NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual

Revised June, 2010

Volume 1

Tactics Descriptions
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

ALASKA CLEAN SEAS TECHNICAL MANUAL

VOLUME 1

TACTICS DESCRIPTIONS

© 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Alaska Clean Seas

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the 

copyrights hereon may be reproduced in any form or 

by any means without the written permission of Alaska 

Clean Seas.

Alaska Clean Seas

Pouch 340022

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska 99734-0022

Phone: (907) 659-2405

Fax: (907) 659-2616 

DISCLAIMER

In producing this manual, Alaska Clean Seas has endeavored to provide the best available 

information based on the latest technological and engineering advancements. ACS believes 

that the information and procedures contained herein are well founded, and utilize information 

obtained from actual experiences in the environments where these procedures are intended 

to apply. Nonetheless, ACS and its members expressly disclaim that the procedures provided 

in this manual, even if followed correctly and competently, will necessarily produce any specific results. Implementation of the recommendations and procedures contained herein is at 

the sole risk of the user.

The Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual provides a detailed source of information pertaining 

to spill response variables on the North Slope of Alaska. This information includes:

• Spill response tactics in a variety of conditions and seasonal variations.

• Maps of resources at risk from a spill.

• Information on the Incident Management System used in a spill event.

The Technical Manual is generally applicable to all operators on the North Slope. Facilityspecific information is provided in operator oil discharge prevention and contingency plans. 

The information provided in this manual, in conjunction with the individual operator contingency plans, is intended to meet the requirements of Alaska Department of Environmental 

Conservation spill planning regulations (18 AAC 75). 

There are always variables beyond the control of any response organization that affect 

response performance. These variables include personnel safety considerations, weather, 

visibility, sea conditions, location of spill, type of oil spilled, rate of discharge, condition of the 

equipment or facility causing the spill, and for a vessel, position of discharging vessel and 

condition of remaining cargo. In addition, site-specif﻿ic conditions such as the amount and 

type of wildlife and sea mammals in or around the site, or the amount and nature of debris 

present, could interfere with response performance. Accordingly, it is not possible to guarantee 

response performance in exact accordance with the estimates, strategies or scenarios presented in this Technical Manual for planning purposes. For example, the safety of employees, 

contractor personnel, government representatives, and the public is of paramount importance 

and will override all other considerations in response operations.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Alaska

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B E A U F O R T 

S E A

C H U K C H I

S E A

C a m d e n B a y

H a r r i s o n B a y

Teshekpuk

Lake

C o l v i l l e R i v e r

N A T I O N A L P E T R O L E U M

R E S E R V E in A L A S K A

A R C T I C N A T I O N A L W I L D L I F E R E F U G E

(Wilderness Area)

ANWR (1002 Area)

N O A T A K W I L D E R N E S S

G A T E S of the A R C T I C N.P.

B a r r o w

N u i q s u t K a k t o v i k

W a i n w r i g h t

P o i n t L a y

P o i n t

H o p e

A t q a s u k

" E. Barrow

" S. Barrow

North Slope Oil Fields 0 25 50 Miles

U m i a t

"

"

Badami

Liberty

" Endicott

" Sag Delta N.

" Eider

" Lisburne

" Prudhoe Bay

" Niakuk

" West Beach

"

Pt. McIntyre

"

Northstar

"

Milne Point

"

West Sak

"

Oooguruk

"

Fiord

" Alpine " Nanuq

"

Meltwater

" Tarn

"

Kuparuk

" Tabasco

"

Schrader Bluff

" Orion/Borealis

" Aurora/Polaris

" N. PB

"

Midnight Sun

Deadhorse

(ACS Base)

FOREWORD

This tactics manual is the first volume of three manuals that make up the Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual

providing ACS member companies with a unified response plan for spills both onshore and offshore across 

the North Slope of Alaska from the Chukchi Sea eastward to the Canadian border and inland from Pump 

Station 1 to Pump Station 4 (Milepost 167) of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System:

Volume 1: Tactics Descriptions

Volume 2: Map Atlas

Volume 3: North Slope Incident Management System

The Technical Manual grew out of the work of the Industry/Agency North Slope Spill Response Project Team, 

which consists of government and industry personnel representing the following organizations: Alaska Clean 

Seas, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, ARCO Alaska, 

Inc., BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., North Slope Borough, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, and U.S. Minerals Management Service. This team was formed in the spring of 1997 in response 

to the concerns of both agencies and industry that spill response capability for the North Slope needed to 

be re-evaluated in light of proposed new offshore development such as Northstar and Liberty. Also, both 

agency and industry felt that industry should develop a unified North Slope response plan under the auspices of Alaska Clean Seas. The Project Team was supported by the Tactics Team, consisting of technical 

representatives from agencies and industry. The Project Team developed nine scenarios covering a variety 

of spill situations, conditions, and seasons. The Tactics Team used the scenarios to develop tactics, which 

became the basis for the tactics descriptions in the Technical Manual.

This manual contains descriptions of the tactics that Alaska Clean Seas can use to respond to a spill. This 

manual is not intended to present all possible tactics for spill response. The tactics presented have been 

developed by ACS operations personnel and are the tactics they are prepared to use. Other tactics may be 

added, and these tactics revised as appropriate based on operational experience.

The tactics are designed to be used as building blocks for ACS member companies to develop facility-specific 

response scenarios in their contingency plans and for responders to develop response strategies for training 

and for spills. The technical information can be used to prepare a scenario that demonstrates the ability to 

recover the facility’s response planning standard (RPS) volume in 72 hours — the key requirement of Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation contingency plan regulations. 
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Alaska Clean Seas requests that users of this manual provide notification of any errors or 

suggested revisions for use in future updates. If you would like to submit information, please 

photocopy this form and fill it out. The form is designed to copy easily onto an 8.5” x 11” sheet. 

Please send the completed form to:

Alaska Clean Seas

Special Projects and Development Coordinator

Pouch 340022

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska 99734-0022

Phone: 907-659-3207

Fax: 907-659-2616

Tactic:

Change:

Source of Information for Change:

Name of Person Submitting Change:

Organization: Telephone:

Date:

Thank you for helping ACS maintain its Technical Manual up-to-date!

Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual

Volume 1, Tactics Descriptions

REVISION FORM
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

TACTIC TACTIC 

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

DIAGRAM

DESCRIPTION

TNEMPIUQE ESAB

NOITACOL NOITCNUF SECEIP .ONTFIHS/FFATS

EBOM

EMIT

YOLPED

EMIT

TNEMPIUQE ESAB

NOITACOL NOITCNUF SECEIP .ONTFIHS/FFATS

EBOM

EMIT

YOLPED

EMIT

NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

HOW TO USE THE ACS TECHNICAL MANUAL

VOLUME 1, TACTICS DESCRIPTIONS

The purpose of the ACS Technical Manual is to provide a comprehensive set of response tactics 

in a user-friendly format that is accessible both to plan reviewers and operations personnel. The 

tactics were designed to provide the building blocks for facility-specif﻿ic plans so that scenarios in 

those plans could simply and thoroughly identify the resources and personnel needed to respond 

to site-specif﻿ic spills. At the same time, the technical details on how each tactic is implemented 

can be eliminated from the facility plans of ACS member companies. 

Volume 1, Tactics Descriptions, contains tactics arranged by subject as follows: 

• Safety

• Containment

• Recovery and Storage

• Tracking and Surveillance

• Burning

• Dispersants

• Shoreline Cleanup

• Wildlife and Sensitive Areas

• Disposal

• Logistics and Equipment

• Administration

Each tactic is numbered with a key letter to identify the subject: e.g., Tactic S-1 (Site Entry Procedures) is the first tactic in the safety section, while C-1 (Containment Using Snow Berm) is the 

first in the containment section. These numbers are useful for referencing in member-company 

response plans.

The figure on the following page shows a sample tactic and illustrates that each tactic consists 

of the following elements: a simplified diagram, a brief narrative description, an equipment and 

personnel table, a support equipment table, capacities for planning, and deployment considerations and limitations. Sufficient information is provided to allow the user to quickly see how the 

tactic is deployed and to identify the equipment and personnel needed to implement the tactic. 

The resource tables also provide storage locations for the equipment and estimated mobilization 

times and deployment times. These tables can be used to determine equipment needs and to 

develop response times for individual facilities.

“Base Location” is the location where the equipment is stored. “Mobe Time” is how long it takes 

to get the equipment out of storage at its base location, prepare it for operation, and make it 

ready to travel to the spill site. “Deploy Time” is how long it takes to make the equipment operational for its intended use once it arrives at the spill site. Deploy times are concurrent for 

equipment. Travel time is not included in the mobe and deploy times indicated in the “Equipment 

and Personnel” and “Support” tables, since travel times depends on the location of the spill and 

the mode of transportation. “Travel time” is how long it takes to transport equipment from the 

base location (after mobe) to the spill site (for deployment). For a given spill, this time may have 

multiple components (e.g., land and air transit), and it may be necessary to factor in additional 

time for transition between transport modes. Tactic L-3 contains tables of travel times.

