SCAT terms. 

Exposed Rocky Shores and Wave-Cut Platforms (ESI = 1A and 2)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

•

•

Shoreline access is often difficult, dangerous, and limited to low tides and calm wave 

conditions.

Rapid natural removal rates are expected, so these shorelines usually have lower priority for 

cleanup. Thus, cleanup endpoints are seldom an issue because onshore cleanup activities are 

not initiated.

High wave energy at these sites usually breaks up sheens, limiting the distance sheens can 

spread and thus the areal extent of threat to sensitive resources. 

Timing is often a critical component in allowing natural removal to proceed, particularly for 

the presence of migratory waterfowl, seabird nesting, and breeding activities of marine 

mammals.

May consider limited removal of persistent residues that are affecting sensitive resources (e.g., 

sources of sheens very near active bird nesting colonies). 

Why Cleanup Endpoints for Inland Spills are Often More Stringent

•

•

•

•

•

•

Inland habitats often lack some of the physical processes (such as waves and tidal currents) 

that can speed the rate of natural removal of oil residues after treatment operations are 

terminated. 

The direct human uses of inland habitats, such as for drinking water, recreation, industrial use, 

and irrigation, require a higher degree of treatment compared to marine environments to 

avoid human health and socio-economic impacts.

Spills in close proximity to where people live, work, or recreate often require treatment to a 

higher level.

Inland spills can affect smaller waterbodies where there are slower rates of dilution and 

degradation.

There may be large-scale differences in water levels during the response, causing oil to be 

stranded well above normal levels where it can pose hazards to wildlife as well as humans 

using these areas.

Many states have sediment quality guidelines that must be met as part of the remediation 

phase after the emergency response is completed.

32
Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

•

No accessible oiled debris.

No surface oil greater than Stain or Coat on solid surfaces >20% distribution.

In inaccessible areas where further oil removal is not possible because of safety restrictions, 

cleanup can be terminated when the shoreline no longer generates sheens that affect 

sensitive wildlife. 

On exposed rocky shores used as marine mammal haulouts, persistent oil should be removed 

until the oil is no longer sticky, unless cleanup is too disruptive to animals at the site.

Solid Man-Made Structures (ESI = 1B and 8B) (e.g., seawalls, pier pilings, bulkheads)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

These shoreline types often occur in developed areas with chronic sources of pollutants or 

habitat degradation, so they usually have low biological sensitivity.

More intrusive techniques are considered because of their lower biological use and need to 

minimize human exposure in areas of high public use. 

The lower part of the structure can have rich attached biota that should be protected during 

manual scraping or high-temperature, high-pressure flushing.

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

No accessible oiled debris.

In industrial areas, no longer generates oil greater than sheens. In public access areas, no 

longer generates sheens. 

No surface oil greater than 20% Coat or Stain. In areas of high public use or visibility, no 

surface oil greater than 10% Coat or Stain.

Sand Beaches (ESI = 3 and 4)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

•

Amenity beaches often require a quick cleanup and high degree of cleanliness.

The sand beach cycle is usually short, so re-worked and re-located sediments often can be 

rapidly returned to their normal profile on exposed beaches. Wave action can be an effective 

final “polishing” process, removing residual stains. 

Oil on the surface of sand beaches is relatively easy to clean; however, difficulties arise when 

the oil is buried because of the amount of sediment that must be removed. 

Where sand can be replaced by existing nourishment projects, more sediment removal is 

generally allowed to quickly remove oil from public beaches.

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

No visible oil on the surface. 

No oiled wrack. Wrack that is not oiled should not be removed from the beach.

33
•

•

•

All tar balls or tar patties that could be removed by reasonable cleanup techniques should be 

removed. Remaining tar balls and tar patties should be at or below normal background 

frequency. Increases in tar ball frequency above background will require further cleanup.

No subsurface oil layers in pits dug into the beach. Buried tar balls should be at or below 

background frequency.

On beaches with high resource value, such as those in Wildlife Refuges, less stringent 

endpoints can be used to minimize impacts to the habitat that would affect beach use by 

shorebirds or sea turtles.

Mixed Sand and Gravel Beaches (ESI = 5) and Gravel Beaches (ESI = 6A)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

•

Beaches with a significant amount of gravel are relatively difficult to clean because they have 

high potential for deep penetration and burial. Deeply penetrated oil can be a chronic source 

of remobilized oil for months or longer.

Natural replenishment rates of gravel are slow, so sediment removal is usually minimized and 

sediment reworking or natural removal considered after gross oil removal is completed.

The most difficult issue is removal of persistent, deeply penetrated oil because of the degree 

of physical disruption to both the beach profile and sediment distribution patterns. It is 

difficult to predict how long natural removal at a specific site will take.

Gravel is mobilized mostly during storms, so it could take months to years for a coarse gravel 

beach to return to normal after extensive physical disruption.

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

No surface oil more than 10% Coat or Stain on the gravel-sized sediments. 

No subsurface oil greater than 20% Coat or Stain. Occurrences of buried tar balls should be at 

or below background frequency.

In remote, difficult access areas, no more than 20% Coat or Stain on the gravel-sized 

sediments, and subsurface oil no more than 5% Oil Residue.

Riprap Structures (ESI = 6B)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

•

Riprap often occurs in developed areas with chronic sources of pollutants or habitat 

degradation nearby.

More intrusive techniques are considered because of their lower biological use and need to 

minimize human exposure in high public use and populated areas.

It is extremely difficult to completely remove oil from crevices and undersides of the riprap 

because they are inaccessible. It sometimes requires replacing the oiled pieces of riprap, which 

can be highly intrusive and expensive.

With higher residues remaining, they can release sheens for weeks or longer.

34
Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

•

No accessible oiled debris.

In industrial areas, no longer generates sheens. Sorbents will be deployed to recover sheens.

No surface oil greater than 20% Coat or Stain. In areas of high public use or visibility, no 

surface oil greater than 10% Coat or Stain.

In areas of high public access, no oil on the surface that rubs off on contact.

Exposed and Sheltered Tidal Flats (ESI = 7 and 9)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

The risks of physical disruption and mixing of the oil are very high, thus passive cleanup (e.g., 

deploying sorbents) is often the only activity. Even then, extreme care is needed.

Since there is usually another shoreline type at the upper intertidal zone, care is needed to 

prevent impacts to the lower tidal flat during cleanup activities along the shoreline. 

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

No longer generates sheens that will affect sensitive areas, wildlife, or human health.

No oiled wrack. Wrack that is not oiled should not be removed from the flat. 

Oil removal can be terminated when further cleanup efforts will result in excessive habitat 

disruption that will cause more harm than natural removal of oil residues.

Marshes (ESI = 10A and 10 B)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

•

Natural removal rates are very slow. Thick oil on vegetation is usually removed only when the 

vegetation dies back and sloughs off.

Generally efforts focus on recovery of free oil trapped in the marsh and deployment of 

sorbents to recover sheens. Most types of active cleanup in the marsh can cause significant 

habitat impact and slow overall recovery.

Foot traffic on the vegetation should be minimized; use boardwalks, work from boats, or 

restrict work to the marsh edge.

Oil on marsh vegetation generally weathers to a dry coat within weeks, after which it is a lower 

threat of oiling wildlife using the marsh.

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

•

•

No oil on vegetation that can rub off on contact. 

No longer generates sheens that will affect sensitive areas, wildlife, or human health.

No free-floating oil in the marsh. 

No longer generates sheens that will affect sensitive areas, wildlife, or human health.

As low as reasonably practicable, considering the allowed treatment methods and net 

environmental benefit

35
Mangroves (ESI = 10D)

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

•

Natural removal rates are very slow. Thick oil on vegetation is usually removed only when the 

vegetation dies back and sloughs off.

Generally efforts focus on recovery of free oil trapped in the mangrove fringe and deployment 

of sorbents to pick up sheens. Most types of active cleanup in the mangrove can cause 

significant habitat impact and slow recovery.

Foot traffic into the mangrove forest should be minimized; use boardwalks, work from boats, 

or restrict work to the mangrove fringe.

Oil on the prop roots and leaves generally weathers to a dry coat within weeks, after which it is 

a lower threat of oiling wildlife using the mangrove.

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

•

No oil on prop roots and leaves that can rub off on contact. 

No longer generates sheens that will affect sensitive areas, wildlife, or human health.

No accessible free-floating oil in the mangrove forest. 

No accessible oiled wrack. Wrack that is not oiled should not be removed. 

Large Debris (e.g., Logs, Abandoned Vessels) Excluding Historic/Cultural Items

Cleanup Trade-off Issues

•

•

•

Large pieces of debris are difficult to remove and generate large volumes of waste for 

transport and disposal.

Oil on the debris generally weathers to a dry coat within weeks, after which it is a lower threat 

of oiling wildlife.

Only the more heavily oiled parts of the debris should be removed (if they can be separated), 

leaving behind less oiled parts. 

Example Cleanup Endpoints

•

•

•

No surface oil greater than Stain or Coat > 20% distribution.

No oil on surfaces that can rub off on contact.

Do not conduct wholesale removal of unoiled natural debris.

36
5.4 Pre-survey Planning and Daily Team Assignments

Objective

• Based on reconnaissance survey 

information, determine areas to be 

surveyed, field logistics, and team 

assignments.

Responsibility

• SCAT Coordinator, Team Leaders

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Revise the standard shoreline 

oiling codes and forms, if needed, 

to fit spill conditions.

Form teams with appropriate membership (expertise and affiliation)

Assign team leaders. Generally they are most experienced person in SCAT. See Chapter 4 for 

responsibilities and qualifications.

Ensure that all Team Members have the required safety training. 

Each Team Member must read and sign the Incident Site Safety Plan and the SCAT Field Safety 

Plan and discuss specific safety concerns related to SCAT activities. The SCAT Field Safety Plan 

must include a communications plan with set times or events when each team checks in by 

phone or radio. Appendix F includes the SCAT Field Safety Plan for the MC 252 response as an 

example.

Determine logistical requirements for the teams and coordinate requests to the Logistics 

Section. 

Assign survey areas (primary and backup) for each team, based on priorities, logistics, local 

expertise, and land management or ownership.

Generate base maps showing the segment boundaries and names.

Distribute Operations Division and/or segment maps for primary and backup areas; distribute 

SOS forms and codes, base maps, and sketch sheets (see Chapter 6 for forms and codes).

Distribute field equipment (see checklist in Appendix A).

Brief team on survey objectives, logistics (e.g., transportations, communications, food), and 

safety issues. 

Discuss cleanup endpoints, guidelines for recommending treatment, and criteria for priorities.

Discuss reporting requirements and schedules.

Calibrate on the first field day by having all Team Members visit a segment together and agree 

on how the oiling descriptions will be applied. This step is essential.

Schedule a debrief at the end of the day for all SCAT teams to report findings and safety issues, 

and to plan assignments for the following day.

37
5.5 Shoreline Surveys

Objectives

•

•

•

Collect data on shoreline types, oiling conditions, and ecological and human-use resources for 

each segment. 

Reach agreement on treatment recommendations and priorities for specific segments.

Confirm that recommendations are effective and beneficial to the environment (refer to list of 

questions in Chapter 3).

Responsibility

• SCAT Team

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Comply with the Incident Site Safety Plan and the SCAT Field Safety Plan at all times.

Confirm segment boundaries upon arrival at the assigned segment, or if not yet determined, 

delineate segment boundaries during the SCAT survey.

Conduct survey to identify shoreline types (refer to Table 1) and extent of oiling. The team 

should spread out so that the entire intertidal and supratidal zones are covered.

Describe the shoreline characteristics, surface oil conditions, subsurface oil conditions, and 

special considerations (ecological, recreational, cultural) using standard terms and codes on 

the Shoreline Oiling Survey (SOS) form. Section 6 provides more details about the forms, 

terms, and codes. See Appendix I for a step-by-step guidance on completing the SOS form. 

It is important to always dig pits in permeable substrates. Look at the shoreline for clues as to 

where oil may have become buried by the deposition of clean sediment. Also dig pits to 

determine the thickness of oil penetration below the surface.

Sketch the segment, if appropriate, focusing on the oil distribution and special considerations.

See Appendix E for a primer on drawing field sketches.

Delineate the start/end of each oil zone within the segment, by waypoints AND marks on the 

segment map. Zones can be along shore or cross shore, where the oiling degree and/or 

shoreline type changes, such as along a sand beach with surface residue that changes to a 

riprap wall with coat along shore or dunes in the supratidal zone that contains a small number 

of tarballs.

Note presence of submerged oil in nearshore zone for spills of heavy oil.

Log and locate all photographs taken. Use a photo scale (an example is included in Appendix 

D) for close-up photographs (see photography guidance in Appendix G).

Collect oil and/or sediment samples based on identified needs. However, sampling should not 

detract from SCAT’s primary mission.

Discuss and agree on the need for treatment recommendations and priorities.

Complete the surveys each day in time to meet reporting deadlines.

NOTE: SCAT teams cannot direct cleanup contractors in the field, though teams can document 

unapproved cleanup methods or improper techniques. The SCAT Coordinator will communicate with the 

Planning or Operations Section Chief to rectify the problem.

38
5.6 Submitting Field Data 

Objective

• Provide data needed to support shoreline 

treatment decisions and operations.

Responsibility

• SCAT Team, SCAT Coordinator, SCAT Data 

Managers

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check all field maps and forms for accuracy, 

completeness, and legibility.

Download digital photographs and GPS tracklines to generate survey maps, if appropriate 

(SCAT data managers can assist if on scene). See Appendices G and H for more details on these 

downloads. 

Generate a SCAT data package for each day’s surveys that includes the completed forms, 

sketches, and maps showing the areas surveyed, and representative photographs of the 

habitats and oiling conditions. Be sure to write notes for each photograph noting its location 

and explaining what each represents.

The SCAT Coordinator and/or data manager will review the package and identify missing or 

incomplete data. 

Copy all forms, sketches, and field notes for the field team as needed; keep originals on file.

Summarize treatment recommendations by segment.

Debrief the SCAT Coordinator on special issues, problems, and recommendations.

Team Leads should call in or send electronically by email or text the results for urgent needs or 

when the teams are working remotely and unable to return to the Command Post each day.

Attend end of day SCAT debrief meeting and get next day’s assignment. 

Create summary tables and maps identifying segments to be treated, degree-of-oiling 

categories, or other products as needed (see Chapter 7 for more information on SCAT data 

management support and products).

Early in the response, SCAT data must be generated in a timely manner so treatment 

recommendations get assigned to the Operations Section quickly.

39
5.7 Cleanup Evaluation/Effectiveness Monitoring

Objectives 

•

•

•

Monitor cleanup operations routinely to 

evaluate progress of cleanup activities and 

assess the need for modifying cleanup methods 

or endpoints.

Investigate reports of new oiling, changes in 

erosional/depositional processes that are 

affecting oil behavior and the response, or other

issues.

Conduct tests to evaluate new treatment 

methods.

Responsibility

• SCAT Coordinator, Government representatives, major landowners, and SCAT Teams

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

Visit segments where cleanup activities are being conducted to ensure that approved 

methods are being properly implemented.

Respond to requests for changes in approved cleanup methods to address specific problems 

or changes in oiling conditions that render the approved methods ineffective.

Organize and conduct field-testing and monitoring programs, if needed, during evaluation or 

use of innovative treatment methods.

Establish and monitor beach profile transects to document beach erosion and deposition on 

beaches, which can be very important if there is a risk for deep burial of oil during a 

depositional period.

Modify cleanup endpoints, as needed, due to changes in oiling conditions, safety issues or 

seasonal changes (e.g., winter freeze-up or start of bird-nesting on a segment). 

Produce summary reports and documentation on special issues, problems, and changes in 

recommendations related to shoreline treatment methods and endpoints.

40
5.8 Post-Cleanup Inspections

Objective

• Inspect segments that the Operations 

Section declares ready to determine if 

they meet endpoints or require further 

treatment. 

Responsibility

• SCAT Team, Land Manager, Land Owner, 

and Local government representatives 

(sometimes called a Sign-off Team or a 

Cleanup Assessment Review Team). 

Agencies must delegate sign-off authority to their representatives on the team.

Methods

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

SCAT Coordinator receives notification from the Operations Section that a segment is ready 

for inspection.

Determine additional representatives that need to participate in the inspection, such as the 

land manager, landowner, or local government representatives. For large spills, it may be 

appropriate to conduct a pre-inspection with just SCAT to make sure that the segment is ready 

before involving these others.

Inspect the segment against the cleanup endpoints (preferably using the same team that did 

the original survey). The original field sketch/map/ photographs can be very helpful for 

evaluating effectiveness of the treatment. 

There are three possible outcomes of the inspection (see Figure 3): No Oil Observed, No 

Further Treatment, or Further Treatment Recommended.

Determine if further treatment is required using standard shoreline assessment terms, forms, 

and sketches, or develop special forms for this purpose. If further treatment is recommended, 

the segment goes back to Operations, with identification of specific areas to be treated.

Depending on the spill-specific response plan, SCAT can recommend that the segment be 

moved out of the “active” cleanup phase, to the next phase, such as patrol and monitoring or 

passive treatment (usually deployment and maintenance of sorbents to recover sheens). 

If the segment meets endpoints or if no further treatment is recommended because of net 

environmental benefit, the segment can be submitted for final approval by the Unified 

Command to be moved out of the response. 

Submit the result of the inspection by SCAT to the Planning Section using the required forms, 

other documentation, and signatures.

For some responses, a Shoreline Inspection Report (SIR) is used to document agreement 

among the Team Members of the results of the inspection, with all Team Members signing the 

form. See Appendix D for two example SIR forms used at past spills. Because this last step can 

range from simple to complex, there is no one form that would apply to all responses.

41
5.9 Final Sign-Off of Cleanup Activities

Objective

• Approve the termination of all cleanup activities at each segment.

Responsibility

• Unified Command. 

Methods

•

•

•

Following post-cleanup segment inspections that meet cleanup endpoint criteria, the SCAT 

Coordinator reviews the results of the SCAT team inspection to make sure that endpoints have 

been met and the documentation is complete.

This documentation is turned into the Planning Section who reviews/approves it and forwards 

the package to the Unified Command for their final review and approval. Note that, for some 

spills, there may be a need for Section 106 review of and sign off on the package before it goes 

to the Unified Command.

The Unified Command or their representatives sign the segment out of the response or to the 

next phase of the response.

42
6 Shoreline Survey Terms, Codes, and Forms

Using standard terms and forms to describe and report shoreline-oiling conditions are the basic 

building blocks of shoreline assessment. Ambiguous words, such as “heavy” oiling, do not provide the 

necessary detail to document the oiling condition or the need for and type of cleanup to be 

conducted. The terminology and codes used by SCAT teams for most oil spills are defined in Figures 7-

11. SCAT teams need to be trained and calibrated so they can consistently apply these terms to spillspecific conditions. The terminology and codes for spills of light refined products are somewhat 

different and defined in Table 3. To aid teams in uniformly estimating percent cover, two different 

types of percent cover estimator charts are included in Appendix D. The Shoreline Assessment Job-Aid

is a valuable field tool to help teams use proper terminology and protocols in the field. 

All Team Members must agree on how they will use these terms and codes for a specific spill. Thus, a 

calibration field exercise, conducted jointly by all Team Members during the first survey, is always 

necessary. For responses that extend over months and during rotation of Team Members, recalibration will be needed.

Various forms have been developed to record the observations of shoreline assessment teams, 

depending on the oiling conditions, environments, and shoreline types. All of the forms use the 

standard codes and terms in Figures 7-11. Operations staff will also need training and guidance on 

how to interpret SCAT data, although they usually see summary reports. Appendix D contains copies 

of all forms and explanation of terms and codes.

Shoreline Oiling Survey (SOS) form: used for most coastal shoreline oiling conditions. An 

example for an example segment and accompanying SCAT map is shown in Figures 12 and 13. 

Section 6 of the form allows recording of surface oiling conditions for tar balls (as # per unit area) 

when the oiling distribution is less than 1%. Subsurface oiling conditions are documented by 

digging pits and recording the pit information in Section 7. This form is the most complex and 

requires a high level of training to complete it properly. 

Wetlands SOS form: includes fields to record the oiling characteristics on the marsh soils as well 

as the height, thickness, and % distribution of oiling of the vegetation. 

Tar Ball SOS form: used to record more detailed information for spills with widely scattered tar 

ball oiling. Figure 14 is a Tar Ball SOS form completed for Zones A-D shown in Figure 11. 

River and Stream SOS forms: used on inland spills, notably the 2010 Enbridge spill in the 

Kalamazoo River in Michigan and the 2011 Silvertip spill in the Yellowstone River in Montana. 

Field Observer form: for use for Type 4-5 responses, or during larger responses to quickly get 

field information back to Operations early in the response. 

All forms have fields for entering oiling conditions for the different “zones” within a segment. Each 

zone represents a unique combination of shoreline/habitat type, oiling conditions, and tidal zone/river 

bank/stream bank. Zones can be along shore, such as where the shoreline type changes from sand 

beach to riprap; or cross shore, such as oil in a marsh in the upper intertidal zone as well as on a tidal 

flat in the middle intertidal zone. Treatment methods and endpoints may vary with each zone. 

43
Figure 7. Sediment Types.

 

 

 

R Bedrock outcrops G Granule (2- mm)

B Boulder (>256 mm in diameter) S Sand (0.06-2 mm)

C Cobble (64-256 mm) M Mud (silt and clay, <0.06 mm)

P Pebble (4-64 mm) RR Riprap (man-made permeable rubble)

R B

C P

G S

M RR

44
Figure 8. Oil Distribution.

 

 

C Continuous 91 - 100%

B Broken 51 - 90%

P Patchy 11 - 50%

S Sporadic 1 - 10%

T Trace <1%

C B

P S

T

45
Figure 9. Surface and Subsurface Oiling Descriptors – Thickness.

 

 

TO Thick Oil (fresh oil or mousse >1 cm thick)

CV Cover (oil or mousse from >0.1 cm to <1 cm on any surface)

CT Coat (visible oil <0.1 cm, which can be scraped off with fingernail)

ST Stain (visible oil, which cannot be scraped off with fingernail)

FL Film (transparent or iridescent sheen, or oily film)

TO CV

CT ST

FL

46
Figure 10. Surface Oiling Descriptors – Type.

 

 

FR Fresh Oil (unweathered, liquid oil)

MS Mousse (emulsified oil occurring over broad areas)

TB Tar Balls (discrete accumulations of oil <10 cm in diameter)

PT Patties (discrete accumulations of oil >10 cm in diameter)

TC Tar (highly weathered oil, of tarry, nearly solid consistency)

SR Surface Oil Residue (non-cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments, characterized 

as soft, incipient asphalt pavements)

AP Asphalt Pavement (cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments)

FR M

TB PT

TC SR

AP

47
 

 

Figure 11. Subsurface Oiling Descriptors.

Table 3. SCAT terms to be used for spills of light, refined products. 

Surface and Subsurface Oiling Descriptors – Thickness

SM Smell No visible oil; detectable only by smell

FL Film Feels greasy when sediments are rubbed

SH Sheen Visible sheen on water surfaces

CT Coat Visible coating of oil

PO Pooled Liquid oil accumulated on surface

Surface Oiling Descriptors – Color

None Brown

Shiny Yellow

Rainbow Red

OP Oil-Filled Pores (pore spaces are completely filled with oil to the extent that the oil 

flows out of the sediments when disturbed). May also consist of weathered oil, such as 

a buried lens of asphalt pavement

PP Partially Filled Pores (pore spaces partially filled with oil, but the oil does not flow out 

of the sediments when disturbed)

OR Oil Residue (sediments are visibly oiled with black/brown coat or cover on the clasts 

(individual sediment particles), but little or no accumulation of oil within the pore 

spaces). Modifiers can be used, such as heavy oil reside (HOR); moderate oil residue 

(MOR); and light oil residue (LOR)

OF Oil Film (sediments are lightly oiled with an oil film, or stain, on the clasts)

TR Trace (discontinuous film or spots of oil, an odor, or tackiness)

OP PP

OR OF

48
Figure 12. Combined SOS Form completed for an example survey shown in Figure 13.

49
Figure 13. SCAT map for the example survey from the SOS form in Figure 12. Note that way points are used to define the boundaries between 

SCAT zones A, B, C, etc. and short notes are made about the oiling conditions, matching the data on the SOS form in Figure 12.

50
Figure 14 Tar Ball SOS Form completed for zones A-D in the example survey in Figure 13. Waypoints 

denote the start and end of the SCAT zones as well as the segment. 

51
Calculating Degree of Oiling

SCAT data are used to generate statistics on the number of shoreline miles by degree-of-oiling 

categories to the Unified Command. Two matrices that can be used to generate summary oiling 

descriptors, in terms of what is defined as “heavy,” “medium,” “light,” and “very light” for a specific spill

are provided in Figure 15. These oiling categories are defined based on the width of oiling bands on 

the shoreline (as measured perpendicular to the shoreline), the percent cover of oil within the band, 

and oil thickness using a two-step process: 

•

•

The width of the oil on the shoreline and the percent cover determine an initial oiling 

degree category using the top matrix; 

The thickness of the oil determines the final oiling degree using the bottom matrix. For 

example, a shoreline with a >3 m band of oil with 100% coverage is initially classified as 

Heavy surface cover. However, if the oil thickness is only a stain or film, the final surface oil 

category is Light; if the oil thickness is >0.1 cm, the final category is defined as Heavy. 

The SCAT Data Managers use these matrices to generate statistics and maps. However, SCAT teams 

should not use these terms during their field surveys. Terms such as heavy, moderate, light, and 

very light are only for final summaries and maps. The matrices in Figure 15 should be modified by 

consensus for the spill-specific conditions, particularly the width of the oiled band that are defined as 

Wide, Medium, Narrow, and Very Narrow. 

52
Figure 15. Matrices to be used in the two-step process to assign an oiling category for a segment. In 

the first step, the surface oiling degree is based on the width and the surface distribution. In 

the second step, the oiling category from the first matrix is combined with oil thickness in 

the second matrix to define the final oiling category. From Owens and Sergy (2000). Modify 

for the spill-specific conditions, particularly the width of Wide, Medium, Narrow, and Very 

Narrow.

Subsurface Oil...Always a Problem

Subsurface oil is a site-specific problem that must be delineated by labor-intensive digging to 

determine the areal extent of the subsurface layers. SCAT teams dig a pit using a pointed-edge shovel 

to at least 50 cm or to the water table. It is difficult to determine the presence or location of oiled 

sediments when the pit fills with water, and pits in sand tend to slump in when the water table is 

reached. The team looks for areas that appear depositional, such as at the high-tide berm, the horn of 

cusps, or updrift of groins or rocky outcrops. It is important to keep track of the changing tide levels 

between spring and neap tides. Oil may be buried in the high spring tide berm, which could be in the 

supratidal zone during neap tides. 

When digging a pit, the spoils should be placed on the side of the pit that is towards the sun, so that 

when taking photographs, the sun is behind you, the sediment surface behind the pit is visible, and 

the light can shine on the side of the pit. The presence of subsurface oil is noted on the shoreline 

53
survey form and delineated on a map. However, cleanup crews may not be able to locate the 

subsurface oil by reading the forms and maps. One common approach is to provide the survey team 

with surveyor’s flags to mark the location of subsurface oil to be removed.

In fine-grained sediments (mud to small pebbles), if the oil has penetrated from the surface to no 

more than 5 cm, it is called surface oil (Figure 16A). Any oil that is deeper than 5 cm is called 

subsurface oil. In coarse-grained sediments (large pebbles to boulders), the subsurface begins at the 

bottom of the first layer of sediment (Figure 16B). We follow this approach because the first layer of 

coarse sediment can often be much greater than 5 cm.

A. B.

Figure 16. Definition of subsurface oil in fine-grained (A) and coarse-grained (B) sediments. From 

Owens and Sergy (2000).

Subsurface oiling is recorded in Section 7 of the SOS form using the descriptors and codes in Figure 11

(see completed examples in Figure 12).

Field Sketches are Important! 

Sketches are a very important component of the field survey data. Sketches are better than 

photographs at characterizing overall conditions. Sketches help reviewers put the tabular data on 

oiled area and type into perspective, which assists decision-making. They document conditions better 

than photographs, videotapes, or statistics, and they allow better temporal comparisons. The sketches 

are particularly useful for spills when SCAT teams change over time. They can be used during postcleanup inspections of segments to identify the locations of oil that were to be removed, and become 

the blueprint against which the effectiveness of the cleanup can be compared. Appendix E is a primer 

on drawing field sketches. A blank field sketch form is provided in Appendix D.

The objective of the shoreline surveys should always be remembered: to collect the information 

needed by decision-makers to formulate and approve shoreline cleanup plans. From these surveys, 

cleanup officials should be able to use the data to develop a detailed cleanup plan, including 

equipment and manpower needs. Government agencies should be able to use these data, along with 

natural resources information, to develop cleanup priorities, identify site-specific or temporal 

constraints, and understand and approve the proposed cleanup plan.

54
7 SCAT Data Management and Products

SCAT Data Management 

The SCAT data management process should result in efficient and effective management of consistent 

and high-quality data for the shoreline assessment process, and promote their seamless integration 

into shoreline cleanup planning and operations. 

Many products and tools are produced and developed by the SCAT Coordinator, Teams, and Data 

Managers that vary by spill Type as outlined in Chapter 2 (Type 3 is simple, Type 1 is very complex).

Table 4 provides a short description of these products and tools for each spill Type.

SCAT Data Manager

The SCAT Data Manager is the on-scene lead for the management of data and production of materials 

to convey shoreline conditions and other information collected as part of SCAT activities. The SCAT 

Data Manager establishes and implements protocols for the documentation, processing, display, and 

archiving of the shoreline oiling data collected during an incident. The SCAT Data Manager works 

closely with the SCAT Coordinator and the EU within the Unified Command to design and manage an 

effective data management system for the shoreline assessment component of the response. See 

Chapter 4 for more on responsibilities and qualifications.

First 24-48 hrs into response

•

•

•

•

•

Meet with SCAT Coordinator and the EU to establish general expectations, procedures, and 

accountability for SCAT data management tasks; review division and segment designations; 

and select and (if necessary modify) SCAT forms and associated documents.

Evaluate personnel and equipment requirements for data management with SCAT 

Coordinator.

Meet with SCAT teams prior to field mobilization to instruct/review field documentation 

protocols and data forms.

Provide daily SCAT Data Management reports to SCAT Coordinator and (as appropriate) other 

members of the EU and Unified Command.

Ensure that selected SCAT data are made available for response agencies’ internal use and to 

support public affairs products and events.

48 – 72 hrs into response

• With SCAT Coordinator, review data management performance after first SCAT field 

mobilization; modify forms and protocols as necessary.

Daily Expectations 

• Attend daily Unified Command briefings and support the SCAT Coordinator during 

assignments and updates.

55
Table 4. List of the types of SCAT data products created during spills of different degrees of complexity. Continued on the next page.

Type of 

Product Products/ Tools Type 3 Type 2 Type 1 Where It Goes How It's Created

Primary 

Data 

Products

SCAT Field Data 

Collection

Paper forms filled out in 

the field; includes notes 

and field sketches

Paper forms filled out in 

the field; includes notes, 

field sketches or maps, 

may include 

tracklines/WPs

Paper forms filled out in 

the field; or eSCAT if 

available; includes notes 

and survey specific field 

maps with 

tracklines/WPs

SCAT Coordinator; 

SCAT Data Manager

Forms filled out in the 

field by SCAT 

teams/Data Team 

generates maps with 

tracklines/WPs for teams 

to use as base maps

SCAT Photographs

Each team organizes 

their photos into daily 

folders, includes key 

photos with their daily 

report

Each team 

georeferences and 

organizes their photos 

into daily folders on a 

server

Teams turn in their 

camera/GPS for Data 

Team to organize into 

folders and georeference

SCAT Data Manager Taken in the field by 

SCAT Team Members 

Special Field 

Requests (subsurface 

oiling data, beach 

profiles)

None None

Subsurface oiling and/or 

beach profiles recorded 

on response specific 

forms

SCAT Data Manager Collected by SCAT 

teams or Operations

Derived 

Data 

Products

Interim SCAT Daily 

Summary

Written summary of 

segments surveyed and 

recommendations for 

treatment

Written summary of 

segments surveyed and 

recommendations for 

treatment

Written summary of 

segments surveyed and 

recommendations for 

treatment

For SCAT 

Coordinator for 

discussion at the 

afternoon Planning 

Meeting

SCAT Coordinator 

compiles verbal reports 

from the Teams

Shoreline Oiling 

Maps

Digitize shoreline oiling 

degrees on digital base 

map and/or other 

products (e.g. KMZ)

Digitize shoreline oiling 

degrees on digital base 

map and/or other 

products 

(e.g. KMZ)

Shoreline oiling map 

production/tracking by 

GIS, exported in various 

formats for distribution

Situation Unit, 

Documentation, 

Planning, Operations

Digitize shoreline 

w/oiling extents either 

from SCAT database, 

field notes/sketch maps, 

spreadsheet

Shoreline Treatment 

Recommendation/ 

Priorities

Map showing segments 

and attached table with 

treatment 

recommendations and 

priorities

General STRs for 

different habitats 

/conditions; detailed 

maps of treatment 

segments

STR written for each 

segment, with consults 

and approvals at many 

levels

To EU, then 

Planning, then IAP

SCAT Coordinator 

generates this daily

Shoreline 

Operational Stage 

Map

Digitize operational 

stage on digital base 

map and/or other 

products (e.g. KMZ)

Digitize operational 

stage on digital base 

map and/or other 

products (e.g. KMZ)

Operational stage map 

production/tracking by 

GIS, exported in various 

formats for distribution

Situation Unit, 

Documentation, 

Planning, Operations

Designation from 

Operations and SCAT 

(Stage 1, 2, passive, etc.); 

database updated; GIS 

maps created

Shoreline Oiling & 

Stage Table

Calcs of shoreline 

lengths by shoreline 

type and oiling degree; 

operational stage

Spreadsheet calcs of 

shoreline lengths by 

type and oiling degree; 

operational stage 

GIS calcs of shoreline 

lengths by type and 

oiling degree; operational 

stage

Situation Unit, 

Documentation, 

Planning, Operations

Export from database or 

spreadsheet, then 

tabulation

56
Table 4.Cont. List of the types of SCAT data products created during spills of different degrees of complexity.

Type of 

Product Products/ Tools Type 3 Type 2 Type 1 Where It Goes How It's Created

Planning 

and 

Organiza

tional 

Products

Shoreline Treatment 

Guidelines/ 

Endpoints

Written document 

(short) 

Written document 

(long)

Written document 

(longest)

For UC sign-off 

(through the EU)

Multi-agency group 

through consensus

Shoreline Inspection 

Form

Paper form per segment 

with check-offs against 

cleanup endpoints

Paper form per segment 

with check-offs against 

cleanup endpoints

Paper form per segment 

with check-offs against 

cleanup endpoints

SCAT Team Sign-off 

SCAT Coordinator 

generates specific form 

based on cleanup 

plan/process

Shoreline Inspection 

Report

Typed list of sign-off 

status by segment

Printout of updated 

spreadsheet list with 

sign-off status by 

segment

Printout of updates 

database and maps with 

sign-off status

EU then Planning SCAT Teams

Derived 

Data 

Products

Data 

Managem

ent Tools

Sites of Special 

Concern Maps/Lists

List/map showing sites 

of concern/ constraints 

ID'ed by SCAT/EU

Annotate base map with 

sites of special concern; 

use symbols for each 

type

GIS entry of sites of 

special concern for 

maps/export as KMZ

file; use symbols for each 

type

Situation Unit, 

Documentation, 

Planning, Operations

ICS 232 and 232a form 

from EU; digitized in GIS; 

tracked in Access database

SCAT Segment/ 

Division Base Maps

Photocopies of topo 

maps, Google maps, 

aerial photos, etc. for 

SCAT teams to mark on 

Computer-generated 

maps at different scales 

(graphics computer 

programs)

Computer-generated 

maps at different scales 

with predefined segments 

(GIS)

SCAT Teams; 

Planning; Situation 

Unit

SCAT/Operations 

designate boundaries; 

Digitized in GIS; Base 

maps created

SCAT Assignment 

Tracking

Lists of # of teams, 

members, contact info, 

assignments

ICS 204 for SCAT 

Team ICS 204 for SCAT Team Planning for input to IAP

SCAT Coordinator 

generates this daily

SCAT Equipment 

Tracking Form

Log of equipment 

issued to SCAT Teams, 

with accountable person 

contact info

Log of equipment 

issued to SCAT Teams, 

with accountable person 

contact info

Log of equipment issued 

to SCAT Teams, with 

accountable person 

contact info

SCAT Coordinator Simple spreadsheet 

SCAT Data Entry

None; Manual 

calculations of degree 

of oiling from SCAT 

data for each segment

Data entered and 

manipulated in 

spreadsheet; calc of 

oiling degree

Data entered daily into 

response-specific 

database; calc of oiling 

degree; update of GIS 

data

SCAT Coordinator SCAT Data Management

57
•

•

Re-examine staffing requirements and inform the SCAT Coordinator when the data 

management workload will exceed current staffing levels.

Provide and receive feedback on data management performance at SCAT and other Unified 

Command briefings.

SCAT Data Management Team

The SCAT Data Management Team is an on-scene group (with off-site support as needed) of technical 

experts that assists the SCAT Data Manager with the management of data and production of materials 

to convey shoreline conditions and other information collected as part of SCAT activities. The SCAT 

Data Management Team implements protocols for the processing, display, and archiving of the 

shoreline assessment data collected during an incident and helps to design and implement an 

effective data management system for the shoreline assessment component of the response. See 

Chapter 4 for more on responsibilities and qualifications.

First 24 – 48 hrs into response

•

•

•

•

•

•

Establish file directory structure and file naming conventions for managing documents, data, 

and photos.

Coordinate with Situation and Environmental Units for relevant spill response data and map 

transfers (e.g., high resolution base maps, overflight maps, other data) by email or FTP or 

manual.

Inventory locally-available spatial data and maps to provide high-resolution guidance for field 

teams; identify shoreline access points, restricted areas, and hazards that affect SCAT activities 

and ensure this information is communicated to appropriate SCAT team leaders.

Create base maps for field planning & use, including laminated or other weather-resistant 

versions.

Establish both on-site backup and off-site, secure FTP repository for all data.

Develop and maintain Contact List for SCAT Team Members . 

48 – 72 hrs into response

• Develop data archival strategy (e.g., offsite external drives/FTP/server, used for ongoing 

reference and long-term documentation).

Daily Expectations

•

•

•

•

Produce daily status maps showing current SCAT deployments and assessment activities; 

maintain archive copies for distribution and reference.

Obtain weather from the NOAA National Weather Service and post for morning briefings.

Manage and QA/QC SCAT teams’ GPS tracklogs and waypoints from GPS units and digital 

photos; process with appropriate software tools (e.g., OziExplorer, GPS Photo Link, 

HoudahGeo).

SCAT maps made available in all appropriate formats, including hard copies, PDFs and Google 

Earth KML/KMZ files.

58
Shoreline Assessment Summaries 

Note that SCAT forms are not always included in the report generated for the Planning and Operations 

Sections. They need the final products of the survey: the shoreline types and oiling conditions; the 

treatment methods to be applied; and any ecological or cultural resource concerns. Often two types of 

data summaries are needed: a tabular summary by cleanup zones; and maps for display. Box 4 is an 

example SCAT summary report for a simple spill. The types of data that should be included in any 

tabular summary are:

Date: For some spills, changing conditions will require repeat surveys, so the date of the survey is very 

important.

Segment Number(s), Name, Division Number, Operations Zone: Use the shoreline segment name. 

Group segments by Operations Division. 

Summary of Oiling Conditions: The oiling condition can rapidly change. You need to describe the 

oiling condition when the treatment recommendation was made. 

Treatment Recommendations: Use standard terms, as listed in the cleanup descriptions in Appendix 

B.

Site-specific Constraints: Clearly identify these as to location and activity in the field (e.g., do not 

allow cleanup crews to enter marshes).

Box 4:

Simple SCAT Daily Summary for [date]

Shoreline segments requiring cleanup action. See attached reports for more detail.

BR1 - Re-oiled, mousse and tar balls with 10-15% coverage, no subsurface oil. No cleanup activity 

present. 

RECOMMENDATION: Revisit by cleanup crew doing manual recovery, revisit daily.

BR2 - Re-oiled, 10% coverage of film, mousse, and tar balls, no subsurface oil. No cleanup activity 

present. 

RECOMMENDATION: Revisit by cleanup crew doing manual recovery, revisit daily.

BR3 - 20% tar balls more evenly dispersed as compared to yesterday, no subsurface oil. Small 

cleanup crew (15 people) present. RECOMMENDATION: Continue cleanup.