The “Capacities for Planning” section of each tactic provides the values that can be used to calculate the volume recovered by various pieces of equipment. The values presented are derated 

according to agency guidelines.

Volume 2, Map Atlas, contains 11" x 17" maps (scaled 1:26000 or 1:63,360) and legend pages 

covering the developed areas of the North Slope and providing detailed geographic, biological, 

and civil information on the region. The following two pages contain a sample map and corresponding legend page. As shown on these samples, each color map contains the following 

information: facilities, roads, and pipelines; culvert locations; prestaged response equipment 

locations; priority protection sites; topographic information; hydrographic information, including 

drainage divides and flow direction; and shoreline types. For each map there is a corresponding 

legend page that provides written data on the information shown on the maps, including priority 

protection sites, general sensitivity data, cultural sites, air access, vessel access, hydrographic 

conditions, countermeasures considerations, staging areas, and prestaged equipment.

The illustrations of the priority protection sites have been reviewed and accepted by state and 

federal agency biologists. Environmental sensitivity information provided by the Alaska Regional Response Team Sensitive Areas Working Group is included on the map legend pages 

under “General Sensitivities.” The purpose of this information is to alert responders that certain 

animals may be present at certain times of the year and that some regions are more sensitive 

than others.

Volume 3, Incident Management System, provides a unified organization for ACS member companies to respond to spills and other incidents and crises on the North Slope. The organization 

consists of three levels of teams (Tactical Response Teams, Incident Management Teams, and 

Crisis Management Teams) and is based on the Incident Command System (ICS). The manual 

describes the organization of the teams and includes a full complement of ICS forms and status 

boards, as well as job checklists for ICS positions.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

Tactics are numbered in 

series designated by a letter. 

This is the fourth tactic in the 

Recovery/Storage section.

The illustration depicts a typical 

deployment configuration for 

the tactic. Sometimes, more 

than one option is provided.

A concise description of 

how the tactic is deployed 

is provided to explain the 

illustration.

The 11” x 17” format is designed so that the page can be 

copied as two 8.5” x 11” pages.

The equipment and support 

tables can be used to determine 

equipment needs and to develop 

response times for individual 

facilities.

The “Capacities for Planning” section provides the values that can 

be used to calculate the volume 

recovered by various pieces of 

equipment. The values presented 

are derated according to agency 

guidelines.

Various operational and environmental considerations 

are presented here.

SAMPLE TACTICS DESCRIPTION

Note that travel time is not included in the mobe and deploy times indicated in the “Equipment and 

Personnel” and “Support” tables, since travel time depends on the location of the spill and the mode 

of transportation. “Travel time” is how long it takes to transport equipment from the base location 

(after mobe) to the spill site (for deployment). For a given spill, this time may have multiple components (e.g., land and air transit), and it may be necessary to factor in additional time for transition 

between transport modes. Tactic L-3 contains tables of travel times.

“Base Location” is the location 

where the equipment is stored. 

“Mobe Time” is how long it takes 

to get the equipment out of storage at its base location, prepare 

it for operation, and make it ready 

to travel to the spill site. “Deploy 

Time” is how long it takes to 

make the equipment operational 

for its intended use once it arrives 

at the spill site. Deploy times are 

concurrent for equipment.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple com po nents (see Tactic L-3).

NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

In spring or fall, fl ushing is used to concentrate oil into pits or trenches, where the oil is 

col lect ed with direct suction using a Manta Ray skimmer head, sor bents, or a portable 

skim ming sys tem. The pits or trenches are con struct ed by cutting slots in ice, uti liz ing nat u ral 

de pres sions, digging into tundra or gravel with a backhoe or Bobcat, or by aug ment ing a 

de pres sion or pit with sand bags and Shore Seal boom (see Tactic C-4). Shore Seal boom 

is par tic u lar ly effective when frozen in place. Constructed pits or trenches are lined with 

Visqueen or sim i lar plastic sheeting.

The water source for the fl ushing unit is either a water truck or an auger hole in the ice of 

a nearby lake. Flushing usually occurs after pooled areas and con tam i nat ed snow have 

been removed.

The fl ush should consist of high-volume, low-energy fl ushing with water less than 106°F. 

This is es sen tial ly a mop-up technique after the majority of oil and oiled snow has been 

removed.

See Tactic R-7 for recovery of concentrated oil.

TACTIC R-4 Flushing of Oil on Tundra Surface

Berm

Trench

Oil and Water

Water

Water Truck

Shore Seal Boom

FLOATING OIL WITHIN SHORE SEAL BOOM

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• The number of staff to deploy sandbags depends on the size of the constructed concentration area.

Flushing of Oil on Tundra Surface TACTIC R-4

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Flushing is a viable option only when air temperatures permit. Warm water (no more than 106°F) is preferred for 

fl ushing.

• Flushing works on oil contained on and in the surface of tundra, gravel, and ice, and is particularly effective on 

ice. The tundra can be damaged if it thaws; don’t fl ush the same area more than 2 or 3 times and don’t suck the 

tundra dry. Also, stay off the tundra that’s being fl ushed.

• Personnel or small equipment should traverse the tundra on plywood sheets.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in ac cor dance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any ex ca va tions in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be re port ed to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and re port ed to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffi c 

can se ri ous ly damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

ply wood as a trav el ing sur face and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 2-inch trash pump operates at 312 bbl/hr nameplate capacity.

• Recovery capacity depends on the nature of the spill, the size of the concentration area, and terrain features. 

• For recovery rates from the pits or trenches, see recovery rates for portable skimmers and/or vacuum trucks.

SUPPORT

or

TOTAL STAFF 2

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Water Truck All Water source 1 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Upright Tank (400 bbl) KRU, Alpine Water source 1

2

2 hr 1 hr

Ice Auger WOA, EOA, KRU, 

ACS, Endicott, Alpine

Water source 1 1hr 0

Trash Pump (2-inch) All Flushing of oil 1 1 hr 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Flushing of oil >20 ft — 2 hr 1 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Flushing of oil >50 ft — 1 hr 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Tioga Heater All Support heavy equipment >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fl uids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING 

RESPONSE SCENARIOS BASED ON THIS MANUAL

TABLE 2

RESPONSE STRATEGY TABLE 3

OIL RECOVERY CAPACITY

TABLE 1

SCENARIO CONDITIONS

The tactics in this manual have been designed to serve as building blocks for operators to prepare facilityspecific response scenarios in their oil discharge prevention and contingency plans. These scenarios can 

be written in a tabular format addressing the necessary ADEC requirements [18 AAC 75.425(1)(F)]. Table 1 

provides the conditions for the scenario. As shown in Table 2, the scenario should provide the overall strategy 

for each step in the response and reference the appropriate ACS tactics that are used to build the response. 

The strategy descriptions in the second column should be brief and to the point.

Table 3 provides a suggested format for demonstrating that the chosen response strategy is capable of removing 

from water within 72 hours the facility’s response planning standard volume. The data for these calculations 

can be found under each individual tactic in this tactics manual. Table 4 shows the liquid handling capacity of 

the tactics used in the scenario. Other tables may be appropriate based on the given scenario.

In addition to these strategy and calculation tables, the scenario should contain a description of the scenario 

conditions and at least one map showing how the tactics will be deployed.

TABLE 4

LIQUID HANDLING CAPABILITY
Acronyms Acronyms

AC Alternating current

ACS Alaska Clean Seas

ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and Game

ADNR Alaska Department of Natural Resources

AIC Alaska Interstate Construction

APC Alaska Petroleum Contractors

APR Air-purifying respirator

ARRT Alaska Regional Response Team

ATV All-terrain vehicle

BETRS Basic exchange telephone radio system

BOC Base Operations Center

bbl Barrels

bopd Barrels of oil per day

bpd Barrels per day

BPXA BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

CATCO Crowley All-Terrain Company

CO Carbon monoxide

CPC Chemical protective clothing

CTES C-band transportable earth station

DC Direct current

DOSH Department of Occupational Safety and Health (State of Alaska)

EmOC Emergency operations center

EOA Eastern Operating Area (Prudhoe Bay Field)

EOR Enhanced oil recovery

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FAR Federal aviation regulations

FLIR Forward-looking infrared

FOSC Federal On-Scene Coordinator

GC Gas chromatograph

GIS Geographic information system

GOR Gas-to-oil ratio

gpm Gallons per minute

GPS Global positioning system

H2S Hydrogen sulfide

HAZMAT Hazardous materials

HF High frequency

HSE Health, safety, and environment

ICP Incident command post

ICS Incident Command System

IDLH Immediately dangerous to life or health

IMT Incident management team

ISB In-situ burning

KRU Kuparuk River Unit

LEL Lower explosive limit

MEL Master equipment list

mmscfd Million standard cubic feet per day

MRC Mobile response center

MPU Milne Point Unit

MSDS Material safety data sheet

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NSB North Slope Borough

NSSRT North Slope Spill Response Team

OSC On-Scene Coordinator

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration (federal)