BR4 - 10-15% tar balls, no subsurface oil. Cleanup activity in progress. RECOMMENDATION:

Continue cleanup operations.

BR5 - Oil still leaching from South Jetty, snare being deployed and tended. RECOMMENDATION:

Maintain snare on both south and north side of South Jetty with frequent tending to ensure 

effective capture of oil leaching from riprap.

EB - No oil observed. Snare is stranded on East Beach near the jetty. RECOMMENDATION:

Manual recovery of snare and other oily debris washing up.

59
Aerial photography can be used as a basemap for displaying SCAT data by segment. Oblique 

photographs of oiled shorelines under their current conditions can be readily obtained during aerial 

surveys. Figure 17 is an example using oblique photography to delineate cleanup areas and 

recommendations, from the M/V Selendang Ayu spill in Alaska. In this case, available imagery was too 

coarse in scale or had too much cloud cover, which are issues for much of the remote areas of the 

Alaska coastline. Figure 18 is an example using vertical imagery, from the T/V Athos spill in the 

Delaware River, November 2004. Although eye-catching and immediately informative, these types of 

reporting require Team Members with the time and skill to produce them. 

Figure 17. Example of using oblique aerial photographs as the basemap for presenting the results of 

the SCAT survey at the M/V Selendang Ayu spill in Alaska, USA.

You can graphically represent SCAT data on maps and as statistical summaries. Use maps to show the 

distribution of oiled shoreline and the degrees of oiling. Use computer-mapping software to tabulate 

the number of miles of shoreline by oiling degree and cleanup status (Table 5). Figure 19 shows an 

example shoreline oiling map for East San Francisco Bay, CA from the M/V Cosco Busan spill in 2006. 

Standardize definitions for the shoreline oiling categories (modify your definitions using the process 

outlined in Figure 15). These are important measures for reporting the progress of the cleanup.

60
Figure 18. Example of using vertical aerial imagery as the basemap for presenting the results of the 

SCAT survey at the M/V Athos 1 oil spill in the Delaware River near Philadelphia, PA. 

Table 5. Tabular summary of the miles of shoreline by state and status within the Shoreline Cleanup 

Completion Plan process for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

State

Total 

Segment 

Length 

Surveyed

Length of Shoreline by Segments within Status Category (miles)

STR Process SIR1 Process

(Pending 

Approval) 

Removal 

Actions 

Deemed 

Complete

Removal 

Actions 

Deemed 

Complete

Operational 

Pause

Louisiana 3191 105 97 11 2977 0

Mississippi 228 26 5 19 176 2

Alabama 238 41 5 15 177 0

Florida 480 28 10 1 441 0

DOI 239 65 7 2 152 14

All States* 4375 265 123 48 3924 16

61
Figure 19. Example of shoreline oiling summary map from the 2006 M/V Cosco Busan spill in San 

Francisco Bay, CA.

62
8 Planning for Shoreline Assessments

Define the Roles in the Area Contingency Plan

You are encouraged to plan ahead for shoreline assessments through the Area Committee. The Area 

Contingency Plan can identify the personnel, process, and logistics to be used for shoreline 

assessments before a spill occurs. It can also pre-approve the use of cleanup methods for special 

problem areas. This kind of pre-planning should include:

•

•

Identifying staff who are qualified as a SCAT Coordinator; and

Identifying a pool of government personnel who can represent their agencies’ concerns and 

be available to do shoreline assessments for the duration of a spill. These personnel must be 

trained in shoreline processes, SCAT terms, and cleanup methods.

Process

•

•

•

•

Develop a strategy for establishing Operational Divisions and/or segmenting shorelines in 

your area.

Pre-approve the use of treatment methods for each shoreline type. Form workgroups to 

identify special cleanup concerns (e.g., cutting of oiled seaweeds, use of shoreline cleaning 

agents, recovery of submerged oil), research the cleanup options, and make 

recommendations on their use for inclusion in planning documents.

Develop general guidelines for cleanup endpoints.

Decide how to transition SCAT Teams into Sign-off Teams.

Logistics

•

•

•

Identify and acquire SCAT equipment.

Identify the need for air boats, shallow-draft boats, or special vehicles, particularly in remote 

areas.

Identify the types of communications needed by field teams (e.g., radios, cellular phones).

63
9 References and Further Reading

CEDRE, 2006. Surveying Sites Polluted by Oil. An Operational Guide for Conducting an Assessment. 

Centre de documentation, de recherche et d’experimentations sur les pollutions accidentelles dex 

eaux, Brest, France, 41 pp.

Crosby, C., J. Bauer, and D. Gardner. 2008. The Alaska shoreline cleanup and guidance manual. In 

Proceedings of the 2008 International Oil Spill Conference, Washington, DC: American Petroleum

Institute, pp. 1209-1214. 

International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF). Technical Information Papers (TIPs). 

Available at: http://www.itopf.com/information-services/publications/

Lamarche A. and E.H. Owens. 1997. Integrated SCAT data and geographical information systems to 

support shoreline cleanup operators. In Proceedings of the 1997 International Oil Spill Conference, 

Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute, pp. 499-506. 

Lamarche A., D. Reimer, E.H. Owens, S. Laforest, A. Laflamme and S. Clement. 2004. A Personal Digital 

Assistant (PDA) system for data acquisition during shoreline assessment field surveys. In Proceedings 

of the 27th Arctic and Marine Oils Spill Program (AMOP) Technical Seminar, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: 

Emergency Sciences Division, Environment Canada, pp. 245-259. 

Lankford, J.F, I. Zelo, and M.R. Stumbaugh. 2008. A system for integrated SCAT data collection and 

management: eSCAT, SCATDB, and Photologger. In Proceedings of the 2008 International Oil Spill 

Conference, Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute, pp. 481-484. 

Michel, J., R. Yender, G.A. Sergy, E.H. Owens, R.D. Martin, and J.A. Tarpley, 2001. Improving the 

shoreline assessment process with new SCAT forms. In Proceedings of the 2001 International Oil Spill 

Conference, Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute, pp. 1515-1522. 

International Maritime Organization (IMO). 2205. Manual on Oil Pollution. Section IV – 

Combatting Oil Spills. IMO Report No. IA569. London, UK.

International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). 2007. Oil Spill 

Preparedness and Response. Report Series Summary 1990-2007. London, UK. 42 pp.

MCA, 2007. The UK SCAT Manual. A Field Guide to the Documentation of Oiled Shorelines in the UK. 

UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Southampton, UK. 47 pp. + vi. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & American Petroleum Institute. 1994. 

Options for Minimizing Environmental Impacts of Freshwater Spill Response. Seattle, WA: Hazardous 

Materials Response and Assessment Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 130 

pp. + appendices.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and American Petroleum Institute. 2001. 

Environmental Considerations for Oil Spill Response. Seattle, WA: Hazardous Materials Response and 

Assessment Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

64
Northwest Area Committee. 2013. Setting up a Shoreline Assessment Program. 58 pp.

Owens, E., and A. Teal. 1990. Shoreline cleanup following the Exxon Valdez oil spill: Field data collection 

within the S.C.A.T. program. In Proceedings of the 13th Arctic and Marine Oil Spill Program Technical 

Seminar, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Emergency Sciences Division, Environment Canada, pp. 411-421.

Owens, E.H., and G.A. Sergy. 2000. The SCAT Manual – A Field Guide to the Documentation and 

Description of Oiled Shorelines. Second Edition. Edmonton, Alberta: Environment Canada. 108 pp.

Owens, E.H., and G.A. Sergy. 2004. The Arctic SCAT Manual – A Field Guide to the Documentation and 

Description of Oiled Shorelines in Arctic Environments. Edmonton, Alberta: Environment Canada. 172 

pp.

Owens, E.H., J.W. Engles, S. Lehmann, H.A. Parker-Hall, P.D. Reimer, and J. Whitney. 2008. M/V 

Selendang Ayu response: Shoreline surveys and data management; treatment recommendations; and 

the completion inspection process. In Proceedings of the 2008 International Oil Spill Conference, 

Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute, pp. 1193-1199. 

USCG (U.S. Coast Guard). 2013. Coast Guard Incident Management Handbook, COMDTPUB P3120.17 

(series). Washington, DC: Office of Response, U.S. Coast Guard. 

65
Appendices

Appendix A: SCAT Equipment Checklist

Appendix B: Brief Descriptions of Shoreline Cleanup Methods

Appendix C: Shoreline Descriptors, Including Oil Behavior and Response Considerations

Appendix D: Examples of SCAT Forms and Guides

Appendix E: A Primer on Drawing Field Sketches

Appendix F: Example SCAT Field Safety Plan

Appendix G: SCAT Photography Guidelines

Appendix H: SCAT GPS Guidelines

Appendix I: Step-by-Step Guidelines for Filling out the SOS Form
Appendix A: SCAT Equipment Checklist

Shoreline Survey Gear

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Maps or charts of the survey area

Clipboards and rubber bands

Pencils, erasers, waterproof markers

Field forms (code sheets, SOS forms, sketch sheets, photo logs)

Field estimation charts (sand size, gravel size, percent cover)

Field notebooks (SCAT write-in-the rain notebooks are best) 

Segment map sheets

Base sketch maps, if available

Shovels – long-handled spades for digging pits

Digital camera; extra batteries

Photo scale (15 cm)

Tape measure (30 m) 

Range finder

Hand-held GPS

Compass

Field pack

Communication device (e.g., radio or cell phone)

First-aid kit

Personal Gear

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Good rain gear

Knee-high, rubber boots or hip waders

Work gloves

“Tar-off” towelettes or similar hand cleaner

Hat

Sunscreen

Drinking water

Personal Flotation Device if traveling by water/helicopter

Personal day pack

Bug repellent

Energy bar (nourishment)

Appropriate cold-weather clothing (as necessary)

Nitrile gloves 

A-1 
Appendix B: Brief Descriptions of Shoreline Cleanup Methods

Introduction

This section describes methods currently in use during cleanup of oil spills in marine environments 

and habitats. For each method the following is provided: a summary of the objective in using the 

method, a general description of the method, applicable habitat types, conditions under which the 

methods should be used (constraints commonly applied to the use of the method to protect sensitive 

biological resources), and the environmental effects expected from the proper use of the method. 

Some of the methods listed require special authorization for use during a spill; appropriate agencies 

must be contacted about the need for special approvals.

A problem which occurs after all major oil spills is that there is a large quantity of oily wastes and 

debris that is generated and must be dealt with as part of the response action. A cleanup strategy that 

minimizes the impact to all sensitive aspects of the environment and minimizes the amount of oily 

wastes is the most optimal. Each cleanup option should be examined with the problem of waste 

generation and disposal in mind.

Additional guidance for the application of shoreline cleanup methods appropriate for each shoreline 

type can be found in oil spill manuals and guidance documents by the International Maritime 

Organization, International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association, and NOAA 

(listed in the references section). Methods listed are:

 Natural Recovery  Steam Cleaning

 Barriers/Berms  Sand Blasting

 Physical Herding  Elasticity Modifiers

 Manual Oil Removal  Herding Agents

 Mechanical Oil Removal  Solidifiers

 Sorbents  Surface Washing Agents

 Vacuum  Nutrient Enrichment 

 Debris Removal (Biostimulation)

 Sediment Reworking/Tilling  Natural Microbe Seeding

 Vegetation Cutting/Removal (Bioaugmentation)

 Flooding  In-situ Burning

 Low-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing

 High-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing

 Low-Pressure, Hot-Water Flushing

 High-Pressure, Hot-Water Flushing

B-1 
Natural Recovery

Objective

No attempt to remove any stranded oil in order to minimize impact to the environment, or because 

there is no effective method for cleanup. Oil is left in place to degrade naturally.

Description 

No action is taken, although monitoring of contaminated areas may be required.

Applicable Habitat Types

All habitat types.

When to Use

When natural removal rates are fast (e.g., gasoline evaporation, high energy coastlines), when the 

degree of oiling is light, or when cleanup actions will do more harm than natural recovery. 

Biological Constraints

This method may be inappropriate for areas used by high numbers of mobile animals (birds, marine 

mammals) or endangered species.

Environmental Effects

Same as from the oil alone.

Waste Generation

None.

B-2 
Barriers/Berms

Objective

To prevent entry of oil into a sensitive area or to 

divert oil to a collection area.

Description 

A physical barrier (other than a boom) is placed 

across an area to prevent oil from passing. Barriers 

can consist of earthen berms, trenches, sand bags, 

wood/metal sheets, Hesco baskets, or filter fences. 

When it is necessary for water to pass because of water volume, underflow or overflow dams are used.

Applicable Habitat Types

At the mouths of creeks or streams to prevent oil from entering, or to prevent oil in the creek from 

being released into offshore waters. Also, on beaches where a berm can be built above the high tide 

line to prevent oil from overwashing the beach and entering a sensitive back-beach habitat (e.g., 

lagoon).

When to Use

When the oil threatens sensitive habitats and other barrier options are not feasible. However, where 

they are placed on shorelines exposed to wave action, they should be removed prior to storm activity.

Biological Constraints

Responders must minimize disturbance to bird and sea turtle nesting areas, beaver dams, or other 

sensitive areas. Placement of dams and filter fences could cause excessive physical disruptions, 

particularly in wetlands.

Environmental Effects

May disrupt or contaminate sediments and adjacent vegetation. The natural beach (or shore) profile 

should be restored (may take weeks to months on gravel beaches). Trenching may enhance 

penetration of oil and quantity of contaminated sediments. May require a permit from the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers.

Waste Generation

Sediment barriers will become contaminated on the oil side and filter fence materials will have to be 

disposed of as oily wastes.

B-3 
Physical Herding

Objective

To free any oil trapped in debris or vegetation on 

water; to direct floating oil towards containment 

and recovery devices; or to divert oil from sensitive 

areas.

Description 

Plunging water jets, water or air hoses, and 

propeller wash can be used to dislodge trapped oil 

and divert or herd it to containment and recovery areas. May emulsify the oil. Mostly conducted from 

small boats, although larger boats such as tugs can be used to generate stronger currents or influence 

larger areas (such as oil trapped deep under piers).

Applicable Habitat Types

In nearshore areas where there are little or no currents, and in and around man-made structures such 

as wharves and piers.

When to Use

In low-current or stagnant water bodies, to herd oil toward recovery devices. In high-current 

situations, used to divert floating oil away from sensitive areas.

Biological Constraints

When used near shore and in shallow water, must be careful not to disrupt bottom sediments or 

submerged aquatic vegetation.

Environmental Effects

May generate high levels of suspended sediments and mix them with the oil, resulting in deposition of 

contaminated sediments in benthic habitats.

Waste Generation

None.

B-4 
Manual Oil Removal/Cleaning

Objective

To remove oil with hand tools and manual labor.

Description 

Removal of surface oil using hands, rakes, shovels, 

buckets, scrapers, sorbents, pitch forks, etc., and 

placing in containers. No mechanized equipment 

is used except for transport of workers and 

collected oil and debris. Includes underwater 

recovery of submerged oil by divers, for example, 

with hand tools.

Applicable Habitat Types

Can be used on all habitat types.

When to Use

Light to moderate oiling conditions for stranded oil, or heavy oils on water or submerged on the 

bottom, that have formed semi-solid or solid masses and that can be picked up manually.

Biological Constraints

Foot traffic over sensitive areas (wetlands, tidal pools, etc.) should be restricted or prevented. There 

may be periods when shoreline access should be avoided, such as during bird nesting. Special 

permission or archaeological monitoring will be needed to dig in areas with known cultural resources

Environmental Effects

Minimal, if surface disturbance by responders and waste generation is controlled.

Waste Generation

May generate significant quantities of oil mixed with sediment and debris which must be properly 

disposed of or treated. Decontamination of hand tools may produce oily wastewater that must be 

treated properly. Worker personal protective gear is usually disposed of daily or decontaminated and 

the resulting oily wastewater treated properly.

B-5 
Mechanical Oil Removal

Objective

To remove oil from shorelines, and bottom 

sediments using mechanical equipment.

Description 

Oil and oiled materials are collected and removed 

using mechanical equipment not specifically 

designed for pollution response, such as backhoes, 

graders, bulldozers, dredges, draglines, beach 

cleaners, etc. Requires systems for temporary 

storage, transportation, and final treatment and disposal of collected material.

Applicable Habitat Types

On land, possible wherever surface sediments are both amenable to, and accessible by, heavy 

equipment. For submerged oil, used in sheltered areas where oil accumulates. On water, used on 

viscous or solid contained oil.

When to Use

When large amounts of oiled materials must be removed. Care should be taken to remove sediments 

only to the depth of oil penetration, which can be difficult with heavy equipment. Should be used 

carefully where excessive sediment removal may erode the beach or shore. Mechanical removal of 

buried oil consists of the removal and sidecasting of clean overburden, removal of oiled sediments by 

either manual or mechanical methods, and the replacement of the clean overburden. Care is also 

needed to minimize further oil penetration from uncontrolled vehicle traffic.

Biological Constraints

Heavy equipment use may be restricted in sensitive habitats (e.g., wetlands, soft substrates) or areas 

used by protected species. Special permission or archaeological monitoring will be needed to use 

equipment to excavate in areas with known cultural resources. Generation of high suspended 

sediment concentrations adjacent to seagrass beds or coral reef habitats may be prohibited. Access 

and work areas may be restricted, or traffic corridors designated, to prevent physical disturbance to 

adjacent, unoiled areas. The noise generated by the mechanical equipment may present a constraint 

as well.

Environmental Effects

The equipment is heavy, with many support personnel required. May be detrimental if excessive 

sediments are removed without replacement. All organisms in the sediments will be affected, 

although the need to remove the oil may make this response method the best overall alternative. 

Resuspension of exposed oil and fine-grained, oily sediments can affect adjacent bodies of water.

Waste Generation

Can generate large quantities of contaminated sediment and debris that must be treated or landfilled. 

The amount of waste generated by this cleanup option should be given careful consideration by 

response planners when reviewing potential environmental impacts of the oily wastes, debris, and 

residues.

B-6 
Sorbents

Objective

To remove surface oil by absorption by oleophilic (oilattracting) material placed at the waterline or on treated 

surfaces. This method can also include use of loose, organic 

sorbents on oiled vegetated surfaces to reduce the risk of 

wildlife oiling.

Description 

Sorbent material is placed on the floating oil or water surface, 

allowing it to sorb oil or is used to wipe or dab stranded oil. 

Forms include sausage boom, pads, rolls, sweeps, snares, and 

loose granules or particles. These products can be 

synthetically produced or be natural substances. Efficacy 

depends on the capacity of the particular sorbent, wave or 

tidal energy available for lifting the oil off the substrate, and 

oil type and stickiness. Recovery of all sorbent material is 

mandatory. Loose, organic sorbents may be applied to the oil 

surface and lightly raked into the oil, then removed.

Applicable Habitat Types

Can be used on any habitat or environment type. However, when deployed in areas exposed to wave 

action, they need to be firmly anchored or removed during storms, to prevent stranding on the 

shoreline, particularly along wetlands.

When to Use

When oil is free-floating close to shore or stranded on shore. The oil must be able to be released from 

the substrate and sorbed by the sorbent. As a secondary treatment method after gross oil removal, 

and in sensitive areas where access is restricted. Selection of sorbent varies by oil type: heavy oils only 

coat surfaces, requiring a high surface area to be effective, whereas lighter oils can penetrate sorbent 

material.

Biological Constraints

Access for deploying and retrieving sorbents should not adversely affect wildlife. Application in soft or 

sensitive habitats will require use of walking boards. Sorbents should not be used in a fashion that 

would endanger or trap wildlife. Sorbents left in place too long can break apart and present an 

ingestion hazard to wildlife. 

Environmental Effects

Physical disturbance of habitat during deployment and retrieval. Improperly deployed or tended 

sorbent material can crush or smother sensitive organisms.

Waste Generation

Must be regularly collected for proper disposal, so care should be taken to select and use sorbents 

effectively. Prevent overuse and generation of large amounts of lightly oiled sorbents. Waste-toenergy should be emphasized rather than disposal.

B-7 
Vacuum

Objective

To remove oil pooled on a shoreline substrate or 

subtidal sediments.

Description 

A vacuum unit is attached via a flexible hose to a 

suction head that recovers free oil. The equipment 

can range from small, portable units that fill 

individual 55-gallon drums to large supersuckers 

that are truck- or vessel-mounted and can generate 

enough suction to lift large rocks. Removal rates 

from substrates can be extremely slow.

Applicable Habitat Types

Any accessible habitat type. May be mounted on vessels (including airboats) for water-based 

operations, on trucks driven to the recovery area, or hand-carried to remote sites.

When to Use

When oil is stranded on the substrate, pooled against a shoreline, concentrated in trenches or trapped 

in vegetation. Usually requires shoreline access points.

Biological Constraints

Special restrictions should be established for areas where foot traffic and equipment operation may be 

damaging, such as soft substrates. Operations in wetlands must be very closely monitored, and a sitespecific list of procedures and restrictions developed to prevent damage to vegetation, such as use of 

walking boards, monitoring to prevent excessive damage to vegetation and soils, and use in 

combination was low-pressure flushing to lift the oil off the substrate and vegetation.

Environmental Effects

Minimal, if foot and vehicular traffic are controlled and minimal substrate/vegetation is damaged or 

removed.

Waste Generation

Collected oil and or oil/water mix will need to be stored temporarily prior to recycling or disposal. Oil 

may be recyclable; if not, it will require disposal in accordance with local regulations. Large amounts of 

water are often recovered, requiring separation and treatment.

B-8 
Debris Removal 

Objective

To remove debris in path of spill prior to oiling, 

and to remove contaminated debris from the 

shoreline and water surface.

Description 

Manual or mechanical removal of debris 

(driftwood, seaweed, trash, wreckage) from the 

shore or water surface. Can include cutting and 

removal of oiled logs.

Applicable Habitat Types

Can be used on any habitat or environment type where access is safe.

When to Use

When debris is heavily contaminated and provides a potential source of secondary oil release; an 

aesthetic problem; a source of contamination for other resources that use the area such as birds and 

small mammals; likely to clog skimmers; or likely to cause safety problems for responders. Used in 

areas of wrack accumulation on beaches prior to oiling to minimize the amount of oiled debris to be 

handled.

Biological Constraints

Foot traffic over sensitive areas (wetlands, spawning grounds) must be restricted. May be periods 

when entry should be denied (spawning periods, influx of large numbers of migratory waterfowl). 

Debris may also be a habitat and an important source of prey (for example, shorebirds feeding in 

wrack on beaches). Unoiled or lightly oiled debris should not be removed.

Environmental Effects

Physical disruption of substrate, especially when mechanized equipment must be deployed to recover 

a large quantity of debris.

Waste Generation

Will generate contaminated debris (volume depends on what, and how much, is collected, e.g., logs, 

brush). Unless there is an approved hazardous waste incinerator that will take oily debris, burning will 

seldom be allowed, especially on-site burning. However, this option should still be explored, especially 

for remote locations, with the appropriate state or federal agencies that must give approvals for 

burning.

The advantage of pre-spill debris collections is that waste disposal requirements will likely be less 

restrictive than if the debris is oiled. Once oiled, the debris is likely to be handled as a hazardous waste.

B-9 
Sediment Reworking/Tilling

Objective

To break up oily sediments and surface oil 

deposits, increasing their surface area, and 

bringing deeper subsurface oil layers to the 

surface, thus enhancing the rate of degradation 

through aeration. Also, to increase the rate of 

sediment re-working by wave action.

Description 

The oiled sediments are roto-tilled, disked, or otherwise mixed using mechanical equipment or 

manual tools. Along beaches, oiled sediments may also be pushed to the lower intertidal zone to 

enhance natural cleanup by wave activity (surf washing). On gravel beaches, the process may be aided 

with high-volume flushing.

Applicable Habitat Types

On any sedimentary substrate that can support mechanical equipment or foot traffic and hand tilling.

When to Use

On sand to gravel beaches with subsurface oil, where sediment removal is not feasible (due to erosion 

or transportation and disposal problems). On sand beaches where the sediment is stained or lightly 

oiled. Also appropriate for sites where the oil is stranded above the normal high waterline, so that the 

sediments can be reworked by wave action.

Biological Constraints

Avoid use on shores near sensitive wildlife habitats, such as fish-spawning areas or bird-nesting or 

concentration areas because of the potential for release of oil and oiled sediments into adjacent 

bodies of water. Should not be used adjacent to sensitive subtidal habitats such as shellfish beds, 

seagrass, or coral reefs. 

Environmental Effects

Mixing of oil into sediments could further expose organisms that live below the original layer of oil. 

Repeated reworking could delay re-establishing of these organisms. Refloated oil and oily suspended 

sediments from treated sites could contaminate adjacent waterbodies and shorelines. 

Waste Generation

None.

B-10
Vegetation Cutting/Removal

Objective

To remove portions of oiled vegetation or oil 

trapped in vegetation to prevent oiling of wildlife 

or secondary oil releases. 

Description 

Oiled vegetation is cut with weed trimmers, 

blades, etc., and picked or raked up and bagged 

for disposal. May require use of loose, organic 

sorbents to recover oil that is exposed and poses 

contact hazards to wildlife.

Applicable Habitat Types

Habitats composed of vegetation, such as wetlands, seagrass beds, and kelp beds that contain 

emergent, herbaceous vegetation or floating, aquatic vegetation.

When to Use

When the risk of oiled vegetation contaminating wildlife is greater than the value of the vegetation 

that is to be cut, and there is no less-destructive method that removes or reduces the risk to 

acceptable levels. Also, to remove thick oil residues under the oiled vegetation.

Biological Constraints

Operations must be strictly monitored to minimize the degree of root destruction and mixing of oil 

deeper into the sediments. Any foot traffic on sensitive substrates will require use of walking boards. 

Access in bird-nesting areas should be restricted during nesting seasons. Cutting only the oiled 

portions of the plants and leaving roots and as much of the stem as possible minimizes impact to 

plants.

Environmental Effects

Vegetation removal will destroy habitat for many animals. Cut areas will have reduced plant growth 

and, in some instances, plants may be killed. Cutting at the base of the plant stem may allow oil to 

penetrate the substrate, causing subsurface contamination. Along exposed sections of shoreline, the 

vegetation may not recover, resulting in erosion and habitat loss. Trampled areas will recover much 

more slowly.

Waste Generation

Cut portions of oiled plants must be collected and disposed of properly.

B-11
Flooding/Deluge

Objective

To lift and wash oil stranded on land to the water’s 

edge for collection.

Description 

A perforated header pipe or hose is placed above 

the oiled shore or bank. Ambient-temperature 

water is pumped through the header pipe at low 

pressure and flows downslope to the water where 

any released oil is trapped by booms and 

recovered by skimmers or other suitable equipment. On porous sediments, water flows through the 

substrate, pushing loose oil ahead of it. On saturated, fine-grained sediments, the technique becomes 

more of a surface oil lifting and flushing.

Applicable Habitat Types

All shoreline types where the equipment can be effectively deployed. Not effective in steep intertidal 

areas.

When to Use

In heavily oiled areas when the oil is still fluid and adheres loosely to the substrate, and where oil has 

penetrated into gravel sediments. This method is frequently used with other washing techniques 

(low- or high-pressure, cold-to-hot-water flushing).

Biological Constraints

Special care should be taken to recover oil where nearshore habitats contain rich biological 

communities. Not appropriate for soft, muddy substrates.

Environmental Effects

Habitat may be physically disturbed by foot traffic during operations and smothered by sediments 

washed down the slope. If containment methods are not sufficient, oil and oiled sediments may be 

flushed into adjacent areas. Flooding may cause sediment loss and erosion of the shoreline and 

shallow rooted vegetation. Oiled sediment may be transported to nearshore areas, contaminating 

them and burying benthic organisms.

Waste Generation

Depends on the effectiveness of the collection method.

B-12
Low-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing

Objective

To remove fluid oil that has adhered to the 

substrate or man-made structures, pooled on the 

surface, or become trapped in vegetation.

Description 

Ambient-temperature water is sprayed at low 

pressures (<10 pounds per square inch [psi] or <72 

kilopascals [kpa]), usually from hand-held hoses, to 

lift oil from the substrate and float it to the water’s 

edge for recovery by skimmers, vacuum, or sorbents. Can be conducted from barges with long-reach 

spray systems. Usually used with a flooding system to prevent released oil from re-adhering to the 

substrate downstream of the treatment area.

Applicable Habitat Types

On sediment substrates, riprap, and solid, man-made structures, where the oil is still fluid. In wetlands 

and along vegetated banks where oil is trapped in vegetation.

When to Use

Where fluid oil is stranded onshore or floating on shallow intertidal areas.

Biological Constraints

May need to restrict use so that the oil/water effluent does not drain across sensitive intertidal 

habitats, and that mobilized sediments do not affect rich subtidal communities. Use from boats will 

reduce the need for foot traffic in soft substrates and vegetation. Flushed oil must be recovered to 

prevent further oiling of adjacent areas.

Environmental Effects

If containment methods are not sufficient, oil and oiled sediments may be flushed into adjacent areas. 

Flooding may cause sediment loss and erosion of the shoreline and shallow rooted vegetation. Some 

trampling of substrate and attached biota may occur.

Waste Generation

Depends on the effectiveness of the collection method.

B-13
High-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing

Objective

To remove oil that has adhered to hard substrates 

or man-made structures.

Description 

Similar to low-pressure flushing, except that water 

pressure is 100-1,000 psi (720-7,200 kpa). Highpressure spray will more effectively remove sticky 

or viscous oils. If low water volumes are used, 

sorbents are placed directly below the treatment 

area to recover the oil.

Applicable Habitat Types

On bedrock, man-made structures, and gravel substrates.

When to Use

When low-pressure flushing is not effective at removing adhered oil, which must be removed to 

prevent continued oil release or for aesthetic reasons. When a directed water jet can remove oil from 

hard-to-reach sites.

Biological Constraints

May need to restrict flushing so that the oil does not drain across sensitive habitats. Flushed oil must 

be recovered to prevent further oiling of adjacent areas. Should not be used directly on attached algae 

nor rich, intertidal areas.

Environmental Effects

All attached animals and plants in the direct spray zone will be removed, even when used properly. 

May drive oil deeper into the substrate or erode fine sediments from shorelines if water jet is 

improperly applied. If containment methods are not sufficient, oil and oiled sediments may be flushed 

into adjacent areas. Some trampling of substrate and attached biota will occur.

Waste Generation

Depends on the effectiveness of the collection method.

B-14
Low-Pressure, Hot-Water Flushing

Objective

To remove non-liquid/non-fluid oil that has adhered to the substrate or man-made structures, or 

pooled on the surface.

Description 

Hot water (90°F [32°C] up to 170°F [75°C]) is sprayed with hoses at low pressures (<10 psi [<72 kpa]) to 

liquefy and lift oil from the substrate and float it to the water’s edge for recovery by skimmers, 

vacuums, or sorbents. Used with flooding to prevent released oil from re-adhering to the substrate.

Applicable Habitat Types

On bedrock, sand to gravel substrates, and man-made structures.

When to Use

Where heavy, but relatively fresh, oil is stranded onshore. The oil must be heated above its pour point 

so it will flow. Less effective on sticky oils.

Biological Constraints

Avoid wetlands or rich intertidal communities so that the hot oil/water effluent does not contact 

sensitive habitats. Operations from boats will help reduce foot traffic in soft substrates and vegetation. 

Flushed oil must be recovered to prevent further oiling of adjacent areas. Should not be used directly 

on attached algae or in rich, intertidal areas.

Environmental Effects

Hot water contact can kill attached animals and plants. If containment methods are not sufficient, oil 

may be flushed into adjacent areas. Flooding may cause sediment loss and erosion of the shoreline 

and shallow rooted vegetation. Some trampling of substrate and biota will occur.

Waste Generation

Depends on the effectiveness of the collection method.

B-15
High-Pressure, Hot-Water Flushing

Objective

To mobilize weathered and viscous oil strongly 

adhered to surfaces.

Description 

Hot water (32°C up to 77°C) is sprayed with handheld wands at pressures greater than 720 kpa. If 

used without water flooding, this procedure 

requires immediate use of vacuum or sorbents to 

recover the oil/water runoff. When used with a 

flooding system, the oil is flushed to the water surface for collection by skimmers, vacuum, or 

sorbents.

Applicable Habitat Types

Gravel substrates, bedrock, and man-made structures.

When to Use

When oil has weathered to the point that warm water at low pressure no longer effectively removes 

oil. To remove viscous oil from man-made structures for aesthetic reasons.

Biological Constraints

Use should be restricted so that the oil/water effluent does not drain across sensitive habitats 

(damage can result from exposure to oil, oiled sediments, and hot water). Should not be used directly 

on attached algae nor rich intertidal areas. Released oil must be recovered to prevent further oiling of 

adjacent habitats.

Environmental Effects

All attached animals and plants in the direct spray zone will be removed or killed, even when used 

properly. Oiled sediment may be transported to shallow nearshore areas, contaminating them and 

burying benthic organisms.

Waste Generation

Depends on the effectiveness of the collection method.

B-16
Steam Cleaning

Objective

To remove heavy residual oil from solid substrates or man-made structures.

Description 

Steam or very hot water (171°F [77°C] to 212°F [100°C]) is sprayed with hand-held wands at high 

pressure (2,000 psi [14,400 kpa]). Water volumes are very low compared to flushing methods.

Applicable Habitat Types

Man-made structures such as seawalls and riprap.

When to Use

When heavy oil residue must be removed for aesthetic reasons, and when hot-water flushing is not 

effective, and limited biota are present on the treatment area. 

Biological Constraints

Not to be used in areas of soft substrates, vegetation, nor high biological abundance directly on, or 

below, the structure.

Environmental Effects

Complete destruction of all organisms in the spray zone. Difficult to recover all released oil. If 

containment methods are not sufficient, oil may be flushed into nearshore areas.

Waste Generation

Depends on the effectiveness of the collection method. Usually sorbents are used, generating 

significant waste volumes.

B-17
Sand Blasting

Objective

To remove heavy residual oil from solid 

substrates or man-made structures.

Description 

Use of sandblasting equipment to remove oil 

from the substrate. May include recovery of used 

(oiled) sand.

Applicable Habitat Types

On heavily oiled bedrock and artificial structures such as seawalls and riprap.

When to Use

When heavy oil residue must be cleaned for aesthetic reasons, and even steam cleaning is not 

effective.

Biological Constraints

Not to be used in areas of soft substrates, vegetation, nor high biological abundance directly below, or 

adjacent to, the structures.

Environmental Effects

Complete destruction of all organisms in the blast zone. Possible smothering of organisms by sand in 

adjacent areas. Unrecovered, used sand will introduce oiled sediments into the adjacent habitat. Oiled 

sediment may be transported to shallow nearshore areas, contaminating them and burying benthic 

organisms.

Waste Generation

Will need to recover and dispose of oiled sand used in blasting.

B-18
Elasticity Modifiers

Objective

To impart visco-elastic properties to floating oil, thereby increasing skimming rates.

Description 

The liquid product is applied at a rate of 1:13 to 1:150 product:oil ratio, depending on the oil type. 

Some mixing is required and is usually provided by the water spray during application. Treated oil is 

gelatinous, or semi-solid, but still fluid; there is no chemical change in the oil. The primary purpose is 

to increase skimmer efficiency removal rates while minimizing water recovery amounts. Increases the 

efficiency of some skimmers, but may clog other skimmers, pumps, and storage containers. 

Applicable Habitat Types

On all water environments where oil can be contained for skimming. Not for use on wetlands nor 

debris because of increased adhesive properties of the treated oil.

When to Use

When skimmer efficiency is low. Must be used with booming or other physical containment. Ideal for 

use on this slicks of light refined oils that are very difficult to recover with mechanical equipment or 

sorbents. Requires RRT approval for use.

Biological Constraints

Not suitable for vegetated shores or where there is extensive debris mixed in the oil. Should be 

avoided when birds or other wildlife cannot be kept away from the treated oil.

Environmental Effects

May increase the smothering effect of oil on organisms; therefore, the treatment should be considered 

only where recovery of the treated oil is likely.

Waste Generation

If skimming efficiency is increased, will reduce the volume of water in oil/water collections. Effects on 

recycling of oil treated with elasticity modifiers is unknown. 

B-19
Surface Collecting Agents

Objective

To collect or herd oil into a smaller area and thicker 

slick in order to increase recovery. Can be used to 

herd oil away from sensitive areas or to help keep 

oil contained when it is necessary to move a boom.

Description 

These agents, which are insoluble surfactants and 

have a high spreading pressure, are applied in 

small quantities (1-2 gallons per lineal mile [2.5-5 liters per lineal kilometer]) to the clean water 

surrounding the edge of a fresh oil slick. They contain the oil, prevent spreading, but do not hold the 

spill in place. Hand-held or vessel-mounted systems can be used. Must be applied early in spill, when 

oil is still fluid.

Applicable Habitat Types

On all still water environments.

When to Use

Potential use for collection and protection. For collection, used to push slicks out from under docks 

and piers where it has become trapped, or in harbors where the equipment is readily accessible for 

use early in the spill. For protection in low-current areas, used to push slicks away from sensitive 

resources such as wetlands. Also used in ice environments to thicken oil. Not effective in fast currents, 

rough seas, or rainfall.

Biological Constraints

Not suitable for use in very shallow water or fish-spawning areas.

Environmental Effects

Direct acute toxicity to surface-layer organisms possible, though available products vary greatly in 

their aquatic toxicity. 

Waste Generation

Same as for manual oil recovery.

B-20
Solidifiers

Objective

To change the physical state of spilled oil from a 

liquid to a solid to increase recovery rates.

Description

Chemical agents (polymers) are applied to oil at 

rates of 10-50 percent or more, solidifying the oil in 

minutes to hours. Various broadcast systems, such 

as leaf blowers, water cannons, or fire suppression 

systems, can be modified to apply the product 

over large areas. Can be applied to both floating and stranded oil. Mixing is usually needed and can be 

done with a strong water spray. Can be placed in booms, pads, pillows, and socks and used like a 

sorbent. 

Applicable Habitat Types

All water environments, bedrock, sediments, and artificial structures.

When to Use

To immobilize the oil prevent refloating from a shoreline, penetration into the substrate, or further 

spreading. However, the oil may not fully solidify unless the product is well mixed with the oil, and 

may result in a mix of solid and untreated oil. Generally not used on heavy oil spills that are already 

viscous. Requires RRT approval.

Biological Constraints

Must be able to recover all treated material.

Environmental Effects

Available products are insoluble and have very low aquatic toxicity. Unrecovered solidified oil may 

have longer impact because of slow weathering rates. Physical disturbance of habitat may occur

during application and recovery in soft sediments where foot traffic is used. 

Waste Generation

If skimming efficiency is increased, solidifiers may reduce the volume of water collected during oil 

recovery. Oil treated with solidifiers is typically disposed of in landfills.

B-21
Surface Washing Agents

Objective

To increase the efficiency of oil removal from 

contaminated substrates.

Description 

Special formulations are applied to the substrate, 

as a presoak and/or flushing solution, to soften or 

lift weathered or heavy oils from the substrate to 

enhance flushing methods. The intent is to lower 

the water temperature and pressure required to 

mobilize the oil from the substrate during flushing. 

Some agents will disperse the oil as it is washed off the beach, others will not.

Applicable Habitat Types

On any habitat where water flooding and flushing procedures are applicable. Has been used to 

increase the removal of oil adhered to vegetation.

When to Use

When the oil has weathered to the point where it cannot be removed using ambient water 

temperatures and low pressures. This approach may be most applicable where flushing effectiveness 

decreases as the oil weathers. Requires RRT approval for use.

Biological Constraints

When the product does not disperse the oil into the water column, the released oil must be recovered 

from the water surface. Use should be restricted so that the oil/water effluent does not drain across 

sensitive habitats. Other concerns are where suspended sediment concentrations are high, near 

wetlands, and near sensitive nearshore resources.

Environmental Effects

The toxicity and effects on dispersability of treated oil vary widely among products. Selection of a 

product should take into consideration the toxicity of the product.

Waste Generation

Because treated oil must be recovered, waste generation is a function of recovery method, which 

often includes sorbents.

B-22
Nutrient Enrichment (Biostimulation)

Objective

To accelerate the rate of oil degradation due to natural microbial processes by adding nutrients 

(generally nitrogen and phosphorus) that stimulate microbial growth.

Description 

Liquid products are diluted in water and applied with spray or injection systems. Dry products may be 

applied by hand or spray systems. Oleophilic fertilizers are sprayed neat directly on the oiled surface. 

The frequency of nutrient addition is determined by monitoring pore water so that the nitrate-N 

concentration are in the range of 2-10 milligrams per liter. Regular tilling or other means of aeration 

may be needed to maintain minimum oxygen levels, break up the oil residues, and mix the nutrients 

with the oiled sediments.