OSRB Offshore recovery barge

OSRV Offshore recovery vessel

PABX Private Automatic Branch Exchange

PBOC Prudhoe Bay Operations Center

PBU Prudhoe Bay Unit

PEL Permissible exposure limit

PID Photoionization detector

PPE Personal protective equipment

psi Pounds per square inch

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RMOL Realistic maximum operating limitations

RRT Regional Response Team

SCAT Shoreline cleanup assessment team

SCBA Self-contained breathing apparatus

scf Standard cubic feet

SOSC State On-Scene Coordinator

SRT Spill Response Team

SSB Single side band

UHF Ultra high frequency

USCG United States Coast Guard

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

VHF Very high frequency

WOA Western Operating Area (Prudhoe Bay Field)

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Tactics List (Page 1 of 4)

SAFETY

S-1 Site Entry Procedures Revised 09/09

S-2 Site Safety Plan Form Original 03/99

S-3 Identifying Required Personal Protection Revised 04/06

S-4 Site Layout Revised 09/09

S-5 Air Monitoring for Personal Protection Revised 09/09

S-6 Decontamination Revised 04/06

S-7 Gross Decontamination of Vessels Revised 09/09

S-8 Safety During Operations in Overflood Conditions Revised 09/09

CONTAINMENT

C-1 Containment Using Snow Berm Revised 03/03

C-2 Deflection Booming at a Culvert Revised 04/06

C-3 Culvert Blocking Revised 03/03

C-4 Barriers on Land Revised 03/03

C-5 Deflection or Exclusion Booming on Lake or Tundra Revised 04/06

C-6 Underflow Dam Revised 04/06

C-7 Deadarm Trench on River Bank Revised 04/06

C-8 Deflection Booming in Stream Revised 04/06

C-9 Exclusion Booming on River Revised 04/06

C-10 Containment Using Ice-Road Ring Revised 03/03

C-11 Containment on Ice with Trenches and Sumps Revised 03/07

C-12 Trenching Ice to Direct Flow to a Containment Point Revised 03/03

C-13 Deflection Booming in Open Water Revised 05/08

C-14 Exclusion Booming in Open Water Revised 04/06

C-15 Intertidal Booming Revised 04/06

C-16 Anchored W Deflection Boom Revised 04/06

C-17 Containment Using U-Boom Original 09/01

C-18 Containing Light Layer of Oil on Snow Using Water Spray Original 04/06

C-19 Containing Oiled Snow Using Snow Fence Original 04/06

RECOVERY AND STORAGE

R-1 Mechanical Recovery of Lightly Oiled Snow Revised 03/07

R-1A Use of Snow Blower to Remove Lightly Misted Snow Revised 03/03

R-2 Manual Recovery of Lightly Oiled Snow Revised 03/07

R-3 Recovery of Oil-Saturated Snow Revised 03/03

R-4 Flushing of Oil on Tundra Surface Revised 03/03

R-5 Recovery of Embedded Oil Revised 03/03

R-6 Recovery by Direct Suction Revised 03/03

R-7 Recovery from Pit or Trench Revised 03/03

R-8 Use of Portable Skimmers with Pumps (River and Lake) Revised 09/09

R-9 Use of Sorbents Revised 09/01

R-10 Fairchild Gate Weir Collection System Revised 04/06

R-11 Decanting Separated Water in River Revised 03/03

R-12 Aggressive Breakup in River Revised 03/03

Tactics List (Page 2 of 4)

RECOVERY AND STORAGE (CONT’D)

R-13 Cutting Ice Slots for Recovery Revised 03/03

R-14 Recovery of Oil under Ice Revised 04/06

R-15 Anchored V-Boom to Skimmer Revised 05/08

R-16 Hook Boom to Skimmer and Storage Revised 04/06

R-17 J-Boom to Skimmer and Mini-Barge Revised 09/01

R-18 U-Boom to Skimmer and Mini-Barge Revised 09/09

R-19 J-Boom to Large Barge or OSRV Revised 09/09

R-19A Use of J-Booms in Broken Ice Revised 09/09

R-20 U-Boom with Open Apex to Skimming System Revised 09/09

R-21 Hot-Water, High-Pressure Washing of Solid Surfaces Revised 04/06

R-22 Temporary Storage Options Revised 03/03

R-23 Tank on Trailer (CATCO Fuel Tanker) Revised 03/03

R-24 Hoses and Pumps in Series Revised 03/07

R-25 Freighter Boat with Tank Revised 03/03

R-26 Excavation and Storage of Oiled Gravel Revised 03/03

R-27 Damaged Tank Transfer Procedures Revised 03/03

R-28 Lightering/Offloading Revised 09/09

R-29 Ice Mining Revised 04/06

R-30 Recovery Using Diamond Boom for Subsea Pipeline Break Revised 12/03

R-31 Free Skimming Revised 09/09

R-32A Single Boom-Arm Skimming Revised 09/09

R-32B Double Boom-Arm Skimming Revised 09/09

R-33 Swift Water Recovery – Harbour Buster Revised 09/09

TRACKING AND SURVEILLANCE

T-1 Delineation of Oiled Snow or Tundra Revised 03/03

T-2 Mapping and Surveillance of Spill on Land Revised 09/01

T-3 Detection and Delineation of Under-Ice Oil Revised 03/03

T-4 Discharge Tracking in Open Water Revised 09/09

T-4A Discharge Tracking in Ice Original 09/01

T-5 Trajectory Calculations Original 03/99

T-6 Blowout Modeling Revised 09/01

T-7 Spill Volume Estimation Revised 03/03

BURNING

B-1 In-Situ Burning Plan Revised 05/08

B-1A In-Situ Burn Plan and Application Form Original 03/99

B-2 Burning Oily Vegetation Revised 09/01

B-3 In-Situ Burning with Heli-torch and Other Igniters Revised 03/03

B-4 Deployment and Use of Fire Containment Boom Revised 05/08

B-5 Burning Oil Pools on Any Solid Surface Revised 03/03

B-6 Burn Residue Recovery Revised 09/01

B-7 Burn Extinguishment on Water Original 03/99

Tactic Rev. Date Tactic Rev. Date
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Tactics List (Page 3 of 4) Tactics List (Page 4 of 4)

DISPERSANTS

DT-1 Dispersant Application Via Vessel Original 09/09

DT-2 Dispersant Application Via Aircraft Original 09/09

DT-3 Dispersant Application Via Helicopter Original 09/09

SHORELINE CLEANUP

SH-1 Shoreline Assessment Original 03/99

SH-2 Natural Recovery of an Oiled Shoreline Original 03/99

SH-3 Shoreline Cleanup Using Flooding and Flushing Revised 09/09

SH-4 Shoreline Cleanup Using Steam Cleaning or Sand Blasting Revised 09/01

SH-5 Shoreline Cleanup Using Manual Removal and 

 Vacuum Methods Revised 09/01

SH-6 Shoreline Cleanup Using Mechanical Removal Revised 03/03

SH-7 Shoreline Cleanup Using Sorbents and Vegetation Cutting Revised 09/01

SH-8 Shoreline Cleanup Using Mechanical Tilling/Aeration Revised 03/03

SH-9 Shoreline Cleanup Using Sediment Reworking and 

Surf Washing Revised 03/03

SH-10 Shoreline Cleanup Using Burning Revised 09/01

SH-11 Biological/Chemical Shoreline Response Tactics Revised 09/01

SH-12 Summary of Potential Impact of Shoreline Cleanup Techniques Original 03/99

WILDLIFE AND SENSITIVE AREAS

W-1 Wildlife Protection Strategy and Permits Revised 04/06

W-1A RRT Hazing Checklist Revised 12/03

W-1B RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist Revised 12/03

W-1C RRT Contact Information for Wildlife Resource Agencies Original 12/03

W-2 Wildlife Hazing Equipment Revised 09/01

W-2A Mammal Hazing Original 03/99

W-2B Bird Hazing Revised 03/03

W-3 Wildlife Capture and Rehabilitation Original 03/99

W-4 Salvage of Dead Wildlife Revised 09/01

W-5 Deployment of ACS Mobile Wildlife Stabilization Center Revised 09/01

W-6 Identifying and Protecting Sensitive Areas Original 03/99

DISPOSAL

D-1 Processing Recovered Liquids Revised 03/03

D-2 Storage and Disposal of Non-Liquid Oily Wastes Revised 03/03

D-3 Disposal of Non-Oily Wastes Revised 03/03

D-4 Stockpiling Oiled Gravel Revised 03/03

D-5 Processing of Contaminated Snow/Ice Revised 12/03

Tactic Rev. Date

LOGISTICS AND EQUIPMENT

L-1 Ice Road Construction for Access to Winter Tundra Spill Revised 09/09

L-2 Staging Areas Revised 09/09

L-3 Deployment Strategies Revised 09/09

L-4 Logistical Support Revised 03/07

L-5 Communications Revised 09/09

L-6 ACS Response Equipment Specifications Revised 09/09

L-6A Shell Response Equipment Specifications Original 09/09

L-7 Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations Revised 04/06

L-8 North Slope Mutual Aid Revised 09/09

L-9 Accessing Contract Resources Revised 09/09

L-10 Accessing Non-Obligated Resources Revised 09/01

L-11 Best Available Technology Analysis Original 03/99

L-11A BAT Analysis: ACS Communications Revised 09/09

L-11B BAT Analysis: Trajectory Analyses Revised 03/03

L-11C BAT Analysis: Wildlife Protection Original 03/99

L-12 Logistical Support for On-Water Operations Revised 04/06

ADMINISTRATION

A-1 Emergency Action Checklist Original 03/99

A-2 Spill Reporting Procedures Revised 03/07

A-3 ACS Pre-Approved Permits Revised 09/09

A-4 Training Requirements for Response Personnel Revised 09/09

A-5 ACS Certifications Revised 09/09

Tactic Rev. Date
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

Remember, it’s not worth risking injury to anyone to clean up a spill. Safety protocols and procedures must be followed 

for any spill. Proper hazard identification, hazard assessment, selection of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), personnel decontamination, and determination of appropriate safety and health practices take 

priority over all other spill response activities.

LIMITS TO ENTRY 

• No entry is authorized if the percentage of LEL exceeds 10% on a calibrated directreading explosive gas meter. 

• No entry is authorized if the oxygen percentage exceeds 23.5%.

• In all cases, physical hazards of entry must be considered along with health hazards

Key safety issues to consider in mobilizing a response effort are:

• Fire and explosion risk

• Chemical exposure potential

• Temperature extremes

• Safety of on-water or on-ice operations

• Other physical hazards

Not all hazards at an oil spill site are immediately apparent. A number of factors can be dangerous in the presence of 

an oil spill. Beware of the following:

• Potential ignition (“hot”) sources for fire/explosion 

• Smoking in the area

• Static electricity

• Escaping gas

• Unauthorized visitors (e.g., media)

• Undetected mechanical failures

• Spontaneous combustion

• Physical hazards (e.g., structural damage to pipeline or facilities)

• Chemical hazards (e.g., components in the oil, either naturally occurring or added, that are toxic to humans)

Effective spill response depends upon correct identification of the materials released. The Safety Officer will use 

his/her professional judgment to determine the following:

• Type of product or material released

• Physical state of material released (liquid, spray, solid, emulsified, mist, vapor, gas)

• Air concentration of material as compared to: 1) flammability range, 2) whether immediately dangerous to life or 

health (IDLH), 3) permissible exposure limit (PEL)*

• Hazards associated with material (e.g., flammability, toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, health hazards)

• Weather conditions (e.g., prevailing winds, ambient temperatures, wind chill, relative humidity)

• Threat to human health and environmentally sensitive areas

In cases of release of an unknown material, the Safety Officer will assist with identification:

• Use available information such as labels, transport placards, NFPA, DOT Emergency Response Handbook, or 

bill of lading.

• Take sample, using accepted EPA protocol.

• If identified, consult material safety data sheet (MSDS) or operator’s safety department.

• If no MSDS available, call CHEMTREC (1-800-424-9300 or 1-703-527-3887).

SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY 

IN THE RESPONSE TO ANY TYPE OF SPILL

*The PEL is 5 mg/m3 for particulate oil in air (e.g., from a high-pressure release of oil), and the PEL is 0.6 

ppm for benzene in oil. In addition, oil may contain methanol and xylene from injection at the wellbore.

PRE-ENTRY SAFETY

The decision as to whether of not any given entry shall be attempted is ultimately the responsibility of the On Scene 

Commander with advice and guidance from:

• The Site Safety Officer (safety professional or experienced responder)

• The Emergency Response Leader

• The Environmental Team Leader

Steps to follow during the pre-entry phase to provide maximum safety to workers, the environment, and facilities:

• Before any site activity, all known facts about the incident are discussed in a pre-entry briefing.

• Known site hazards are identified.

• A Site Safety Officer makes a preliminary evaluation of a site’s characteristics (hazards) before site entry. 

The Site Safety Officer performing the initial assessment will: 

• Determine if people are injured or trapped. If so, contact help as soon as possible.

• Delineate affected area (Hot and Warm Zones).

• Designate site as “Dangerous - No Smoking.”

• Stay upwind from spill.

• Restrict access to spill area to those involved in initial containment.

• Note any geographic hazards (cliffs, fast-moving water, ditches, etc.).

• Consider the need for the following: protective gear, decontamination, site control, and safety equipment.

• Gather any and all pertinent data (begin evaluation).

SITE ENTRY

Immediately after the initial site entry, a more detailed evaluation of the site’s specific characteristics is completed in 

order to further identify existing hazards and aid in the selection of appropriate PPE.

Below are three levels of protection for entry into varying conditions listed in descending order of protection. It is required to consult with a “competent person” for job specific PPE requirements. (Note: The recommended levels below 

reflect a 12-hour shift. All employees must have had the necessary training pertaining to their tasks prior to entering 

any site. In addition, these guidelines are for crude oil and petroleum spills; other criteria apply to hazmat spills).

1. Entry by one or more workers with SCBA and a single backup observer also equipped with SCBA is allowed under 

the following conditions:

• Oxygen atmospheric concentration is less than 23.5%.

• LEL percentage is less than 10% as measured by a calibrated direct-reading hand-held instrument.

2. Entry with full-face air purifying respirator and organic vapor cartridges is allowed by any number of workers without 

backup observers under all of the following conditions:

• Oxygen atmospheric concentration is between 19.5% and 23.5%.

• LEL percentage is less than 3%.

• Total hydrocarbon concentration is less than 500 ppm.

• H2S air concentration is less than 10 ppm.

• Benzene air concentration is less than 10 ppm.

• Normal natural or mechanical ventilation is available.

• No visible mist or fog of oil present.

TACTIC S-1 Site Entry Procedures (Page 1 of 4) Site Entry Procedures (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC S-1
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3. Entry with half-face air purifying respirator and organic vapor cartridges is allowed by any number of workers without 

backup observers under all of the following conditions: 

• Oxygen atmospheric concentration is between 19.5% and 23.5%.

• LEL percentage is less than 3%.

• Total hydrocarbon concentration is less than 500 ppm.

• H2S air concentration is less than 10 ppm.

• Benzene air concentration is less than 3 ppm.

• Normal natural or mechanical ventilation is available.

• No visible mist or fog of oil present.

4. Entry without respiratory protection is allowed for any work required under all of the following conditions:

• Oxygen atmospheric concentration is between 19.5% and 23.5%.

• LEL percentage is less than 3%.

• Total hydrocarbon concentration is less than 50 ppm. 

• H2S air concentration is less 10 ppm.

• Benzene air concentration is less than 0.3 ppm.

• Normal natural or mechanical ventilation is available.

• No visible mist or fog of oil is present.

Note: In environments with excess dust and debris, an organic vapor / particulate filter is recommended (OV/HEPA)

DOCUMENTATION

Careful and complete documentation of planning, procedures, and implementation of spill response activities is critical for two main reasons. Federal OSHA and State of Alaska DOSH regulations require certain record-keeping. Also, 

knowing what’s been done in the past can help prevent problems and increase cleanup and safety effectiveness in the 

future. The following records should be available either on site or in personnel files:

• Initial site assessment information

• Site safety plan

• Personnel training records

• Site safety briefings

• Paperwork for exposure badges and air monitoring logs

• Accident reports

• Medical monitoring records

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

CONSIDER ALL SPILLS TO BE HAZARDOUS: 

• Always approach a spill from an upwind direction.

• Avoid direct or indirect body contact with the spilled material.

• Remove all potential ignition sources from immediate area.

• Shut down all powered equipment until Safety Officer approves operation.

• Restrict access to spill area to those involved in initial containment and cleanup activity.

• Do not approach materials producing gases or vapors until identification is possible and hazards are known.

• Maintain constant observation of personnel for indications of hypothermia and/or frostbite.

• Follow procedures to avoid slips, trips, and falls, especially in ice and snow conditions.

IF A PROFESSIONAL OPINION IS NEEDED CALL THE IH OR SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

• A trained person using properly calibrated equipment must conduct air monitoring.

• If permissible entry conditions change outside of allowable criteria during entry, the entry must be terminated.

• If a worker is splashed with crude oil, remove clothing and wash affected skin area.