Applicable Habitat Types

On any shoreline habitat type where access is allowed and nutrients are deficient.

When to Use

Only when nutrients are limiting the rates of natural microbial degradation. On moderately to heavily 

oiled substrates, after other techniques have been used to remove free product; on lightly oiled 

shorelines, where other techniques are destructive or ineffective; and where nutrients limit natural 

attenuation. Most effective on light to medium crude oils and fuel oils. Less effective where oil 

residues are thick. Not considered for gasoline spills, which evaporate rapidly. Fertilizers can increase 

the growth of vegetation, which could speed the oil degradation by phyto-remediation. 

Biodegradation of hydrocarbons requires: oil-degrading microbes (which naturally occur in the coastal 

and marine environment), nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), oxygen, moisture, and time, any of 

which can be limiting. Requires RRT approval for use.

Biological Constraints

Avoid using ammonia-based fertilizers at highly elevated concentrations because un-ionized 

ammonia is toxic to aquatic life at very low levels. Nitrate is an equally good nitrogen source, minus 

the ecotoxicity. If nutrients are applied properly with monitoring, eutrophication should not be a 

problem. Only nutrient additives proven to be nontoxic and effective in either the lab or the field 

should be used. Check fertilizers for their metal content because some common products contain 

relatively high levels of metals. Contact toxicity of oleophilic nutrients may restrict their use, as other 

chemicals in the product could be more toxic to aquatic organisms in the presence of oil.

Environmental Effects

Detrimental effects to shoreline from foot or vehicle traffic caused by workers applying nutrients 

(unless nutrients are sprayed from a vessel or aircraft). No wastes generated.

B-23
Natural Microbe Seeding (Bioaugmentation)

Objective

A form of bioremediation used to accelerate natural microbial degradation of oil by adding high 

numbers of oil-degrading microorganisms.

Description 

Formulations containing specific hydrocarbon-degrading microbes are added to the oiled area 

because indigenous hydrocarbon degraders are low in number, or those that are present cannot 

degrade the oil effectively. Because microbes require nitrogen and phosphorus to convert 

hydrocarbons to biomass, formulations containing these oil degraders must also contain adequate 

nutrients. Bioaugmentation has not been demonstrated in the scientific literature to be effective on 

marine and coastal oil spills. 

Bioaugmentation appears less effective than biostimulation because: 1) hydrocarbon degraders are 

ubiquitous in nature and, when an oil spill occurs at a given site, the influx of oil will cause an 

immediate increased response in the hydrocarbon degrading populations; but, 2) if nutrients are in 

limited supply, the rate of oil biodegradation will be less than optimal; thus, 3) supplying nutrients will 

enhance the process initiated by the spill, but adding microorganisms will not, because they still lack 

the necessary nitrogen and phosphorus to support growth.

Applicable Habitat Types

Insufficient information on impacts or effectiveness to make a judgment on habitat.

When to Use

There is insufficient information on impact or effectiveness of this method to make a judgment on 

when to use it. Requires RRT approval for use.

Biological Constraints

Avoid using ammonia-based fertilizers adjacent to water bodies because un-ionized ammonia is toxic

to aquatic life at very low levels. Nitrate is an equally good nitrogen source, minus the ecotoxicity. If 

the product containing nutrients is applied properly with adequate monitoring, eutrophication should 

not be a problem; however, toxicity tests should be evaluated carefully, as other chemicals in the 

product would be toxic to aquatic organisms.

Environmental Effects

Detrimental physical effects to shoreline from foot or vehicle traffic cause by workers applying 

bioaugmentation product (unless nutrients are applied from a vessel or aircraft). No wastes generated.

B-24
In-situ Burning

Objective

To remove oil from the water surface or habitat by 

burning the oil in place.

Description 

Oil floating on the water surface is collected into 

slicks at least 2-3 mm thick and ignited. The oil can 

be contained in fire-resistant booms, or by natural 

barriers such as ice or the shoreline. On land, oil can 

be burned when it is on a combustible substrate such as vegetation, logs, or other debris. Oil can be 

burned from non-flammable substrates using a burn promoter. On sedimentary substrates, it may be 

necessary to dig trenches for oil to accumulate in pools to a thickness that will sustain burning. Heavy 

oils are more difficult to ignite but can sustain a burn once ignited. Emulsified oils may not ignite or 

sustain a burn when the water content is great than about 25%. Where sinking of the burn residue is 

of concern, it may be possible to collect the burn residues while they are still hot and buoyant. 

Applicable Habitat Types

On most habitats except dry, muddy substrates where heat may impact the biological productivity of 

the habitat. May increase oil penetration into permeable substrate. Generally not suitable for woody 

vegetation such as mangroves and hardwood swamps.

When to Use

On floating slicks, early in the spill event when the oil can be kept thick enough to sustain the burn. 

Removal rates of 50,000 gallons per hour can be achieved for a burn area of 10,000 square feet (930 

square meters). On land, where there is heavy oil in areas neither amendable nor accessible to physical 

removal, and the oil must be removed quickly. Under ideal condition, removal efficiencies can exceed 

90%. There are many potential applications for spills in ice. Requires RRT approval for use during 

coastal and marine spills.

Biological Constraints

Most biota in the burn area will be impacted. The possible effects of smoke on wildlife and populated 

areas should be evaluated. In vegetated and mud habitats, a water layer will minimize impacts to

sediments and roots

Environmental Effects

Temperature and air quality effects are likely to be localized and short-lived. Toxicological impact from 

burn residues may be of concern, depending on the oil type and amount of residue. On-water, burn 

residues are likely to sink. Studies have predicted that ~50% of international crudes would sink in 

seawater after cooling. On land, removal of residues and unburned oil is often necessary for crude and 

heavy oils. The success of the burn in vegetated habitats is a function of the season of the burn, 

vegetation type, and water level at the time of the burn. 

Waste Generation

Any residues remaining after burning will need to be collected and landfilled, but with an efficient 

burn will be a small fraction of the original oil volume.

B-25
Appendix C: Shoreline Descriptors, Including Oil Behavior and Response 

Considerations

EXPOSED ROCKY SHORES ESI =1A

Description

•

•

•

•

The intertidal zone is steep (greater than 30 

degree slope) and narrow with very little width

Sediment accumulations are uncommon and 

usually ephemeral, because waves remove the 

debris that has slumped from the eroding cliffs

There is strong vertical zonation of intertidal 

biological communities

Species density and diversity vary greatly, but 

barnacles, snails, mussels, seastars, limpets, sea 

anemones, shore crabs, polychaetes, and 

macroalgae can be abundant 

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

Oil is held offshore by waves reflecting off the steep, hard surfaces

Any oil that is deposited is rapidly removed from exposed faces

The most resistant oil would remain as a patchy band at or above the high tide line

Impacts to intertidal communities are expected to be short-term; an exception would be where heavy 

concentrations of a light refined product came ashore very quickly

Response Considerations

•

•

Cleanup is usually not required

Access can be difficult and dangerous

EXPOSED, SOLID MAN-MADE STRUCTURES ESI =1B

Description

•

•

•

•

•

These are solid, man-made structures such as 

seawalls, groins, revetments, piers, and port 

facilities

Many structures are constructed of concrete, 

wood, or metal

They are built to protect the shore from erosion 

by waves, boat wakes, and currents, and thus 

are exposed to rapid natural removal processes

Often there is no exposed substrate at low tide, 

but multiple habitats are indicated if present

Attached animals and plants are sparse to common

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

Oil is held offshore by waves reflecting off the steep, hard surface in exposed settings

Oil readily adheres to the dry, rough surfaces, but it does not adhere to wet substrates

The most resistant oil would remain as a patchy band at or above the high tide line

C-1 
Response Considerations

•

•

Cleanup is usually not required

High-pressure water spraying may be conducted to remove risk of contamination of people or vessels, 

or to improve aesthetics

EXPOSED WAVE-CUT PLATFORMS IN BEDROCK ESI = 2A

Description

•

•

•

•

•

•

These shores consist of a bedrock shelf or 

platform of highly variable width and very gentle 

slope

The surface of the platform is irregular; tidal 

pools are common

The shoreline may be backed by a steep scarp or 

low bluff

There may be a perched beach of sand- to 

boulder-sized sediments at the base of the scarp

Small accumulations of gravel can be found in 

the tidal pools and crevices in the platform

These habitats can support large populations of encrusting animals and plants, with rich tidal pool 

communities; barnacles, snails, mussels, and macroalgae are often abundant

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

Oil will not adhere to the rock platform, but rather be transported across the platform and accumulate 

along the high tide line

Persistence of oiled sediments is usually short-term, except in wave shadows or where the oil was 

deposited high above normal wave activity

Response Considerations

•

•

Cleanup is usually not required

Where the high tide area is accessible, it may be feasible to remove heavy oil accumulations and oiled 

debris

EXPOSED SCARPS AND STEEP SLOPES IN CLAY ESI = 2B

Description

•

•

•

•

•

These habitats generally occur along exposed 

wetlands and major river tributaries in the marsh 

where the currents cut a steep bank into the 

marsh soils

Scarp heights vary from about 0.3 to 1 m and 

usually consist of a heavily rooted, peaty soil

May be fronted by a narrow beach of fine to 

medium-grained sand and/or shell fragments

Low biological utilization because of eroding 

banks

Typically backed by wetland vegetation

C-2 
Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

Oil is not expected to adhere to the wet, impermeable clay surface

There may be a thin band of oil left at or above the high water line

Response Considerations

•

•

Cleanup is usually not required, because any stranded oil is quickly removed by wave action

Access may be difficult

FINE- TO MEDIUM-GRAINED SAND BEACHES ESI = 3A

Description

•

•

•

•

These beaches are flat to moderately sloping 

and relatively hard packed

There can be heavy accumulations of wrack 

present

They are utilized by birds and sea turtles for 

nesting

Upper beach fauna include ghost crabs and 

amphipods; lower beach fauna can be moderate, 

but highly variable

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

•

•

Light oil accumulations will be deposited as oily swashes or bands along the upper intertidal zone

Heavy oil accumulations will cover the entire beach surface; oil will be lifted off the lower beach with 

the rising tide

Maximum penetration of oil into fine- to medium-grained sand is about 10-15 cm

Burial of oiled layers by clean sand within the first week after a spill typically will be less than 30 cm 

along the upper beach face

Organisms living in the beach sediment may be killed by smothering or lethal oil concentrations in the 

interstitial water

Biological impacts include temporary declines in infauna, which can affect shorebird foraging areas

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

•

These beaches are among the easiest shoreline types to clean

Cleanup should concentrate on removing oil and oily debris from the upper swash zone once oil has 

come ashore

Manual cleanup, rather than road graders and front-end loaders, is advised to minimize the volume of 

sand removed from the shore and requiring disposal

All efforts should focus on preventing the mixing of oil deeper into the sediments by vehicular and foot 

traffic

Mechanical reworking of lightly oiled sediments from the high tide line to the middle intertidal zone 

can be effective along beaches

C-3 
SCARPS AND STEEP SLOPES IN SAND ESI = 3B

Description

•

•

•

•

Occurs where sandy bluffs are undercut by waves 

or currents and slump

Some scarps are fronted by narrow beaches, if the 

erosion rates are moderate and episodic

Trees growing at the top of these slopes are 

eventually undercut and the logs can accumulate 

at the base of the scarp

Biological utilization by birds and infauna is low

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

Any stranded oil will concentrate at the high-water 

line and may penetrate sandy sediments

Oil will also adhere to the dry surfaces of any logs that have accumulated at the base of the scarp

There is little potential for burial except when major slumping of the bluff occurs

Response Considerations

•

•

•

In many cases, cleanup is not necessary because of the short residence time of the oil

The need for removal of oiled sediments and debris should be carefully evaluated because of the 

potential for increased erosion

Closely supervised manual labor should be used so that the minimal amount of material is removed 

during cleanup

COARSE-GRAINED SAND BEACHES ESI = 4

Description

•

•

These beaches are moderate sloping, of variable 

width, and have soft sediments. These 

characteristics combine to lower their 

trafficability

Generally species density and diversity is lower 

than on fine-grained sand beaches

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

•

•

During small spills, oil will be deposited primarily 

as a band along the high tide line

Under very heavy accumulations, oil may spread 

across the entire beach face, though the oil will be lifted off the lower beach with the rising tide

Penetration of oil into coarse-grained sand can reach 25 cm

Burial of oiled layers by clean sand can be as rapid as one tidal cycle and to depths of 60 cm or more

Burial to depths over 1m is possible if the oil comes ashore at the start of a depositional period

Biological impacts include temporary declines in infaunal populations, which can also affect important 

shorebird foraging areas

Response Considerations

• Cleanup should concentrate on removing oil and oily debris from the upper swash zone once oil has 

come ashore

C-4 
•

•

•

Manual cleanup, rather than road graders and front-end loaders, is advised to minimize the volume of 

sand removed from the shore and requiring disposal

Efforts should focus on preventing mixing of oil deeper into the sediments by vehicular and foot traffic

Mechanical reworking of lightly oiled sediments from the high tide line to the middle intertidal zone 

can be effective along beaches

MIXED SAND AND GRAVEL BEACHES ESI = 5

Description

•

•

•

•

Because of the mixed sediment sizes, there may 

be zones of pure sand, pebbles, or cobbles

There can be large-scale changes in the sediment 

distribution patterns depending upon season, 

because of the transport of the sand offshore 

during storms

Because of sediment mobility and desiccation, 

exposed beaches tend to have low densities of 

attached animals and plants

Presence of attached algae, mussels, and 

barnacles indicates beaches that are relatively sheltered, with the more stable substrate supporting a 

richer biota

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

•

During small spills, oil will be deposited along and above the high-tide swash

Large spills will spread across the entire intertidal area

Oil penetration into the beach sediments may be up to 50 cm; however, the sand fraction can be quite 

mobile, and oil behavior is much like on a sand beach if the sand fraction exceeds about 40 percent

Burial of oil may be deep at and above the high tide line, where oil tends to persist, particularly where 

beaches are only intermittently exposed to waves

In sheltered pockets on the beach, pavements of asphalted sediments can form if there is no removal of 

heavy oil accumulations because most of the oil remains on the surface

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

•

•

Remove heavy accumulations of pooled oil from the upper beach

All oiled debris should be removed; sediment removal should be limited as much as possible

Sediment removal should be limited as much as possible

Low-pressure flushing can be used to float oil away from the sediment for recovery by skimmers or 

sorbents. High-pressures should be avoided because of potential for transporting contaminated finer 

sediment (sand) to the lower intertidal or subtidal zones.

Mechanical reworking of oiled sediments from the high tide zone to the middle intertidal zone can be 

effective in areas regularly exposed to wave activity. Oiled sediments should not be relocated below the 

mid-tide zone

In-place tilling may be used to reach deeply buried oil layers on exposed beaches

C-5 
GRAVEL BEACHES ESI = 6A

Description

•

•

•

•

Gravel beaches are composed of sediments 

ranging in size from pebbles to boulders

They can be very steep, with multiple, wave-built 

berms forming the upper beach

Attached biota are usually restricted to the 

lowest parts of the beach, where the sediments 

are less mobile

The presence of attached biota indicates 

beaches that are relatively sheltered, with the 

more stable substrate supporting richer 

biological communities

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

Stranded oil is likely penetrate deeply into gravel beaches because of their high permeability

On exposed beaches, oil can be pushed over the high tide and storm berms, pooling and persisting 

above the normal zone of wave wash

Long-term persistence will be controlled by the depth of penetration versus the depth of routine 

reworking by storm waves

On sheltered portions of beaches, chronic sheening and formation of asphalt pavements is likely where 

accumulations are heavy

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

•

•

Heavy accumulations of pooled oil should be removed quickly from the upper beach

All oiled debris should be remove

Sediment removal should be limited as much as possible

Low- to high-pressure flushing can be used to lift oil from the sediments for recovery by skimmers or 

sorbents

Mechanical reworking of oiled sediments from the high tide zone to the middle intertidal zone can be 

effective in areas regularly exposed to wave activity (as evidenced by storm berms). Oiled sediments 

should not be relocated below the mid-tide zone

In-place tilling may be used to reach deeply buried oil layers on exposed beaches

RIPRAP ESI = 6B

Description

•

•

•

•

Riprap structures are composed of cobble- to 

boulder-sized blocks of rock, concrete, etc.

Riprap structures are used as revetments and 

groins for shoreline protection and breakwaters 

and jetties around inlets and marinas

Attached biota are sparse at the upper intertidal 

zone, but more common in the lower intertidal 

They are common in highly developed 

waterfront areas

C-6 
Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

Deep penetration of oil between the blocks is likely, with oiling of trapped debris

Oil adheres readily to the rough surfaces of the blocks

Uncleaned oil can cause chronic leaching until the oil hardens

Response Considerations

•

•

•

When the oil is fresh and liquid, high-pressure spraying and/or water flooding may be effective if all 

liberated oil is recovered

Heavy and weathered oils are more difficult to remove, requiring scraping and/or hot-water spraying

Removal of oiled debris deep in the crevices will be difficult

EXPOSED TIDAL FLATS ESI = 7

Description

•

•

•

•

•

Exposed tidal flats are broad, flat intertidal areas 

composed primarily of sand and minor amounts 

of shell, gravel, or mud

The presence of sand indicates that tidal currents 

and waves are strong enough to mobilize the 

sediments

They are usually associated with another 

shoreline type on the landward side of the flat, 

though they can occur as separate shoals; they 

are commonly associated with tidal inlets

The sediments are water saturated, with only the higher ridges drying out during low tide

Biological utilization can be very high, with large numbers of infauna, heavy use by birds for roosting 

and foraging, and use by foraging fish

Predicted Oil Behavior

• Oil does not usually adhere to the surface of exposed tidal flats, but rather moves across the flat and

accumulates at the high-tide line

• Deposition of oil on the flat may occur on a falling tide if concentrations are heavy

• Oil does not penetrate water-saturated sediments, but may penetrate the tops of the ridges and coat

gravel/shell

• Biological damage may be severe, primarily to infauna, reducing food sources for birds and fish

Response Considerations

• Currents and waves can be very effective in natural removal of the oil

• Cleanup can be done only during low tide, thus there is a narrow window of opportunity

• Use of machinery should be restricted to prevent mixing of oil into the sediments

• Manual removal methods are preferred, though worker access may be difficult

C-7 
SHELTERED ROCKY SHORES ESI = 8A

Description

•

•

•

These shores are characterized by a rocky 

substrate that can vary widely in permeability. Of 

particular concern are rocky shores that have a 

semi-permeable veneer of angular rubble 

overlying the bedrock

The wider shores may have some surface 

sediments, but the bedrock is the dominant 

substrate type

Species density and diversity vary greatly, but 

attached biota may be present at high densities 

at lower tidal elevations

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

Oil will adhere readily to the rough rocky surface, forming a distinct oil band along the high tide line

Even on wide ledges, the lower intertidal zone usually stays wet (particularly when algae covered), 

preventing oil from adhering to the rock surface

Heavy and weathered oils can cover the upper zone with little impacts to the rich biological 

communities of the lower zone 

Where the rubble is loosely packed, oil will penetrate deeply, causing long-term contamination of the 

subsurface sediments

Response Considerations

•

•

•

Low- to high-pressure spraying at ambient water temperatures is most effective when the oil is fresh

Extreme care must be taken not to spray in the biologically rich lower intertidal zone or when the tidal 

level reaches that zone

Do not cut oiled, attached algae; use sorbents to recover oil as it is remobilized by tidal action

SHELTERED, SOLID MAN-MADE STRUCTURES ESI = 8B

Description

•

•

•

•

These are structures such as seawalls, groins, 

revetments, piers, and port facilities, constructed 

of concrete, wood, or metal

Most of the structures are designed to protect a 

single lot, thus their composition, design, and 

condition are highly variable

Often there is no exposed shore at low tide

There can be dense attachments of animal and 

plant life 

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

Oil will adhere readily to rough surfaces, particularly along the high tide line, forming a distinct oil band

The lower intertidal zone usually stays wet (particularly if algae covered), preventing oil from adhering 

to the surface

C-8 
Response Considerations

•

•

Cleanup of seawalls is usually conducted for aesthetic reasons or to prevent leaching of oil

Low- to high-pressure spraying at ambient water temperatures is most effective when the oil is fresh

SHELTERED TIDAL FLATS ESI = 9A

Description

•

•

•

•

•

Sheltered tidal flats are composed of mud with 

minor amounts of sand and shell

They are present in calm-water habitats, 

sheltered from major wave activity, and 

frequently backed by marshes

The sediments are very soft and cannot support 

even light foot traffic in many areas

Large concentrations of bivalves, worms, and 

other invertebrates are in the sediments

They are heavily utilized by birds for feeding

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

•

Oil does not usually adhere to the surface of sheltered tidal flats, but rather moves across the flat and 

accumulates at the high-tide line

Oil can strand on the flat during a falling tide if concentrations are heavy

Oil will not penetrate the water-saturated sediments, but could penetrate burrows or other crevices in 

muddy sediments

In areas of high suspended sediments, sorption of oil can result in deposition of contaminated 

sediments on the flats

Biological impacts may be severe

Response Considerations

•

•

•

These are high-priority areas because cleanup options are limited

Cleanup of the flat surface is very difficult because of the soft substrate; many methods may be 

restricted

Low-pressure flushing and deployment of sorbents from shallow-draft boats may be attempted

SHELTERED, VEGETATED LOW BANKS ESI = 9B

Description

•

•

These habitats are either low banks with grasses 

or trees and tree roots exposed to the water

They are flooded occasionally by high water

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

During low-water conditions there is little impact, 

with the oil coating a narrow band of sediment at 

the water level

During high-water conditions, the oil will cover 

and coat the grasses and base of trees

May cause loss of the grasses, but the trees should 

survive unless oil penetrates and persists in the substrate

C-9 
Response Considerations

•

•

•

Low-pressure flushing of oiled areas is effective in removing moderate to heavy accumulations of oil 

from along the banks

Sorbent and containment boom should be placed on the water side of the cleanup operations to 

contain and collect oil outflow

Low- to high-pressure flushing can be used to remove oil from tree roots and trunks, if deemed 

necessary in high-use areas

SALT-AND BRACKISH-WATER MARSHES ESI = 10A

Description

•

•

•

•

•

•

These are intertidal wetlands that consist of

emergent, herbaceous vegetation. Depending 

on location and inter-annual variations in rainfall 

and runoff, associated vegetation may include 

species tolerant of or adapted to salt, brackish, or 

tidal freshwater conditions

The marsh width may vary widely, from a narrow 

fringe to extensive areas

Sediments are composed of organic-rich mud 

except on the margins of islands or along rivers 

where sand is abundant

Exposed areas are located along bays with wide fetches and along heavily trafficked waterways

Sheltered areas are not exposed to significant wave or boat wake activity

Resident flora and fauna are abundant with numerous species with high utilization by birds, fish, and 

shellfish

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

•

•

Oil adheres readily to the vegetation of most species

The band of coating will vary widely, depending upon the water level at the time oil slicks are in the 

vegetation; there may be multiple bands

Large slicks will persist through multiple tidal cycles and coat the entire stem from the high tide line to 

the base

Heavy oil coating will be restricted to the outer fringe of thick vegetation, although lighter oils can 

penetrate deeper, to the limit of tidal influence 

Medium to heavy oils do not readily adhere to or penetrate the fine sediments, but can pool on the 

surface or in burrows

Light oils can penetrate the top few centimeters of sediment; under some circumstances oil can 

penetrate burrows and cracks up to 1 m

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

•

Under light oiling, the best practice is natural recovery

Natural removal processes and rates should be evaluated prior to conducting cleanup

Heavily pooled oil can be removed by vacuum, sorbents, or low-pressure flushing

Cleanup activities should be carefully supervised to avoid vegetation damage

Any cleanup activity must not mix the oil deeper into the sediments; trampling of the roots must be 

minimized

C-10
• Aggressive cleanup methods should only be considered when other resources present (migratory birds,

listed species) are at great risk from leaving the oiled vegetation in place

FRESHWATER MARSHES ESI = 10B

Description

•

•

•

•

These are grassy wetlands composed of 

emergent herbaceous vegetation

They occur upstream of brackish vegetation in

the upper estuary and along creeks and rivers

Those along major channels are exposed to 

strong currents and boat wakes; smaller 

channels tend to be sheltered

Resident flora and fauna are abundant

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

Oil adheres readily to the vegetation 

The band of coating will vary widely, depending upon the water level at the time oil slicks are in the 

vegetation; there may be multiple bands

Most of the time, there will be a narrow band because of the small changes in water levels; the band can 

be very large during high-water events

Heavy oil coating will be restricted to the outer fringe of thick vegetation, although lighter oils can 

penetrate deeper

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

•

•

Under light oiling, the best practice is natural recovery

Natural removal processes and rates should be evaluated prior to conducting cleanup

Heavy accumulations of pooled oil can be removed by vacuum, sorbents, or low-pressure flushing

Cleanup activities should be carefully supervised to avoid vegetation damage

Any cleanup activity must not mix the oil deeper into the sediments. Trampling of the roots must be 

minimized

Aggressive cleanup methods should be considered only when other resources present (listed species, 

nesting birds) are at great risk from leaving the oiled vegetation in place

SWAMPS ESI = 10C

Description

•

•

•

•

Swamps consist of shrubs and hardwood 

forested wetlands, essentially flooded forests 

Vegetation is taller, on average, than 6 m 

The sediment tends to be silty clay with large 

amounts of organic debris

They are seasonally flooded, though there are 

many low, permanently flooded areas

Resident flora and fauna are abundant with 

numerous species

Predicted Oil Behavior

• Oil behavior depends on whether the swamp is flooded or not

C-11
•

•

•

•

•

•

During floods, most of the oil passes through the forest, coating the vegetation at the waterline, which 

changes levels throughout the flood event

Oiled woody vegetation is less sensitive than grasses to oil coating

Some oil can be trapped and pooled on the swamp flood plain as water levels drop

Penetration into the floodplain soils is usually limited because of high water, saturated soils, muddy 

composition, surface organic debris, and vegetation cover

Large amounts of oily debris can remain

During dry periods, terrestrial spills flow downhill and accumulate in depressions or reach waterbodies

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

•

Under light oiling, the best practice is to let the area recover naturally

Heavy accumulations of pooled oil can be removed by vacuum, sorbents, or low-pressure flushing

Under stagnant water conditions, herding of oil with water spray may be needed to push and thicken 

oil to collection areas

Oily debris can be removed where there is access

Any cleanup activity must not mix the oil deeper into the sediments

MANGROVES (SCRUB-SHRUB WETLANDS) ESI = 10D

Description

•

•

•

•

•

Roots and trunks are typically intertidal; the 

lower leaves are flooded at high tide

The width of the forest can vary from one tree, 

to many kilometers

The substrate types can include mud, sand, leaf 

letter, or peat, often as a veneer over bedrock

Wrack accumulations can be very heavy

They are highly productive, serve as nursery 

habitat, and support a great diversity of animal 

and plant species

Predicted Oil Behavior

•

•

•

•

•

•

Oil can wash through mangroves if the oil comes ashore at high tide

If there is a berm or shoreline present, oil tends to concentrate and penetrate into the sediments or 

accumulated wrack/litter 

Heavy and emulsified oil can be trapped in thickets of mangrove prop roots or dense young trees

Oil readily adheres to prop roots, tree trunks, and pneumatophores

Re-oiling from resuspended or released oil residues may cause additional injury over time

Oiled trees may start to show evidence of effects (leaf yellowing) days to weeks after oiling; tree 

mortality may take months, especially for heavy oils

Response Considerations

•

•

•

•

Oiled wrack can be removed once the threat of oiling has passed. Wrack can actually protect the trees 

from direct oil contact

Sorbent boom can be placed in front of oiled forests to recover released oil 

In most cases, no other cleanup activities are recommended

Where thick oil accumulations are not being naturally removed, low-pressure flushing or vacuum may 

be attempted at the outer fringe

C-12
• No attempt should be made to clean interior mangroves, except where access to the oil is possible from 

terrestrial areas

• It is extremely important to prevent disturbance of soft substrates by foot traffic; thus most activities 

should be conducted from boats

C-13
Appendix D: Examples of SCAT Forms and Guides

Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) Forms/Explanations and Codes

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

Combined

Tar Ball

Wetland

River

Stream

Field Observer

Shoreline Treatment Recommendation (STR) Form Example

Shoreline Inspection Report (SIR) Examples

Sketch Map Form

% Oil Distribution Estimators

Grain Size Estimator

Photo Scale and Photography Guidelines Using the Scale

D-1 
D-2 
SHORELINE OILING SUMMARY (SOS) FORM EXPLANATIONS

Calibration IS VERY IMPORTANT! Do a calibration exercise to make sure that all teams are consistently using 

the same terms and estimations.

Units: Use of metric units is preferred. However, if you must use English units, be consistent and note which are 

used (feet, inches).

Tide Height: Circle the tidal elevation during the survey, and if the tide was rising or falling during the survey.

Segment/Survey Length: Always record both segment and survey lengths on the first survey, especially where the 

team creates the segments in the field. On repeat surveys, always enter in the Survey Length, especially if only part 

of the segment is surveyed.

Start/End GPS: The preferred format for latitude and longitude is decimal degrees, but be consistent among teams. 

Record the datum if different than WGS84.

SURFACE OILING CONDITIONS

Zone ID: Use a different ID for each oil occurrence, e.g., two distinct bands of oil at mid-tide and high-tide levels, 

or alongshore where the oil distribution changes from 10 % to 50%. Describe each oil occurrence on a separate line. 

Tidal Zone: Use the codes to indicate the location of the oil being described, as in the lower (LI), mid (MI), or 

upper (UI) intertidal zone, or in the supra (SU) tidal zone (above the normal high tide level).

Distribution: Enter the estimated percent of oil on the surface (preferred), or codes for the following intervals:

C Continuous 91-100% cover

B Broken 51-90%

P Patchy 11-50%

S Sporadic <1-10%

T Trace <1%

Surface Oiling Descriptors - Thickness: Use the following codes:

TO Thick Oil (fresh oil or mousse > 1 cm thick)

CV Cover (oil or mousse from >0.1 cm to <1 cm on any surface)

CT Coat (visible oil <0.1 cm, which can be scraped off with fingernail)

ST Stain (visible oil, which cannot be scraped off with fingernail)

FL Film (transparent or iridescent sheen or oily film)

Surface Oiling Descriptors - Type

FR Fresh Oil (unweathered, liquid oil)

MS Mousse (emulsified oil occurring over broad areas)

TB Tar Balls (discrete accumulations of oil <10 cm in diameter)

PT Patties (discrete accumulations of oil >10 cm in diameter)

TC Tar (highly weathered oil, of tarry, nearly solid consistency) 

SR Surface Oil Residue (non-cohesive, oiled surface sediments)

AP Asphalt Pavements (cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments)

No No oil (no evidence of any type of oil)

SUBSURFACE OILING CONDITIONS

Oiled Interval: Measure the depths from the sediment surface to top/bottom of subsurface oiled layer. Enter 

multiple oil layers on separate lines.

Subsurface Oiling Descriptors: Use the following codes:

OP Oil-Filled Pores (pore spaces are completely filled with oil)

PP Partially Filled Pores (the oil does not flow out of the sediments when disturbed)

OR Oil Residue (sediments are visibly oiled with black/brown coat or cover on the clasts, but little 

or no accumulation of oil within the pore spaces)

OF Oil Film (sediments are lightly oiled with an oil film, or stain on the clasts)

TR Trace (discontinuous film or spots of oil, or an odor or tackiness)

Sheen Color: Describe sheen on the water table as brown (B), rainbow (R), silver (S), or none (N)

D-3
TAR BALL SHORELINE OILING SUMMARY FORM Page of 

D-4 
TAR BALL SHORELINE OILING SUMMARY FORM EXPLANATIONS

Calibration IS VERY IMPORTANT! Do a calibration exercise to make sure that all teams are consistently using 

the same terminology and estimations.

Units: Use of metric units is preferred. However, if you must use English units, be consistent and note which are 

used (feet, inches).

Tide Height: Circle the tidal elevation during the survey, and if the tide was rising or falling during the survey.

Segment/Surveyed Length: Always record both segment and survey lengths on the first survey, especially where 

the SCAT team creates the segments in the field. On repeat surveys, always enter in the Length Surveyed, especially 

if only part of the segment is surveyed.

Start/End GPS: The preferred format for latitude and longitude is decimal degrees, but be consistent among teams. 

Record the datum if different than WGS84.

Shoreline Type: Indicate the primary and secondary shoreline types (use the ESI number codes) for the entire 

segment or sub-segment being surveyed.

TAR BALL DESCRIPTION

This section is divided into “Zones.” Use a different Zone to describe changes in: presence/absence, size, or 

concentration of tar balls, or different shoreline types.

Start/End WP: Record the way point (WP) for the start and end of each Area.

Shoreline Type: Record the shoreline type(s) present in each oiled zone using the ESI code.

Tar Balls Observed on Shoreline? It is important to indicate if no tar balls are observed.

Tar Balls Observed on Water? It is important to indicate if tar balls are still coming ashore or mobile.

Oiled Debris Observed? If yes, describe type, location, and degree oiling for oiled debris under Comments. Use the 

following descriptors for type:

Wrack unattached vegetation that can be important feeding areas for shorebirds

Logs large pieces of wood that cannot be readily removed by hand

Trash man-made materials (e.g., plastic, glass, paper) that can be removed by hand

Sorbents sorbent pads, rolls, boom, etc. used during the spill response

Peat degraded organic material that has been eroded; includes coffee grounds

Tidal Zone: Check off the location of the tar balls being described, as in the lower (LI), mid (MI), upper (UI), or 

supra (SU) tidal zone (above the normal high tide level).

Length and Width: Enter the dimensions where tar balls of uniform average size and density are observed. If no tar 

balls are observed, enter the dimensions of the area surveyed. 

Average Number of Tar Balls within Area: Enter the estimate of the number of tar balls in the surveyed area. 

Options include:

Total number - use where so few tar balls are present that they can be readily counted

Concentration - enter as an average, range, or max per unit area (e.g., 1-2/yd2

, 3-5 max)

Average Size of Tar Balls: Visually estimate the most common or frequent size of tar balls in the surveyed area. 

Enter a range if tar ball sizes are not uniform. Indicate units by circling.

Tar Balls Collected? Provide details in the Comments Section. Indicate if all or only part of the observed tar balls 

were collected.

D-5
D-6 
WETLAND OILING SUMMARY FORM EXPLANATIONS

Calibration is VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure that all teams are consistently using the same terminology and 

estimations.

Units: Use metric (m, cm) units. Record Latitude and Longitude in decimal degrees. Set datum on GPS units to 

WGS84.

Tide Height: Circle the tidal elevation during the survey, and if the tide was rising or falling during the 

survey.

Segment/Survey Length: Always record both segment and survey lengths on the first survey, especially 

where the SCAT team creates the segments in the field. On repeat surveys, always enter in the Survey 

Length, especially if only part of the segment is surveyed.

Start/End GPS: Record the GPS Way Point and the Lat/Long of the start and end of the survey. 

SURFACE OILING CONDITIONS

Zone ID: Identify Zones sequentially by letter (A to Z) along a Segment and describe each oil occurrence 

on a separate line. Indicate oiling on the vegetation by adding a V to the Zone ID (e.g. AV, If different 

oiling conditions exist along the same length of beach (e.g., two distinct bands of oil at mid-tide and hightide levels) identify them by their letter code followed by a number (e.g. A1 & A2). Change to a new letter 

(zone) when alongshore oil distribution changes (e.g. from 10 % to 50%). 

Zone ID: Use a different ID for each different oil occurrence and differentiate between oil on the substrate 

(S) and vegetation (V). Describe each different occurrence on a separate line.

Shoreline Type: Record the shoreline type(s) present in each oiled zone using the ESI code. 

Way Points: Record GPS Way Points (WP) for start and end of each zone.

Tidal Zone: Use the codes to indicate the location of the oil being described, as in the lower (LI), mid 

(MI), or upper (UI) intertidal zone, or in the supra (SU) tidal zone (above the normal high tide level).

Distribution: Enter the 

estimated percent of oil on the 

surface (preferred), or codes for 

the following intervals:

C Continuous 91-100% 

B Broken 51-90%

P Patchy 11-50%

S Sporadic <1-10%

T Trace <1%

Surface Oiling Descriptors -

Thickness:

TO Thick Oil (fresh oil or mousse > 

1 cm thick)

CV Cover (oil or mousse from >0.1 

cm to <1 cm on any surface)

CT Coat (visible oil <0.1 cm, which 

can be scraped off with 

fingernail)

ST Stain (visible oil, which cannot 

be scraped off with fingernail)

FL Film (transparent or iridescent 

sheen or oily film)

Surface Oiling Descriptors – Type:

FR Fresh Oil (unweathered, liquid oil)

MS Mousse (emulsified oil occurring 

over broad areas)

TB Tar Balls (discrete accumulations 

of oil <10 cm in diameter)

TC Tar (highly weathered oil, of tarry, 

nearly solid consistency) 

SR Surface Oil Residue (noncohesive, oiled surface sediments)

AP Asphalt Pavements (cohesive, 

heavily oiled surface sediments)

No No oil (no evidence of any oil)

Oil on Plants: Indicate the width of the band of oiling on the plants in the Zone information. Describe 

what part of the vegetation is oiled in the Comments. Terms will vary depending on vegetation type (e.g., 

stems for marshes, trunks for trees).

Cross-Section Sketch: Draw entire intertidal and supra-tidal zone, showing the oil relative to normal high 

tide (important to determine re-mobilization and potential for natural removal).

D-7 
D-8 
RIVER BANK SHORELINE OILING SUMMARY FORM EXPLANATIONS

Calibration IS VERY IMPORTANT! Do a calibration exercise to make sure that all teams are consistently using 

the same terms and estimations.

Units: Use of metric units is preferred. However, if you must use English units, be consistent.

Water Level: Circle the water level during the survey, and if the water level was rising or falling during the survey.

Segment/Survey Length: Always record both segment and survey lengths on the first survey, especially where the 

team creates the segments in the field. On repeat surveys, always enter in the Survey Length, especially if only part 

of the segment is surveyed.

Start/End GPS: The preferred format for latitude and longitude is decimal degrees, but be consistent among teams. 

Record the datum if different than WGS84.

SURFACE OILING CONDITIONS

Zone ID: Use a different ID for each oil occurrence, e.g., two distinct bands of oil on the upper bank and in 

overbank areas, or along the bank where the oil distribution changes from 10 % to 50%. Describe each oil zone on a 

separate line. 

River Bank Zone: Use the codes to indicate the location of the oil being described, as in the midstream (MS), lower 

bank (LB), upper bank (UB), or overbank (OB) zone above the normal water level.

Distribution: Enter the percent of oil on the surface (preferred), or codes for the following intervals:

C Continuous 91-100% cover

B Broken 51-90%

P Patchy 11-50%

S Sporadic <1-10%

T Trace <1%

Surface Oiling Descriptors - Thickness: Use the following codes:

TO Thick Oil (fresh oil or mousse > 1 cm thick)

CV Cover (oil or mousse from >0.1 cm to <1 cm on any surface)

CT Coat (visible oil <0.1 cm, which can be scraped off with fingernail)

ST Stain (visible oil, which cannot be scraped off with fingernail)

FL Film (transparent or iridescent sheen or oily film)

Surface Oiling Descriptors - Type

FR Fresh Oil (unweathered, liquid oil)

MS Mousse (emulsified oil occurring over broad areas)

TB Tar Balls (discrete accumulations of oil <10 cm in diameter)

PT Patties (discrete accumulations of oil >10 cm in diameter)

TC Tar (highly weathered oil, of tarry, nearly solid consistency) 

SR Surface Oil Residue (non-cohesive, oiled surface sediments)

AP Asphalt Pavements (cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments)

No No oil (no evidence of any type of oil)

SUBSURFACE OILING CONDITIONS

Oiled Interval: Measure the depths from the sediment surface to top/bottom of subsurface oiled layer. Enter 

multiple oil layers on separate lines.

Subsurface Oiling Descriptors: Use the following codes:

OP Oil-Filled Pores (pore spaces are completely filled with oil)

PP Partially Filled Pores (the oil does not flow out of the sediments when disturbed)

OR Oil Residue (sediments are visibly oiled with black/brown coat or cover on the clasts, but little or no 

accumulation of oil within the pore spaces)

OF Oil Film (sediments are lightly oiled with an oil film, or stain on the clasts)

TR Trace (discontinuous film or spots of oil, or an odor or tackiness)

Sheen Color: Describe sheen on the water table as brown (B), rainbow (R), silver (S), or none (N)

D-9
D-10
STREAM BANK SHORELINE OILING SUMMARY FORM EXPLANATIONS

Calibration IS VERY IMPORTANT! Do a calibration exercise to make sure that all teams are consistently 

using the same terms and estimations.