• If eyes are splashed rinse for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REQUIRED FOR RESPONDERS TO A CRUDE OIL RELEASE:

• Appropriate respiratory equipment (see above)

• Appropriate gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber, or Viton), boots, and full-body-covering suits (Level A, B, C)

• Safety glasses or goggles

• Hard hat

• Appropriate dress for cold weather, as necessary 

• Steel-toed footwear or arctic boots in cold weather; ice cleats as necessary

• Fire-retardant clothing if within 50 feet of a process area

• Personal flotation devices, as necessary

TACTIC S-1 Site Entry Procedures (Page 3 of 4) Site Entry Procedures (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC S-1
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC S-2 Site Safety Plan Form (Page 1 of 2) Site Safety Plan Form (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC S-2
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

LEVEL A LEVEL B LEVEL C LEVEL D

EQUIPMENT

LEVEL A

• SCBA, or positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with escape SCBA 

• Totally encapsulating chemical-protective suit with vapor barrier

• Coveralls*

• Long underwear*

• Gloves, outer, chemical resistant

• Gloves, inner, chemical resistant

• Boots, chemical resistant, steel toe and shank

• Hard hat (under suit)*

• Disposable protective suit, gloves and boots (may be worn over or under encapsulating suit depending 

on suit design)

LEVEL B

• SCBA, or positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with escape SCBA

• Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket coveralls; one- or two-piece 

chemical splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls). May also be encapsulating.

• Coveralls*

• Gloves, outer, chemical resistant

• Gloves, inner, chemical resistant

• Boots, chemical resistant, steel toe and shank

• Boot covers, outer, chemical resistant, disposable*

• Hard hat*

• Face shield*

LEVEL C

• Full-face or half-mask air-purifying respirators with appropriate cartridges

• Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls; two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemicalresistant overalls.)

• Coveralls*

• Gloves, outer, chemical resistant

• Gloves, inner, chemical resistant

• Boots, chemical resistant, steel toe and shank

• Boot covers, outer, chemical resistant, disposable*

• Hard hat*

• Escape mask*

• Face shield*

LEVEL D

• Coveralls

• Gloves*

• Boots/shoes, chemical resistant, steel toe and shank

• Boots, outer, chemical resistant, disposable*

• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles

• Hard hat

• Escape mask*

• Face shield*

* Optional

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect workers from safety and health 

hazards and prevent injury resulting from incorrect use and/or malfunction of equipment. In 

general, the greater the level of risk, the greater the level of PPE required. PPE includes:

• Respirators: SCBA, air-purifying respirator

• Full body covering including nitrile, butyl rubber, or Viton gloves and boots

• Safety glasses or goggles

• Hard hat

• Cold weather gear, including steel-toed footwear or arctic boots

• Hearing protection

PPE is divided into four categories based on the level of personal protection afforded. 

• Level A provides the greatest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection.

• Level B offers the highest level of respiratory protection but lesser level of skin protection 

(e.g., skin protection is required for exposure to liquids but not vapor).

• Level C is used when concentrations and types of airborne substances are known and 

the criteria for using air-purifying respirators are met.

• Level D consists of work clothing affording minimal protection, used for nuisance contamination only.

Most spill-site workers will use Levels C and D. 

TACTIC S-3 Identifying Required Personal Protection (Page 1 of 4) Identifying Required Personal Protection (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC S-3
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

GUIDELINES FOR PPE

RESPIRATORY:

A NIOSH approved air purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge may be used under conditions 

where airborne concentrations are expected to exceed permissible exposure limits. All employees need to 

be fit tested for the particular brand and model they will be expected to use.

A Respiratory Protection program that meets OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements must 

be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator’s use.

SKIN:

The use of gloves impervious to the specific material handled is advised to prevent skin contact, possible 

irritation, absorption, and skin damage.

Recommended Use: Depending on conditions the use of aprons and or arm covers may be necessary. 

Note: These are just recommendations; each company may purchase and use their PPE of choice. Below 

is a simple guideline for petroleum PPE selection. It is still necessary for a “competent person” to determine 

PPE usage for each specific response incident. Surgical grade gloves are not a recommended substitution 

for industrial use chemical protective gloves. Read the manufacturers recommended application before using any product. 

GLOVE MATERIAL GENERAL USES

Butyl

Offers the highest resistance to permeation by most gases and water 

vapor. Especially suitable for use with esters and ketones. Poor for 

aliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, and 

gasoline.

Neoprene Good for acids and bases, peroxides, fuels, hydrocarbons, alcohols, 

phenols. Poor for halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons

Nitrile

Excellent general duty glove. Provides protection from a wide variety 

of solvents, oils, petroleum products, and some corrosives. Excellent 

resistance to cuts, snags, punctures, and abrasions

PVC

Provides excellent abrasion resistance and protection from most fats, 

acids, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Poor for most organics (consult 

a competent person prior to use).

PVA

Highly impermeable to gases. Excellent protection from aromatic 

and chlorinated solvents. Cannot be used in water or water-based 

solutions.

Viton Exceptional resistance to chlorinated and aromatic solvents. Good 

resistance to cuts and abrasions.

Silver Shield Resists a wide variety of toxic and hazardous chemicals. Provides 

the highest level of overall chemical resistance.

4H Same as Silver Shield, but offers better dexterity.

Natural (Latex) rubber Good for very dilute acids and bases. Poor for organics (consult a 

competent person prior to use).

EYE/FACE:

Approved eye protection to safeguard against potential eye contact, irritation, or injury is recommended. 

Depending on conditions the use of a face shield over safety glasses or goggles may be necessary.

OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

It is recommended that protective clothing be worn when skin contact is possible such as:

• Tyvek (light duty clean up)

• Saranex

• Dupont level “B” 

It is required to consult with a “competent person” for job specific PPE requirements. Eye wash and quick 

drench shower facilities should be available in the work area. Thoroughly clean shoes and wash contaminated 

clothing before reuse. 

TACTIC S-3 Identifying Required Personal Protection (Page 3 of 4) Identifying Required Personal Protection (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC S-3
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Control boundaries must be established for any spill site to ensure that people are not exposed to the spilled substance: 

• Exclusion or Hot Zone — Control zone perimeter established by the Safety Officer 

where pre-site entry and site entry procedures are applied (see Tactics S-1 and S-2)

• Contamination Reduction or Warm Zone — Workers shed contaminated clothing; 

allows for equipment and personnel decontamination.

• Support or Cold Zone — No contamination. Zone has support facilities, staging area, 

warm-up trailer, and mobile command post.

Check-out 

station

PERSONNEL DECON CORRIDOR

PERSONNEL ACCESS/CORRIDOR

EQUIPMENT DECON CORRIDOR

EQUIPMENT ACCESS/CORRIDOR

HOT ZONE

(Exclusion Zone)

WARM ZONE (Contamination Reduction Zone)COLD ZONE

(Support Zone)

SPILL SITE

Exit

Pit

Mobile Unit

Check-in 

station

Entrance

Check-out 

station

Exit

Check-in 

station

Entrance Equipment

parking area

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

See Tactic L-2 for additional support equipment.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, 

prepare it for operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it 

operational for its intended use at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which 

may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 7

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 4

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFFSHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Dry Decon Unit All Decontamination 1 4 1 hr 1 hr

Wet Decon Unit EOA, KRU, WOA, 

Alpine Decontamination 1 4 1 hr 1 hr

Decon Pits ACS, KRU Decontamination 2 3 initial 1 hr 1 hr

Portable Decon Berms All Decontamination <10 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Manual Decon Equipment 

(e.g., scrub brushes, 

sorbents, sprayers, etc.)

All Decontamination — — 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Water Truck All Water 1 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Vacuum Truck All Wastewater removal 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1

2 for initial setup,

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

TACTIC S-4 Site Layout (Page 1 of 2) Site Layout (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC S-4
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

% %

It is critical that workers know what substances comprise a spill so they can take appropriate precautions. While 

the initial assessment and entry are done by a trained Safety Officer, it is important for all workers to be familiar 

with the process and equipment used to assess and monitor the hazardous materials at a spill site.

When the potential for both known and unknown hazards exists, air monitoring procedures must be followed. 

1. Monitor with direct-reading test equipment (i.e., combustible gas meters, flame ionization and photoionization detectors) for IDLH conditions, oxygen deficiency, explosive atmosphere, and toxic substances.

2. Implement on-going air monitoring. Continuous monitoring is important since conditions can change due 

to spill progression, weather and other factors.

Gas instruments: Safety Officer uses these to determine site entry and PPE needed:

1. Multi-gas instrument: “four gas” — Monitors oxygen, LEL, H2S and carbon monoxide

2. Single gas instrument — e.g., H2S

3. Chip measurement system (CMS) meter

Photoionization Detector (PID): Used to detect total hydrocarbons and in some cases, specific chemicals 

such as benzene. Accuracy + 5%.

Colorimetric Tubes: Used to detect specific chemicals and levels of toxicity. Portable. No power needed. Accuracy + 30%.

Personal Monitor Badge: Worn by the individual to check exposure to certain chemicals; record required.

ACS has a calibration, inspection, and maintenance program for the above equipment.

PERSONAL MONITOR 

BADGE

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT SINGLE-GAS INSTRUMENT COLORIMETRIC TUBE

PHOTOIONIZATION 

DETECTOR (PID) EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• During monitoring operations, if the instrument operator is uncertain of the signif﻿icance of a reading, especially if 

conditions could be unsafe, a technical specialist should be consulted immediately. Consideration should be given 

to withdrawing personnel from the area until the Safety Officer’s approval is given to continue operations.