Units: Use of metric units is preferred. However, if you must use English units, be consistent and note which 

are used (feet, inches).

Water Level: Circle the water level during the survey, and if the water level was rising or falling during the 

survey.

Segment/Survey Length: Always record both segment and survey lengths on the first survey, especially where 

the team creates the segments in the field. On repeat surveys, always enter in the Survey Length, especially if 

only part of the segment is surveyed.

Start/End GPS: The preferred format for latitude and longitude is decimal degrees, but be consistent among 

teams. Record the datum if different than WGS84.

SURFACE OILING CONDITIONS: Record the following for each bank of the stream, left and right, facing 

downstream

Zone ID: Use a different ID for each oil occurrence, e.g., two distinct bands of oil on the upper bank and in 

overbank areas, or along the bank where the oil distribution changes from 10 % to 50%. Describe each oil 

occurrence on a separate line. 

Stream Bank Zone: Use the codes to indicate the location of the oil being described, as in the midstream (MS), 

lower bank (LB), upper bank (UB), or overbank (OB) zone above the normal water level.

Distribution: Enter the estimated percent of oil on the surface (preferred), or codes for the following intervals:

C Continuous 91-100% cover

B Broken 51-90%

P Patchy 11-50%

S Sporadic <1-10%

T Trace <1%

Surface Oiling Descriptors - Thickness: Use the following codes:

TO Thick Oil (fresh oil or mousse > 1 cm thick)

CV Cover (oil or mousse from >0.1 cm to <1 cm on any surface)

CT Coat (visible oil <0.1 cm, which can be scraped off with fingernail)

ST Stain (visible oil, which cannot be scraped off with fingernail)

FL Film (transparent or iridescent sheen or oily film)

Surface Oiling Descriptors - Type

FR Fresh Oil (unweathered, liquid oil)

MS Mousse (emulsified oil occurring over broad areas)

TB Tar Balls (discrete accumulations of oil <10 cm in diameter)

PT Patties (discrete accumulations of oil >10 cm in diameter)

TC Tar (highly weathered oil, of tarry, nearly solid consistency) 

SR Surface Oil Residue (non-cohesive, oiled surface sediments)

AP Asphalt Pavements (cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments)

No No oil (no evidence of any type of oil)

SUBSURFACE OILING CONDITIONS

Oiled Interval: Measure the depths from the sediment surface to top/bottom of subsurface oiled layer. Enter 

multiple oil layers on separate lines.

Subsurface Oiling Descriptors: Use the following codes:

OP Oil-Filled Pores (pore spaces are completely filled with oil)

PP Partially Filled Pores (the oil does not flow out of the sediments when disturbed)

OR Oil Residue (sediments are visibly oiled with black/brown coat or cover on the clasts, but little 

 or no accumulation of oil within the pore spaces)

OF Oil Film (sediments are lightly oiled with an oil film, or stain on the clasts)

TR Trace (discontinuous film or spots of oil, or an odor or tackiness)

Sheen Color: Describe sheen on the water table as brown (B), rainbow (R), silver (S), or none (N)

D-11
Field Observer Form for Quick Shoreline Assessment

2. Any shoreline impact observed? (circle) Yes No

3. If “Yes”, provided approximate length & width of impact. Length Width 

4. Was oil observed in the nearby water? (circle) Yes No

If 2 and 4 are “No”, STOP HERE.

6. Oil Condition Fresh Oil Mousse Tarballs Tarpatties Tarmats Tar Asphalt

(Check all oil types present) (<10cm) (10-50cm) (>50cm)

7. Oiled Wildlife Check any observed impacted wildlife birds fish invertebrates other? 

(crabs, etc.)

Report your observations to the Field Observer Coordinator in the Situation Unit.

D-12
Incident Name:

Shoreline Treatment Recommendation Operational Permit to Work 

Local Name: STR#: Survey Date:

Segment Name: 

Location: 

Shoreline Type(s):

Treatment Type:  Surface  Subsurface  Submerged  Manual  Mechanical

Oiled Areas for Treatment:

Cleanup Recommendations:

Staging and Logistics Constraints/Waste Issues:

Ecological Concerns:

Cultural / Historical Concerns:

Safety Concerns:

Attachments:  Segment Map  Sketch  SCAT Form  Fact Sheet  Other: 

D-13
Segment Inspection Report for _________________________________________________________ 

Segment ID: ____________________________ Segment Name _______________________________ 

Survey Date: ____________________________ Survey Time: _______________________________ 

Tides: ______________________________________ Weather: _______________________________ 

Inspection Completed Along Entire Segment: Yes / No 

Result/Recommendation:

□ No oil observed.

□ Meets cleanup endpoints. 

□ No further treatment recommended.

□ Further treatment recommended.

□ Continued monitoring required. 

SCAT Team Members: 

Name Signature 

 ______________________________________ ____________________________________________ 

FOSC Rep

 ______________________________________ ____________________________________________ 

SOSC Rep

 ______________________________________ ____________________________________________ 

RP Rep

 ______________________________________ ____________________________________________ 

 Landowner/Other Rep 

(Provide written details of frequency and schedule.)

(Provide written details of issues and required actions.)

D-14
Segment Inspection Report Example 2

D-15
D-16
Source: Owens E.H., and G.A. Sergy. 2000. The SCAT Manual – A Field Guide to the Documentation 

and Description of Oiled Shorelines. Second Edition. Environmental Canada, Edmonton, 

Alberta. 108 pp. 

D-17
Grain-size estimator chart for the different types of gravel. Diagram shown is smaller than actual size.

D-18
Photo scale to be used for close-up photographs.

Where to put the photo scale when taking a photograph of the ground surface.

Where to put the photo scale when taking a photograph of a pit.

D-19
Appendix E: A Primer on Drawing Field Sketches

The field sketch is an important component of the shoreline assessment process for two principal 

reasons: (1) it provides a focused picture of the oil distribution within the entire segment, or subsegment, on a single piece of paper (or image); and (2) it adds discipline to the field observation 

process, because it forces the person doing the sketch to make detailed mental notes of all the 

relevant features.

Step 1 

Once you arrive at the segment, imagine yourself held aloft 150 feet by a balloon as you quickly walk 

around the entire segment. This will give you a mental overview of the spatial distribution of all the 

relevant features in the segment that should be included in the sketch.

Step 2 

Determine the dimensions of the segment and dig trenches to look for subsurface oil. Divide the 

duties among Team Members (e.g., one to sketch, one or two to pace or tape distances). Pace (or tape) 

the length and width of the intertidal zone and the size of some of the more conspicuous features, 

such as groins or seawall segments. Using a pencil, lightly sketch these measurements on the field 

sheet in Figure E-1 below. Orient the longest dimension along the long axis of the paper. Add scale 

and north arrow (use English or metric units, as dictated by the situation).

Figure E-1. Example of field sketch map dimensions and scale. 

E-1 
Step 3 

Lightly sketch in the outline of the intertidal zone or habitat being surveyed. Show in final form (i.e., 

heavy pencil marks) the areal distribution of the oil, using a hatched pattern. The oil distribution 

should be the most conspicuous feature on the sketch, as shown in Figure E-2.

Figure E-2. Example of a field sketch map with outline of surveyed area.

Step 4 

Identify critical elements of the sketch, using the following symbology:

E-2 
Step 5 

Fill in the rest of the details of the sketch, showing highlights of the morphology (e.g., beach berms, 

tidal channels); conspicuous features, such as fences, large logs, and seawalls that would help identify 

the site; zones of vegetation; and access points, such as roads and parking areas.

Step 6 

(Optional) Where appropriate, draw a topographic cross-chapter of the intertidal zone, showing 

significant topographic breaks (e.g., beach berm crests) and oiled zones.

Step 7

Make sure that the form is completely filled in with site location, date and time of survey, and names 

of survey Team Members. Review the checklist on the left side of form.

Figure E-3 is an example of a completed beach sketch.

Figure E-3. Example of a completed beach sketch.

E-3 
Appendix F: Example SCAT Field Safety Plan 

1. Intent

The intent of this Field Safety Plan is to establish a structured process and disciplined approach to the 

mitigation of health, safety and environmental risks associated with our operations and activities and to 

share our learning with the Incident Management Team. This safety plan applies to the Houma Shoreline 

Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) Team.

2. Communications

2.1. Daily Pre-Mission Safety Meetings will be conducted at site with each team. Sample Job Hazard 

Analyses are located at the end of this document. Specific topics to include: 

















Lessons learned from the prior day’s mission

Current weather 

PPE requirements

Food and Water

Communications 

- 

- 

check comms on LWIN radio (GCI-5) or Green Sticker depending where the team is 

surveying

confirm handheld VHF radio on same channel as boat/aircraft pilot 

Review boat/flight plan with boat or aircraft pilot

Training requirements

Check with each Team Member if they have safety concerns that need to be mitigated 

before leaving

2.2. Each team is equipped with a







•

Cell Phone and/or Motorola XTS 2500i handheld – for contact between field team and 

base

Uniden VHF handheld radio – for contact between field team and boat/aircraft pilot

Satellite Telephone – backup in case cell and Motorola handheld fail (dial country code 

001 + 10 digit phone number) 

2.3 The Field Team Lead shall call in when departing or arriving a location via boat, helicopter or 

vehicle. The SCAT desk phone numbers are: xxx-xxx-xxxx. 

2.4. SCAT Team Logistics at the Command Post must update the SCAT Status Board upon notification 

from any SCAT Field Team.

2.5. Each SCAT Field Team will be provided with a copy of this safety plan, the medical plan, and at 

least one set of area maps.

F-1 
3. Vehicle Safety

3.1. Pre-Trip Plan (Maps, directions)

3.2. Seat Belt use is mandatory

3.3. Observe all posted speed limits

3.4. No use of cell phones by driver unless car is stopped and in Park position

4. Accidents – Injuries – Spills – Near Misses

4.1. Any accidents, injuries, spills or near misses must be reported to the SCAT Field Coordinators as 

soon as possible. The SCAT Coordinator will report the incident to the Safety Officer within two 

hours of the incident by calling xxx-xxx-xxxx.

4.2. Reporting of the incident or near miss on the “Preliminary HSSE Incident Report –short form” will 

be initiated by the SCAT Field Coordinators with the assistance of the injured person or SCAT 

Field Team. It is the responsibility of the SCAT Field Coordinators to notify the appropriate 

personnel within the Incident Management Team. 

4.3. Any accidents, spills or near-misses will be discussed at the daily SCAT Field Report meeting to 

identify appropriate mitigation, ensure reporting is completed, and to share lessons learned. 

5. Training

5.1. Any member of a SCAT Field Team is required to have the following Safety Training. 













Level I and II BP Safety Induction

40 hour Hazwoper Certification – or accompanied by someone with 40 hour Hazwoper 

PHI Helicopter Pre-Flight Safety Briefing

Vessel/Air-boat Safety Briefing 

Inclement Weather Training and Heat Stress training

ATV Training 

5.2. The Team Lead must have current 40 hour Hazwoper training. The preferred number of people on a 

SCAT team is three. A minimum of two people is required. 

6. Personal Protective Equipment

6.1. Each SCAT Field Team Member is expected to don the following Personal Protection Equipment 

while on a boat or in a helicopter.

















First Aid Kit

Hearing Protection – Double Hearing Protection for Airboats

Personal Floatation Devices

•

•

•

USCG Type 1 floatation devices for use in open ocean offshore situations and within 

50/50 weather rule.

USCG Type 2 floatation device for use in calm inland waters with good chance of rapid 

rescue response

USCG Type 3 floatation device also for use in calm inland waters with good chance of 

rapid rescue response 

Eye Protection on boats (Sunglasses or Safety Glasses)

Hand Protection (nitrile) if handling oil – (as needed)

Mosquito Repellant (as needed)

Sunscreen and hat (as needed)

Waterproof boots (as needed)

F-2 
 If working in cleanup operational area, abide by site Personal Protection Equipment 

requirements (i.e. hard hats, chicken feet etc.)

7. Weather 

7.1. SCAT Logistics and Safety personnel will monitor the Daily regional and local weather 

7.2. SCAT Field Teams will be given weather updates when they call in to the Command Post 

7.3. If the SCAT Logistics and Safety personnel identify a serious weather risk, the affected SCAT 

Field Teams will be notified by cell phone and/or VHF radio as possible 

7.4. On days where there is a threat of thunderstorms or rain, use lightning detectors that are in place on 

all lead crew boats. 

8. Emergency Notification

8.1. On Water Emergencies -Coast Guard – VHF GCI-5

8.2. Land Emergencies, Fire and Ambulance – phone 911 

8.3. Water Patrol: xxx-xxx-xxxx 

9. Leadership

9.1. While on an aircraft, boat or airboat, SCAT Team Members will follow pilot/skipper instructions at 

all times. The SCAT Team Leader is responsible for the following:













Bring Safety Plan and Medical Plan on each mission

Conduct Pre-Mission Safety Meeting

Report all accidents, spills or near-misses to SCAT Coordinator

Ensure all Team Members can operate communications

Ensure all Team Members know Safety Training and Personal Protection Equipment 

requirements

If any Team Member believes there are safety risks that must be mitigated prior to starting 

the mission, resolve issue or call off mission.

10. Reviewing and Updating

Changing conditions may occur which wil require review and revision of the Field Safety Plan. Triggers 

for review of the plan may include grounding of much larger quanities of oil, stranding of fresher oil 

(more volatiles), proximity to cleanup operations and Team memner reports of safety violations or safety 

concerns.

F-3 
Appendix G: SCAT Photography Guidelines

PURPOSE

There are several reasons to take photos in the field. In the end though the goal of SCAT photos is to tell a 

story about what happened. Each photo should tell a specific part. Before taking a photo you should 

consider what critical information you are trying to convey. Did the photo capture the details you need? 

Are there key images (data) that you have missed? In the first case you should reframe or retake the 

photo. In the second you should look for photos that will fill in the gaps. So remember – Make your 

photos tell the story of oiling conditions, including wildlife, important shoreline features, access points 

and other useful operational items.

BEFORE GOING IN THE FIELD

Preparing Gear 

Make sure you have assembled a full photography kit appropriate for SCAT field work. Refer to the 

reference section of this document for the Full SCAT Gear checklist and the Field SCAT Gear checklist.

•

•

•

•

Charge batteries (Generally every evening during a response.) Have at least one spare battery or 

extra sets of AA or AAA batteries if that is what your camera uses.

Format memory cards (Be sure to save all images to a computer and/or the SCAT data managers, 

as all data will be lost during formatting. Also, formatting must be done with the camera they are 

to be used with, not the computer or other camera.) 

Check lens for dirt (Clean with special paper or cleaning cloth for that purpose to avoid damaging 

the lens coating.)

Camera settings:

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Resolution – High Quality (should generate a photo file size of 5 to 10 MB), assuming you 

have an adequate memory card for the whole day. 

ISO – Is a measure of how sensitive the camera light sensor is. Use "Auto" and the camera 

will use the optimal ISO for the conditions.

Mode – Program (P) if you have any doubt. "Auto" may prevent using many of the 

recommended settings for SCAT.

Time stamp – OFF! Especially if you or the data managers are using GPS-Photo Link 

(NOAA does). Unlike film, there is no need to clutter your photo and use up pixel space with 

a time stamp. That information is automatically recorded in “EXIF” data–which is part of 

your image file.

Time – Local time. Avoid using the "GMT offset" feature as that can prevent proper import 

into some software

Continuous picture numbering – Set to use a running count for file names even after changing 

or formatting memory cards. You don’t want the camera to start from 1 each time.

Daily folders – Set camera to create a new folder each day. This helps with organization if 

you don’t download daily. 

Advanced settings – Reset. If you use advanced settings like spot metering, custom white 

balance, etc. it’s a good idea to return these to auto or a general setting before you go into the 

field.

Camera reset – Most cameras have a way to return all settings to the factory default values. 

This is useful if images are poor or you’ve been experimenting with different camera settings 

and you can’t determine what setting may be causing the problem.

G-1 
Learn Basic Camera Functions

It is absolutely critical that you know how to use the camera you will be using before you go into the 

field. With digital cameras, the photos are free; the basic advice for learning is practice, practice, practice. 

Note that during SCAT surveys, you will want to limit your photos to those useful to Planning and 

Operations, to avoid having to sort through them later. Remember, your photos should tell the story of 

what the SCAT team is finding. 

The following are some basic camera functions that everyone should know. Many cameras require you to 

be in “P” (program) mode, not “A” (auto) to use these.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Light metering: Spot. At this setting the camera meters the exposure at a designated spot in the 

photo frame. For most cameras the spot is shown as a box or circle in the center of the 

viewfinder. Spot metering is helpful if your priority subject is much darker or lighter than the rest 

of the frame. 

Light metering: Exposure compensation (+/-) adjustment. This lets you manually tell the camera 

to make the photo lighter or darker. It works like the lighter-darker adjustment on most copy 

machines.

White balance adjustments: White balance settings help the camera adjust the colors in the photos 

based on the type of light (fluorescent, incandescent, sunny, cloudy, etc.) Most of the time Auto 

White Balance works fine, but sometimes the camera does not adjust correctly. Manually 

choosing the type of light can fix the problem. 

Review photos: Know how to use your camera display to review a photo. Know how to zoom in 

on the photo in the display screen to check focus, exposure, and other key details. The Tele – 

Wide buttons usually allow you to zoom once the camera is in review mode. 

Forced flash: In dim light or harsh shadows you may need to force the camera to use the flash to 

avoid losing details. If so, use the "Flash On" rather than the "Auto Flash" setting. 

Continuous shooting: Most cameras will shoot consecutive photos while you hold down the 

shutter, having the potential to generate many extra photos. Only use it if you have a need to 

record fast moving wildlife.

Learn Basic GPS Functions 

Basic GPS capability is essential for all field work, including photography. After the field work, all 

photos can be geo-referenced using software such as GPS Photolink. There are a number of key functions 

you need to set including: local time zone, datum, track (wrap, interval), WAAS (on), etc. Refer to the 

companion "Basic SCAT GPS Management & Standards" guide for more detail.

Regarding Cameras with Built-in GPS – Most built-in GPS units in cameras don't provide the same 

functionality as good separate units, and they can use up batteries fast. On built-in GPS, it may not be 

possible to change the settings as recommended in our GPS user guidelines. Also, downloading the GPS 

files to the GPS-photo linking software generally used by the information management team does not 

work properly. Bottom Line: Turn off the built-in GPS and use a separate GPS receiver!

In the Field

What Photos to Take on a SCAT Survey

It is important to take a basic set of photographs of every segment during every survey, including: 

• Overview photographs of the habitat: For coastal segments, it is best to stand just above the hightide line and aim across the intertidal zone to the water line, to show shoreline type, slope, and oil 

location. 

G-2 
•

•

•

Close-up photographs of all types of oil in each zone: Use a photo scale. Take photographs 

looking alongshore to show the width of the oil and vertically to show more detail. 

Photograph every pit: Use a photo scale on the sediment surface in the upper right side of the pit, 

if possible. Be sure that the pit wall is not covered by a shadow, that any oiled layers are clearly 

visible. Take a photo of the pit location on the shoreline. 

Oiled/dead wildlife: Use a photo scale and get as close as needed to be able to identify the species 

and the presence/absence of oiling. 

Basic Photo Technique

Photos with scales

•

•

•

•

•

15 cm scales are standard. Be sure the scale is labeled. Commonly available scales use alternating 

yellow and black 1 cm bands. 

For oily conditions, use disposable scales of standard length, such as 15 cm long wooden sticks. 

(Use a photograph to document the length in relation to a printed scale). 

Scales should have intermediate reflectance, not all bright white. A bright scale can cause the 

camera to underexpose the rest of the photo. 

Try to place the scale consistently in one location. The lower right of the frame is recommended. 

NEVER place the scale near the center of the photo!

The scale must be the same distance from the lens as the target object. Otherwise, the scale does 

not accurately reflect the target's size. A scale cannot be used for distant targets, but sometimes an 

object near the target can be helpful if its size is known or can be estimated.

Avoid harsh shadows 

• Use spot metering or camera flash to eliminate harsh shadows that can obscure details. Use one of 

each if you’re not sure which is better. Remember that setting the exposure for shadows may 

wash out and lose detail in bright areas of the photo. 

Review critical photos

•

•

Use the review feature to ensure that your photos show what you need.