• Methanol is present in most of the chemicals used in the oil fields. Examples include scale inhibitor and corrosion 

inhibitor.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, 

prepare it for operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it 

operational for its intended use at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which 

may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF >1, increasing incrementally

 with the size of the incident

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Single-Gas Instrument All Testing 1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Multi-Gas Instrument All Testing 1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Draeger Tubes All Testing 1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Personal Monitor Badge All Testing 1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

PID All Testing 1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Portable GC All Testing 1 1 1 hr 1 hr

MONITORING 

EQUIPMENT HAZARD LEVEL ACTION

Oxygen Meter No O2

 or too 

much O2

<19.5%

19.5-23.5%

>23.5%

Monitor wearing SCBA with escape bottle. NOTE: combustible 

gas readings not valid in atmospheres <19.5% oxygen.

Continue monitoring with caution. SCBA not needed based 

only on oxygen content.

STOP monitoring. Fire potential! Consult 

specialist.

Combustible Gas Explosion >10% LEL Withdraw immediately!!!!

H2

S Meter Presence of 

H2

S

>10 ppm Use SCBA and have emergency escape 

breathing apparatus (5 min. minimum).

PID Total 

Hydrocarbons

>500 ppm

>50 to <500ppm

SCBA required.

Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges.

PID Benzene >10 ppm

<10 ppm

<3 ppm

<0.3 ppm

SCBA required.

Full-face air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges.

Half-face air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges.

Continue monitoring with caution.

PID or 

Colorimetric 

Tubes

Xylene >100 ppm

<100 ppm

Full-face air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges.

Continue monitoring with caution.

Colorimetric 

Tubes

Methanol >200 ppm

<200 ppm

SCBA required.

Continue monitoring with caution.

Colorimetric 

Tubes or CMS 

Meter

Organic, 

inorganic 

gases, vapors 

Depends on 

chemical

Consult reference manuals for air 

concentration vs. toxicity data

CHIP MEASUREMENT 

SYSTEM (CMS) METER

TACTIC S-5 Air Monitoring for Personal Protection (Page 1 of 2) Air Monitoring for Personal Protection (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC S-5
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

Decontamination involves the removal of oil or other contaminants from personnel or equipment 

after they leave the spill zone. The purposes of decontamination are to:

• Minimize worker contact with contaminants.

• Prevent spread of contaminants to clean areas and exposure to personnel there.

• Remove contaminants from equipment to allow its reuse.

Site classification zones (cold, warm, hot) must be established prior to setting up the decon area. 

A decon area must be established before response personnel enter the exclusion zone (hot zone). 

Decon methods should be determined according to the contaminant, PPE used, and environmental 

conditions at the time (temperature, location, etc.). An appropriate level of PPE should be worn 

by decon personal to avoid contaminating themselves. All decontamination areas will provide an 

effective method of decon such as:

• Dilution

• Absorption

• Chemical degradation

• Isolation and disposal

HOT ZONE COLD ZONE

WARM ZONE

ENTRY CORRIDOR

Station 1

Tool/Equipment

Drop

Station 2

Gross

Decontamination

Station 3

Rinse

Visqueen

Pail

Rinse Sprayer

Salvage Drum

Cone

LEGEND

Tub Portable

Containment Dike

Station 4

Protective Clothing

Removal

SCBA Change

Station 5

Redress

Initial EMS

treatment

Accident/injury event

Life-saving 

procedures required?

Contaminants

extremely hazardous?

Report to superiors

for instructions

Perform

life-saving procedures

Decontaminate as

much as possible

Grossly decontaminate and/or

cover or wrap contaminated areas

Additional emergency

care required?

Transport to 

medical facility

Further medical

attention/survelliance

required?

YES

NO

YES NO

NO

YES

YES

NO

DECISION CHART FOR EMERGENCY DECONTAMINATION

EXAMPLE DECONTAMINATION AREA

The decontamination plan must be part of the site health and safety plan.

The decontamination zone is the control point for personnel entering and leaving the spill area. Important 

issues for decon setup include the following:

• Containment, collection, disposal of contaminated solutions and wastes generated from decon.

• Separate decon setups for heavy equipment and machinery to prevent cross-contamination of 

personnel.

• Separation of decon stations to prevent personnel cross-contamination.

• Distinct entry and exit points, and physically separated entry paths into contaminated area from 

clean area and vice versa.

• Procedures for minimum decon for restroom use and medical emergencies.

• Location of medical/first aid stations to avoid exposure to contaminants.

TACTIC S-6 Decontamination (Page 1 of 10) Decontamination (Page 2 of 10) TACTIC S-6
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

Establish decon work practices to minimize contact with hazardous materials:

• Stress extra steps to avoid contact with or handling of contaminants.

• Wrap sampling/monitoring equipment in disposable see-through plastic bags.

• Use disposable protective clothing and equipment [personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical-protective 

clothing (CPC)] where possible.

• Use strippable coatings for equipment where possible.

• Use double containerization of contaminated wastes and recovered materials (e.g., plastic liners in overpack 

drums).

• Inspect all CPC for cuts, tears, punctures, abrasions, and other signs of deterioration.

• Assure proper fastening and sealing of CPC and PPE.

• First-stage decon personnel must wear same, or one lower, level of PPE as cleanup workers.

Resources required for decon and decon setup will depend on the following:

• Availability of potable water, electric power, and waste disposal.

• Mobilization time and duration of site activities.

• Level and type of cleanup and response activity expected at site, and site conditions.

• Available space for decon setup and location requirements for decon line.

• Health hazards presented by contaminants at cleanup/response site.

• Need for additional controls (e.g., vapor diffusion/dispersion, movement/transfer of gross waste).

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

LEVEL A DECON

18 19

6 5 4 3 2 1

Start

HOT ZONE

COLD ZONE

WARM ZONE

Segregated

Equipment Drop

Boot Cover &

Glove Wash

Tape

Removal

Boot Cover &

Glove Rinse

Boot Cover

Removal

Suit / Safety

Boot Wash

Suit / Safety

Tank Change Boot Rinse

and Redress—Boot Cover/

Outer Gloves

Safety Boot

Removal

Fully Encapsulating Suit

& Hard Hat Removal

SCBA Backpack

Removal

Inner Glove

Wash

Inner Glove

Rinse

Face Piece

Removal

Inner Glove

Removal

Inner Clothing

Removal

Field

Wash Redress

Outer Glove

Removal

7

9 8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

WIND DIRECTION

20° 20°

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, 

prepare it for operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it 

operational for its intended use at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which 

may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 6

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Wash Tubs All Decontamination >3 6 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Portable Decon Berm All Decontamination >4 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Galvanized Bucket All Decontamination >2 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Sprayer All Decontamination >2 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Salvage Drum All Decontamination >2 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Traffic Cone All Designate decon area >4 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Caution Tape All Designate decon area >2 rolls — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Visqueen All Decon area >1 roll — 1 hr 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME 

DEPLOY 

TIME

Oily Waste Dumpster North Slope 

Borough Waste receptacle 1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination 1

2 for initial setup, and 

1 to check and fuel 

occasionally

1 hr 1 hr

TACTIC S-6 Decontamination (Page 3 of 10) Decontamination (Page 4 of 10) TACTIC S-6
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

17 18

6 5 4 3 2 1

Start

HOT ZONE

COLD ZONE

WARM ZONE

Segregated

Equipment Drop

Boot Cover &

Glove Wash

Tape

Removal

Boot Cover &

Glove Rinse

Boot Cover

Removal

Suit / Safety

Boot Wash

Suit / Safety

Boot Rinse Canister or

Mask Change

and Redress—Boot Cover/

Outer Gloves

Safety Boot

Removal

Splash Suit

Removal

Inner Glove

Wash

Inner Glove

Rinse

Face Piece

Removal

Inner Glove

Removal

Inner Clothing

Removal

Field

Wash Redress

Outer Glove

Removal

7

9 8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

WIND DIRECTION

20° 20°

LEVEL B DECON

18 19

6 5 4 3 2 1

Start

HOT ZONE

COLD ZONE

WARM ZONE

Segregated

Equipment Drop

Boot Cover &

Glove Wash

Tape

Removal

Boot Cover &

Glove Rinse

Boot Cover

Removal

Suit / Safety

Boot Wash

Suit/SCBA/Boot/Glove

Tank Change Rinse

and Redress—Boot Cover/

Outer Gloves

Safety Boot

Removal

SCBA Backpack

Removal

Spash Suit

Removal

Inner Glove

Wash

Inner Glove

Rinse

Face Piece

Removal

Inner Glove

Removal

Inner Clothing

Removal

Field

Wash Redress

Outer Glove

Removal

7

9 8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

WIND DIRECTION

20° 20°

LEVEL C DECON

TACTIC S-6 Decontamination (Page 5 of 10) Decontamination (Page 6 of 10) TACTIC S-6
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 11/04

LEVEL C — MINIMUM DECON

WIND DIRECTION

HOT ZONE WARM ZONE

Equipment

Drop

Cartridge

or Canister

Change-over

Point

Can

(10 gallon)

Decon Outer

Garments

Remove

Boot Covers

& Outer Gloves

Can

(32 gallon)

20°

20°

Remove

Boots/Gloves &

Outer Garments

for Disposal

& Off-Site

Decontamination

Remove

Mask

Plastic

Sheet

Decon

Solution

Redress: Boot Covers &

Outer Gloves

Water

Optional

LEVEL C AND D — PARTIAL DECON

WIND DIRECTION

HOT ZONE WARM ZONE

DESIGNATED BREAK AREA

20° 

20° 

Equipment

Drop

Plastic

Sheet

Remove Gloves and 

Other Contaminated 

Gear That Might 

Contact Skin or 

Clothing

(Hang or lay gear to 

avoid contamination of 

clean side.)

Redress

(Take care to avoid 

contaminating 

exposed skin or clean 

clothing.)

Clean Hands, Face, 

and Other Exposed 

Areas

(Use soap and water, 

Handiwipes, or 

waterless hand 

cleaner.)

It is not feasible for workers to fully decontaminate each time they take a break from work 

activity. However, it is necessary that certain gear be removed so that contamination is not 

spread to clean areas. Hands and other exposed skin must be cleaned so the contamination 

is not ingested or spread to protected parts of the body or clothing.

Before eating, taking a break, or similar activities, workers should move to the designated 

break area and partially decontaminate. During the break, take extra care to prevent contamination of unprotected clothing and skin.

TACTIC S-6 Decontamination (Page 7 of 10) Decontamination (Page 8 of 10) TACTIC S-6
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 11/04 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 11/04

Wet/Dry Personnel Decon Van

Personnel leaving Hot Zone enter

this unit to be deconned prior to

entering the Warm Zone.

Decon/Spill Buster Unit

Supplies:

• Electrical power; 240 volt, 1 phase, 25 KW

• High pressure, hot water washing (equip decon)

• Indirect fired heater

• Vikoma Powervac

• Quartz lighting (up to 5,000 watts)

Portable Decon Pit

Used to decontaminate equipment prior to 

leaving the Hot Zone. Berm is collapsible 

allowing equipment to drive over the berm 

and simply drive through.

Entrance

Personnel entering Hot Zone

must enter here, and are suited

up in the proper PPE.

Decon desk Dressing bench/storage area

Liner

Foam berms EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION

HOT ZONE COLD ZONE

PERSONNEL DRESSING AREA

KUPARUK DECON

HOT ZONE COLD ZONE

WARM ZONE

E F G

A B

Sink

Shower

Shower / Drain Area

GROSS DECON AREA

ENTRY CORRIDOR

Clean

Room

Exit

Change

Room

Exit

Decon

Entry

Entry

Bell

Patient Table

Bench

Generator

Water Heater

Furnace

Air Unit

H

I

C

PRUDHOE BAY EOA DECON

HOT ZONE COLD ZONE

WARM ZONE

Storage

Storage

Storage Storage

Press.

Bench

Bench

Bench

Area #2 Area #1

GROSS DECON AREA

Area #3

Bench

ACS DECON

TACTIC S-6 Decontamination (Page 9 of 10) Decontamination (Page 10 of 10) TACTIC S-6
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

If required, vessels leaving a work site may be decontaminated. Vessel decontamination at remote 

sites may be performed adjacent to a floating platform. Sufficient length of boom to surround 

the vessel being decontaminated is deployed prior to the decontamination process. Boom and 

absorbent material are used to contain the oil. Decontaminating procedures may include vacuuming, pressure washing or hand-wiping the vessel’s hull. Source water may be used to rinse 

the vessel’s hull. As necessary, the decontamination procedures may be repeated to assure a 

clean hull and deck.

Whenever possible, hand wiping should be conducted as the initial gross decontamination procedure. Efforts should be made to minimize impacts to the environment by limiting, where possible, 

the use of decontamination methods that result in the re-introduction of oil and/or introduction of 

rinsate into the water.

A citrus-based cleaning agent approved by ADEC may also be used. Prior to using a specific 

cleaning agent, for the gross decontamination of vessels on water, where there is potential for 

introduction of the agent into the water, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for that product 

must be provided to ADEC for review and approval.

Remaining oily residues may be absorbed with sorbents or a recovery system. All recovered oil 

is stored in suitable containers. 

All waste from the decontamination process is transported to a permitted disposal facility. The 

disposal facility is designated in the incident waste management plan.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

Resources required for decon and decon setup depend on the following:

• Availability of potable water, electric power, and waste disposal.

• Mobilization time and duration of site activities.

• Level and type of cleanup and response activity expected at site, and site conditions.

• Available space for decon setup and location requirements for decon line.

• Health hazards presented by contaminants at cleanup/response site.

• Need for additional controls (e.g., vapor diffusion/dispersion, movement/transfer of gross waste).

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, 

prepare it for operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it 

operational for its intended use at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which 

may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 6 

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Water Truck All Water source 2 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Upright Tank KRU, Alpine Water Source 1 2 2 hr 1 hr

Steam Cleaning Unit Removing oil 1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Sorbents, oily waste bags, 

cleaning agents, etc.

All Removing oil Variable 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Trash Pump (2-inch) All Flushing oil 1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Flushing oil >20 ft — 2 hr 1 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Flushing oil >20 ft — 2 hr 1 hr

Workboat All Tend and deploy boom; 

serve as work platform

1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Boom All Surround vessel being 

decontaminated

Variable — 1 hr 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME 

DEPLOY 

TIME

Oily Waste Dumpster North Slope 

Borough Waste receptacle 1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination 1

2 for initial setup, and 

1 to check and fuel 

occasionally

1 hr 1 hr

or

TACTIC S-7 Gross Decontamination of Vessels (Page 1 of 2) Gross Decontamination of Vessels (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC S-7
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Each spring, the nearshore Beaufort Sea in the area of ACS operations experiences a phenomenon called “overflood” at the mouths of the major streams. As the ice in the upper reaches of the 

streams thaws before the lower reaches, water from these streams flows out over the nearshore 

landfast ice This condition can be hazardous to personnel trying to conduct spill response operations from airboats. The ice under the overflood can be unstable under the weight of the water.

During overflood conditions, personnel should make every attempt to conduct spill response 

operations while staying onboard the vessels. If it is absolutely necessary for personnel to be on 

the ice, the following controls should be considered:

• Ice conditions evaluated by a competent individual approved by the On-Scene Commander 

(A competent individual is someone who through knowledge, training, and experience has 

the ability to identify existing and predictable hazards relating to deteriorating ice conditions.)

• Evaluation of weather conditions

• Experienced people only, as approved by the On-Scene Commander

• Lightweight dry suits

• Personal flotation devices

• Harness with tether (man in boat tending line)

• Appropriate footwear (as dictated by specific conditions)

• At least two vessels in the immediate vicinity

• Post-immersion care facility immediately available (warm area, blankets, etc.)

• Emergency medical assistance immediately available

• An immerse evacuation plan will be communicated to all personnel.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The use of cleated footwear. and dry work suits is recommended.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, 

prepare it for operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it 

operational for its intended use at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which 

may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Lightweight Dry Suit ACS Body protection >6 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Personal Flotation Device All Life saving >6 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Harness with Tether All Life saving >6 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Footwear ACS Traction and foot 

protection

>6 pair — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Airboat All Transportation and safety >2 2 to 3 per boat 1 hr 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME 

DEPLOY 

TIME

Shelter ACS, Endicott, 

EOA, WOA, Alpine, 

Kuparuk

Warmup/break 2 2 initial* 1 hr* 1 hr

Heater All Heat >1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Bank All Illumination >1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Medical Equipment All Life saving 1 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

ICE

*Warmup trailers require 2 staff to set up and 0.5 hr to deploy; Weatherports required 3 staff to set up and 1 hour to deploy. 

TACTIC S-8 Safety During Operations in Overflood Conditions (Page 1 of 2) Safety During Operations in Overflood Conditions (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC S-8
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC C-1 Containment Using Snow Berm (Page 1 of 2) Containment Using Snow Berm (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-1

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

A snow berm is built around the areas of heaviest oiling to contain oil or diesel spilled to tundra and/or ice in winter. 

A Challenger rubber-tracked bulldozer drives around the spill with its blade angled towards the spill, pushing snow 

into a berm. Once the perimeter has been covered with an initial berm, the dozer shores up areas, as necessary.

A front-end loader could also be used to build a berm, and a Bobcat can be used to access areas the large frontend loader or Challenger cannot reach.

Tundra

Lake Ice

Gravel Pad

Heavily Oiled

Lightly Oiled

Challenger

Bobcat

Loader

Snow Berm

CHALLENGER

CAT

SUPPORT

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A Challenger can build an initial snow berm around the largest tank spill within an hour. Any shoring would take 

3 hours or less.

• Normally, a front-end loader can build a snow berm on a pad within 1 hour.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The Challenger dozer is the most efficient piece of equipment in snow berm construction, and can access tundra and ice-covered lakes. If insufficient snow cover exists, front-end loaders would provide the Challenger with 

snow.