Use zoom-in function (often the "Tele-Wide" buttons) on the camera display to see if you 

captured necessary details.

Adjust camera if needed

• It is critical to make adjustments if photos are not coming out well. 

Put every photo in perspective

Every close-up should be followed by one or more wider-angle shots that will show the close-up in the 

context of the rest of the environment. The closer the initial shot the more perspective shots are needed.

Consistent, repetitive photo process

Taking photos in the same order will help to ensure that you don’t miss important photos and will help 

keep things organized so it’s easier to review your photos later. The following are examples of how you 

might do this: 

•

•

Start each new location with panorama shots and maybe a narrative video.

Always shoot your subjects from the most close-up to the most zoomed out. 

Notes

• Note key photos and important details in field notes. 

G-3 
•

•

Record basic information - locations, times, photographer, team members.

Descriptions of GPS locations or waypoints. As backup, write down the Lat/Longs. 

GPS Check

•

•

Take waypoints for photos occasionally (good check later for GPS-photo synchronization) 

To document GPS accuracy, take photos at (not of) landmark locations shown on commercial 

maps. Note photo number and location. 

• Examples of landmarks: road intersections, coastal promontories, stream outlets, shore access 

locations, lighthouses, etc.

Flying

Taking photos from a plane or helicopter can be difficult and requires additional skills. Point and shoot 

cameras can take good photos from the air but SLRs typically perform much better. 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Use manual focus to set cameras to infinity (∞). This avoids accidentally auto focusing on the

window. 

Image stabilized cameras or lenses will help.

To prevent transmitting aircraft vibration to the camera, do not rest the camera on an aircraft 

window frame or other part of the aircraft structure. Instead, hold the camera with your arms 

braced against your legs or torso, or the camera held against your face. 

Avoid shooting through a bubble window. They can distort the image. 

Smaller aircraft often have sliding windows, or easily removable windows or doors. Make 

arrangements with your pilot before take-off.

Consider using one zoom level. Survey flights often are directed to maintain a specific altitude. 

By maintaining a constant zoom level you will be able to compare items in successive photos. 

Remember, you can't use the small photo scales in aerial photos. However, if an object of known 

(or an estimated) size is near the target, it can provide a size reference or perspective.

Notes to record: Capture the basic flight plan including altitude and distance from shore. Aircraft 

type. Pilot and passenger names. Where you are sitting, port or starboard.

Special Requirements for Litigation or Enforcement Photos

If you know or suspect that your photos may be evidence in a civil or enforcement case, then additional 

steps are needed, beyond what is provided in this guidance, to ensure the photos are litigation quality and 

have been handled, transferred, and archived using proper chain of custody procedures SPECIFIC TO 

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. Basic guidance includes taking high quality and useful photos for SCAT 

purposes. Save all raw images before manipulating or deleting. Make a copy set for photo editing or file 

naming. Seek specific guidance from your organization for protocols involving chain of custody of digital 

photography. 

Secondary, but Useful, Reasons to take Photos: To Document the Incident, the Location, overall 

response efforts, and personnel.

SCAT photos are primarily used to document the team's findings for the response. However, the USCG 

and other federal and state agencies always have need of photos to communicate, in broad strokes, what 

happened. The audience may be upper level management, Congressional hearings, court, the USCG 

National Pollution Fund Center, public hearings, training talks, outreach events, etc. If time permits, try to 

capture the photos needed for all these audiences while in the field. You may not get a second chance. 

The following is a partial list of subjects to try to document:

• How the spill happened – including source 

G-4 
•

•

•

•

•

•

Cleanup/remedial efforts

Personnel working/sampling 

Direct observations of resource exposure or injuries

Wildlife

Survey platforms: boats, aircraft, trucks

Vistas and scenery shots

In locations where a time series would be helpful, compose the photo so it will be easy to repeat. It is easy 

to repeat photos for a time series by standing in the same spot, centering the view on a permanent object, 

and using the same focal length (“zoom” setting). Take notes and bring a marked print when you return to 

take subsequent photos to help match the images.

Process: Logging photos

Locating photos in space and time is necessary to ensure that your photos are useful SCAT data and not 

useless files. In the field, record all photos in either your field logbook or a photo log form. After 

returning from the field, follow the "downloading" procedure established by the SCAT Coordinator 

and/or SCAT Team Leader. This will frequently involve bringing your camera and GPS unit to one of the 

Information Management (IM) Team assigned this function in the command or forward operations post. 

The IM member is usually located with the SCAT Coordinator. The IM Team may set up a database 

system for logging photos. If so, know what data and format is needed for that system. 

A photo log or field notes should include: 

Photographer 

Date and Time 

Note/Caption 

Incident Name

G-5 
Photography - Full gear list

 Camera With neck strap

 Case – large Sized to hold all your camera gear

 Case – small Sized to hold and protect your camera and gear in the field

 Memory cards 1-2 extra depending on size – 200-300 full resolution photos on 

each is good

 Rechargeable batteries Proprietary battery: 2 is OK, 3 is better

AA: two sets of rechargeables are OK – you’ll have extra 

alkaline or lithium in your kit for GPS, etc.

 Battery charger One for each type of rechargeable you carry

 Lens cleaning kit

 Card reader Get one that accepts many card types so you can get photos from 

others.

 Cable – Camera to PC Should come with the camera

 Camera manual Paper and pdf

 Underwater housing or rain 

shield / kit 

Optional - useful in rough weather and small boat ops. A few 

cameras are waterproof or have a compact underwater housing 

that only fits that model. These are not too heavy. Flexible vinyl 

underwater cases or rain shields can be folded up and are easier 

to take in the field if you need them.

 Photo scale 15 cm waterproof, 15 cm disposable. Not white or light colored. 

Grey or yellow and black are best

 Image viewing software All computers have decent software for reviewing photos. Many 

cameras also have good viewing software.

 Image editing software Optional. Good for processing photos for presentations etc.

 External hard drives For storing and archiving lots of photos and backing up the 

computer hard drive.

 Photo logging database Usually the Information Management team will have this.

 GPS-photo linking software Usually the Information Management team will have this.

 DVD-Rs – NOT RWs Primarily for litigation quality archiving. Usually the 

Information Management team will have this.

 Waterproof bag Dry sack or heavy duty Ziplock bags

 Polarizing lens Optional – reduces glare and reflections. They may interfere with 

recording oil sheens, so use caution.

 GPS

 Field notebook

G-6 
Photography - Field gear list

 Camera With neck strap

 Case – small Sized to hold and protect your camera and gear in the field

 Memory cards 1-2 extra depending on size – 2-300 full resolution photos on each is 

good

 Rechargeable batteries Proprietary battery: 2 is OK, 3 is better

AA two sets are OK – you’ll have extra alkaline batteries in your kit 

for GPS, etc.

 Lens cleaning kit

 Underwater housing / kit Optional - useful in rough weather and small boat ops. A few cameras 

are waterproof or have a compact underwater housing that only fits that 

model. These are not too heavy. Flexible vinyl underwater cases or rain 

shields can be folded up and are easier to take in the field if you need 

them.

 Photo scale 15 cm waterproof, 15 cm disposable. Not white or light colored. Grey 

or yellow & black are best

 Waterproof bag Dry sack or heavy duty Ziplock bags

 Polarizing lens Optional – reduces glare and reflections

 GPS With a remote antenna if using in aircraft.

 Field notebook

G-7
Appendix H: SCAT GPS Guidelines

PURPOSE

The use of modern Global Positioning Satellite receivers (GPS) allows very precise location information 

to be acquired by SCAT teams using small hand held GPS receivers. The team members can track and 

record their path, waypoints and other data for later download directly to a computer, to be linked with 

various GIS programs (including Google Earth). 

Additionally, by taking certain steps prior to (or during, and sometimes after) field use, the GPS data can 

be linked to digital photos taken during the same time period by using software designed for this purpose 

(such as GeoJot Core by Geospatial Experts, used by NOAA). This allows the photos to be linked to a 

specific time and location.

This guide provides the appropriate GPS unit settings and actions for SCAT team use. In the event you 

are using a camera with built in GPS, these guidelines also apply to setting and using the GPS feature. 

BEFORE GOING IN THE FIELD OR STARTING TRAINING

The following are basic GPS practices that SCAT field team members should follow. Specific GPS 

devices are not covered in this document since operation can vary from brand to brand or year to year. For 

more information please see your device’s manual. SCAT members for an actual response are expected 

to become as familiar as possible with how their device works prior to actual response use. Prior to 

SCAT training, students should become familiar with these GPS procedures and the specific units they 

will use during training.

GPS Data Definitions 

•

•

Track or Trackline or Track Log: The “breadcrumb trail”; a stream of continuous data points 

recorded when the unit’s Track Log is turned on, saved to the GPS memory (ex. overflight path, 

extent of assessed shoreline). 

o

o

o

Active Track Log – Currently being recorded into the GPS’ memory. The GPS-photo 

linking software (such as GeoJot) will only read an Active Track Log so we encourage 

keeping this file until everything has been processed for the day.

Saved Track Log – An Active Track Log compressed, named and saved in the GPS 

device. The GPS discards the time data track to save space. You cannot geo-reference 

photos with a named track; we discourage using them. 

Important Note: Do not save your track log as this will strip off important date/time 

information that is necessary for GPS-photo linking operations 

Waypoints: A specific location manually captured by the user and saved to GPS’ memory (ex. 

location of marine debris object, location of sample). Enter specific names into unit or accept the 

default waypoint names and record them in your field notes. 

GPS Setup

•

•

•

•

Set time zone and/or GMT offset for the current field location (see table below)

Set time format to 24 hour clock 

Set datum to WGS84 (make default if possible). It is critical to make sure the datum is set 

correctly. Coordinates are downloaded using the datum setting on the GPS. Conversion later can 

be difficult.

Check battery levels before use each day. A fresh set or fresh charge is recommended every day. 

Carry extra batteries

H-1 
•

•

•

•

•

•

Adjust screen visibility if operating in bright sunlight or overcast skies (typically under the Setup 

menu) 

Set your GPS to provide coordinates in Decimal Degrees (e.g. 48.408) unless you have a specific 

need for coordinates in degrees minutes seconds (e.g. 48° 24’ 30”) or degrees decimal minutes 

(e.g. 48° 24.5”). This will make it easier for writing down coordinates in your Photo Log or 

notebook and using them in the future. 

Set Track options:

o

o

Choose an appropriate sampling rate (5 seconds is good for driving or flying, 15 is more 

appropriate for walking). If you don’t have time options, choose more often or most 

often

Set track to wrap when full (keeps the newest data)

Begin each incident with a clean GPS clear of previous tracks or waypoints to avoid conflicting or 

confusing information.

Download waypoints and tracks each day after field work and process accordingly (see Data 

Management Plan, OziExplorer, or consult with data management team). Refer to "Data Download" later 

in this guide for file formats to use.

If you have an older GPS or are having problems with running out of memory, you can clear the day’s 

track log but only after downloading AND processing your GPS data and photos. Waypoints typically do 

not need to be cleared as they may be used as reference on other days. 

GPS Accessories (include in GPS kit)

•

•

•

Data cable for downloading your unit to a computer (including adapters if needed) 

Waterproof bag or dry bag to protect unit and clip to a pack for easy access and consistent

reception. Handheld units are generally waterproof, but extra protection helps, plus they generally 

don't float. 

External antenna if you plan to fly. You may need to position the antennae around the platform to 

get good reception. A suction cup mount is best to stick to windows. Most aircraft have very few 

magnetic surfaces.

Data Collection (Check device manual for specific instructions)

•

•

•

Unit should be able to locate and track at least 3 satellites to provide precise location data. 

Waypoints – Click the MARK option or hold down Enter to capture a point location. Select OK 

to save the waypoint. Use a field data sheet or notebook to write down waypoint ID and notes. If 

time permits, recording the Lat/Lon manually is also a good idea. 

Track Log – Ensure the GPS is recording a track. DO NOT SAVE your track file in the GPS. 

Field Use

• Leave GPS on while in the field for the day. This will ensure that it is recording a track log for all 

of your photos. Most GPS units will have plenty of memory and power to handle a full day – see 

above about checking battery levels!

If you plan to use your GPS data to sync up with photos that are being taken in the field (such as with 

GeoJot software used by NOAA):

•

•

Take a photo of GPS showing its date and time stamp with seconds designation each day before 

heading out. Immediately review photo in your camera for glare and blurriness problems and 

retake if necessary. It’s important that this photo is clear and easily legible.

It is not necessary to take waypoints of photo locations while simultaneously shooting photos. 

The track line and photos will sync up later. 

H-2 
• Check GPS batteries every evening. Charge or replace them as needed. It’s important to carry 

spare GPS and camera batteries when in the field.

Data Download 

Your GPS data can be downloaded in a variety of ways using different applications. The most important 

step to remember is downloading the original data in a format so it can be uploaded again, used in other 

applications, or saved for long-term data management. MapSource by Garmin or OziExplorer on your 

computer are suitable for managing the original data. 

•

•

•

MapSource Garmin – Full GPS data management. Can create waypoints and tracks, shapefiles 

and KML/KMZ files. Has worldwide coverage of roads. Navigation charts for Garmin can be 

purchased. Save data as both Garmin Database (.gdb) and GPS Exchange (.gpx) formats.

OziExplorer – Full GPS data management. Can upload data, nautical charts, etc., and download 

tracks and waypoints. Creates ArcGIS shapefiles and Google Earth KML/KMZ files. Works with 

almost all GPS devices. License and software installation required for use. 

MN DNR Garmin – Free download from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that 

manages GPS data and also creates a toolbar for use in ArcView. Can export waypoints and 

tracks to Google Earth or ArcGIS and perform basic hot-linking. Supports only Garmin GPS 

devices. Do not use this software to download a GPS Track Log as the .gpx format is 

incompatible with some GPS-photo linking software, and you will not be able to link photos 

with GPS locations.

If you need to import your GPS data for visualization, but not GPS management, then you can use the 

following tools: 

• GeoJot Core by Geospatial Experts – Can import Garmin tracks and waypoints or Magellan 

tracks and sync them to digital photos. License and software installation required for use. 

• Google Earth – Can import waypoints and tracks directly from Garmin or Magellan devices and 

save them as KML files. This is not recommended for long-term data management. 

GMT Reference

Time Zone 

GMT Standard 

Time

GMT Daylight 

Savings

Puerto Rico & USVI -4 -4

Eastern -5 -4

Central -6 -5

Mountain -7 -6

Pacific -8 -7

Alaska -9 -8

Hawaii & Guam -10 -10

Am. Samoa -11 -11

There are some idiosyncrasies in the U.S. but this is a general reference.

H-3 
Appendix I: Step-by-Step Guidelines for Filling out the Shoreline Oiling 

Summary (SOS) Form

Section 1

Section 1 includes general information about the segment, date and time of the survey, etc. You will 

be given the segment ID on a base map, or you will be generating them in the field for the first survey 

of the segment. The tide height during the survey is very important to record. In the example below, 

the survey was started about mid-tide when the tide was falling.

Section 2

The names and organization of each member of the team must be recorded in Section 2, along with 

the Team Number.

Section 3

This is where you record the total length of the segment (it can be estimated in the field or generated 

later using the waypoints). If you were not able to complete the segment, record the length that you 

were able to survey (and be sure to note that on the map as well). Everyone on a SCAT team should 

know how to use a GPS and set waypoints (see guidelines in Appendix H). Waypoints are a very 

efficient way to accurately record the locations of the segment boundaries (as well as other features in 

the segment such as pits). Before you go out into the field, make sure that the GPS you are using has 

the Datum set to WGS84 and the coordinates set to Decimal Degrees (e.g., 48.408). When you start a 

segment, locate the starting point and collect a waypoint and write down the coordinates. When you 

decide to end this segment and start a new one, repeat this process. 

I-1 
Section 4

The BACKSHORE Character refers to the shore zone as a whole and includes the area inland and 

landward of the intertidal zone. This is the area where operational activities to implement the 

treatment recommendations take place. It defines access constraints to the intertidal zone as well as 

the potential for staging areas adjacent to the segment to be treated. In the example below, the 

backshore consisted of a beach with some riprap in front of a structure.

The ESI Shoreline Type refers to the intertidal habitat (between low and high tides). Refer to Table 1 

in the Shoreline Assessment Manual for the ESI shoreline types and numbers. The Primary shoreline 

type is the one that is most common within the segment. The Secondary shoreline type(s) are all the 

other shoreline types that are present within the segment. You should circle all the shoreline types 

that are oiled. In the example below, a fine-grained sand beach (ESI = 3) is the Primary shoreline type; 

there are also riprap (ESI = 6B) and salt marshes (ESI = 10A) present. All the shoreline types have some 

oiling.

Section 5

The Operational Features provide information on the presence, type, and amount of oiled 

debris. Note that bags generally are filled to 20 pounds, to make them easier to handle by 

workers. It is important to provide information on access to the segment, from either the 

immediate backshore or from adjacent segments, and if the backshore area is suitable as a 

staging area for equipment, worker deployment, and waste handling. Describe in as much 

detail as possible about the backshore access. Make additional notes under Section 8 

(Comments) as necessary.

Section 6

The Surface Oiling Description section applies to oil on the surface (defined as oil on the shoreline 

surface and down to 5 cm in the surface sediments). You assess the oiling by walking the entire 

segment.

If no surface oil is present, mark the NO box under Oil Character 

If surface oil is present:

STEP 1: Decide if the oiling in the segment is relatively uniform in terms of the shoreline type, tidal 

zone location, width, % distribution, oil thickness, and oil character. 

I-2 
−

−

If Yes, there is only 1 zone to be described in STEP 2.

In No, then you need to break the segment into multiple zones, each with it’s own descriptors. 

These zones can be alongshore (e.g., one end of the segment has much higher oil 

accumulated against a riprap groin) or cross-shore (e.g., most of the oil is located in the upper 

intertidal zone, but there is a small amount of oiled debris in the supratidal zone).

STEP 2: For each zone, decide the start and end of the zone and record the waypoints. Enter the 

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) shoreline type, tidal zone, length and width of the oiled zone, 

the average % distribution of oil within that length and width, the oil thickness, and oil character. 

In the example below, the oil occurs in 2 zones: A = the sand beach along the entire segment 

where the oil occurs in the upper intertidal zone and is 3 m wide, 15% distribution, 0.5 cm thick 

(=cover), and fresh oil; and B = a riprap revetment in front of a structure where the oil occurs in 

both the upper intertidal and supratidal zones and is 2 m wide and 25% distribution of fresh oil 

that is thicker than 1 cm (=thick oil or TO) in places (so both TO and CV are marked).

There is also a small marsh (ESI = 10A) in the segment that had 2 patches of thick oil in the entire 

marsh, so this was recorded in the column under <1% as 2/20 m2 with the average and largest size 

of the patches being 2 cm.

STEP 3: Mark each zone on a map or make a sketch of the segment showing the locations of the zones.

Section 7

The Subsurface Oiling Description section applies to oil below the surface. Dig pits in areas with 

surface oil and in depositional areas to look for oil that may be buried. In the example below, 5 pits 

were dug into the sand beach (Zone A), so they were numbered A-1, A-2, etc. Record the waypoint for 

each pit (or locate it on your base map or sketch), the substrate type (e.g., pebble, sand, mud, etc.) 

both at the surface and with depth, and the location of the pit in the intertidal zone. Try to dig pits to 

at least 50 cm, or to the water table, and record the pit depth. The oiled interval is the depth below the 

surface where the oiled sediment occurs. In the example below, pit A-1 had oil from the surface to 6 

cm; pit B had clean sand from the surface to 5 cm, and oiled sand from 5 to 10 cm, and clean below 

that to a depth of 45 cm. Both pits were dug to 45 cm because that is where the water table was 

encountered. Note that when water accumulates in the pit, you need to record if there is a sheen (and 

it’s color as brown, rainbow, silver, or none) on the water surface. Pits A- 3 and A-4 (dug in the upper 

intertidal zone) and Pit A-5 (dug in the middle intertidal zone) had no subsurface oil.

I-3 
Section 8

The Comments section is where you summarize the oiling conditions and make recommendations for 

treatment, record observations on wildlife, and other comments. You also note photographs and if 

there is a sketch or map attached.

I-4 

August 2013

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

COMMERCE

Penny Pritzker

Secretary

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration

Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Acting

Under Secretary of Commerce for 

Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA 

Administrator

National Ocean Service

Dr. Holly Bamford,

Assistant Administrator for 

Ocean Services and Coastal 

Zone Management