• When working with equipment around or near flowlines, add a spotter to each front-end loader and Challenger.

• When ice-reinforced, snow berms are useful to contain oil that melts out during breakup.

• A civil work permit from the operator is required for all work on owner-company pads.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

or

* Alpine and Western Geophysical have 1 Challenger with blade and Caribou Construction has 6. Western 

Geo’s and Caribou’s Challengers are normally out with seismic crews in winter and would not be available for 

at least 24 hours.

TOTAL STAFF 1

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Challenger Dozer KRU, EOA, Alpine, 

Western 

Geophysical, and 

Caribou 

Construction*

Snow berm 

construction

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader All Snow berm 

construction

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Bobcat EOA, ACS, KRU, 

Alpine

As needed 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Alpine

Transport Challenger 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Tioga Heaters All Heat >1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial set-up, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-2 Deflection Booming at a Culvert (Page 1 of 2) Deflection Booming at a Culvert (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-2

Culvert

Road

Anchor

Anchor

Slow 

Water Flow

Flow

Anchor

Connect Booms

Booms

Fast

Water Flow

Multiple Chevrons Diversionary Deflection

Boom is deployed in either chevron or diversionary configurations to deflect oil from mouth 

of culvert to collection sites along the road. This technique is especially useful when there 

is sheet flow across the frozen tundra. At that time, there is often a violent whirlpool at the 

upstream opening of a culvert, with lighter currents off to the sides. Blocking the culvert would 

be inadvisable because of the likelihood of washing out the road. Deadmen are typically 

used for anchors on the road, and collected oil can be directly pumped to a vacuum truck 

on the road.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

• The speed of the current perpendicular to the boom must be maintained at 3/4 knot or less to prevent oil loss.

• Number and configuration of booms depend on flow rate and number of collection sites. With any boom system, 

do not assume 100% containment with one system.

• An assortment of skimmers can be used alongside the roadway. When selecting a skimmer, consideration must 

be given to oil viscosity, available capacity, and volume of oil to be recovered.

SUPPORT

FLOW

ANGLE

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

or

 TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 6

TOTAL STAFF TO MONITOR AND SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3 

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO.

 STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat All Containment 2

6 1 hr

3 hr

Ropes & Pulleys All Boom positioning Variable

Boom All Deflection booming > 50'

Anchor System All Anchor booming > 2 3 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Bed Truck All Transport 

equipment

1 1 1 hr 0

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

CURRENT

(knots)

CURRENT

(ft/second)

BOOM ANGLE RELATIVE TO CURRENT 

REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPONENT OF 

CURRENT <3/4 KNOT

1.5 2.5 30° to 42°

1.75 2.9 25° to 35°

2.0 3.4 22° to 30°

2.25 3.8 19° to 26°

2.5 4.2 17° to 24°

2.75 4.6 16° to 21°

3.0 5.0 15° to 19°
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC C-3 Culvert Blocking (Page 1 of 2) Culvert Blocking (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-3

Culvert

Road

Block

Current

Culvert Culvert Culvert Plug

Culvert Plugs

(for 6" to 40" diameter

culverts)

Sheet Metal or Plywood

w/sandbags & Visqueen

Adjustable

A culvert is blocked using sheet metal, plywood barriers, or inflatable culvert plugs. Use a full 

block only when the culvert will be blocked for the entire cleanup operation, if the oil floating 

on the water will not contaminate additional soil or tundra, and if blocking the water flow will 

not threaten the road. Otherwise, an adjustable weir should be used.

Plywood and/or sandbags can also be used as culvert blocks, but are more labor-intensive and 

pose a higher potential for injury. A wood block may require a headwall with kickers oriented 

to support the boards or plywood. Place the blocking materials over the upstream end of the 

culvert. Plastic sheeting over the outside of the block will prevent oil penetration.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Appropriate during breakup and summer when the flow to the culvert is small enough so that the road won’t be 

washed out.

• Also can be used if high-volume pumps are available to pump water over the road to the other side of the culvert.

• When working with equipment around or near flow lines, a spotter must be added to each front-end loader or 

Challenger dozer.

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

or

or

*Number of personnel depends on number of sandbags needed.

**The recovery team would conduct monitoring and sustain operations.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >2**

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Visqueen All Containment >10 ft 2 1 hr 1 hr

Inflatable Culvert Plugs ACS, WOA, Alpine Containment 1 2 1 hr 2 hr

Sheet Metal or Plywood 

Barriers

All Containment 1 2 2 hr 2 hr

Sandbags ACS, EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Alpine

Containment >10 >6* 2 hr 2 hr

Gravel — Containment — — — —

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Air Compressor All Inflate culvert plugs 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader All Unload sandbags 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Flatbed Truck All Transport sandbags 1 1 1 hr 0
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC C-4 Barriers on Land (Page 1 of 2) Barriers on Land (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-4

Barrier to isolate heavy

oil to prevent migration

Heavily Oiled

Lightly Oiled

Water

Gravel or Tundra Berm

Large Diameter Hose Shore Seal Boom

Trench

Oil

Trench

Ditchwitch

or Backhoe

Gravel Berm

Sandbags Oil

Oil

Air-filled

Water Water-filled

Water

Water

A containment berm can be constructed of available materials such as earth, gravel, or snow. Use earthmoving equipment or manual labor to construct the berm. Form the materials into a horseshoe shape 

ahead of the flow of oil. Use plastic sheeting to line the walls of a soil berm to prevent oil penetration. 

Because of the sorbent quality of snow, it makes an excellent berm for both containment and recovery. A snow berm 

can be strengthened by spraying it with a fine water mist that forms an ice layer on top of the snow. Sandbags filled 

with sand or other heavy material also make excellent containment barriers.

Sorbent boom can be used when overland flows are relatively minor or in wetlands. The sorbent boom should be 

staked in place with stakes approximately 5 feet apart.

These barriers can serve to:

• Contain and stabilize a contaminated area

• Contain or divert oil on water or oil that has potential to migrate

• Create cells for recovery

• Block natural depressions to act as containment areas for recovery

An excavated trench or a berm on the tundra can also be used to intercept the flow of a spill or divert the flow 

around a sensitive area. Dig the trench at right angles to the flow of the spill. The trench should be angled slightly 

downslope (in the direction of surface flow) to avoid excessive pooling in the trench. Place excavated material on 

the downhill side of the trench. In areas with a low water table, line the sides and bottom of the trench with plastic 

sheeting or similar impermeable materials. Where the groundwater table is high, line the downhill side of the trench. 

The trench can be flooded with water to inhibit spill penetration into sediments and to stimulate flow toward the 

recovery device in the trench or pit.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Disposal of construction material should be taken into account before using this tactic.

• This tactic is appropriate for use with low flow and shallow water on pad or tundra. The least intrusive methods 

for building berms are preferred on tundra.

• Do not excavate where excavation will cause more damage than the spill. The Bobcat trimmer is the last option 

for trenching. A permit may be needed from the landowner.

• Before excavating in tundra, check for the presence of groundwater or permafrost. Do not excavate into frost-laden 

(cemented) soils, since disruption of the permafrost could accelerate thermal erosion. The depth of the trench 

is limited by the depth of the permafrost. A plastic liner or sheeting can be used on the walls of the soil or gravel 

berm to inhibit spill penetration into the soils or gravel.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• When working with equipment around or near flow lines, a spotter must be added to each front-end loader.

• A civil work permit from the operator is required for all work on owner-company pads.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• During summer, a backhoe can dig a ditch or trench 2 ft deep by 40 ft long in approximately 1 hour.

• During summer, a Bobcat trimmer can cut about 4 inches maximum depth per cut. For depths of more than 8 

inches, the trench must be as wide as the Bobcat.

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

or

or

or

or

*Number of personnel depends on number of sandbags needed.

**The recovery team would conduct monitoring and sustain operations.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >3**

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Visqueen All Containment >10 ft 2 1 hr 1 hr

Backhoe EOA, WOA, KRU, Peak, APC, 

AIC, Alpine

Trenching 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Bobcat w/Trimmer ACS, KRU, Alpine Trenching 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader 

w/Bucket

All Build Berms 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Hose (5-inch) KRU, Alpine Berm/Contain >1 ft 2 2 hr 1 hr

Shore Seal Boom ACS, KRU, MPU, Alpine Berm/Contain >50 ft >4 1 hr 1 hr

Sandbags ACS, KRU, EOA, WOA, Alpine Berm/Contain >10 >6* 2 hr 2 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport backhoe 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Fuel Truck All Fuel equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except

Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Water Truck All Spray snow berm 1 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Floating Pump and Blower ACS, KRU, MPU, Alpine Shore Seal inflation 1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Plywood All Walkway Variable 2 2 hr 2 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-5 Deflection or Exclusion Booming on Lake or Tundra (Page 1 of 2) Deflection or Exclusion Booming on Lake or Tundra (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-5

Tundra

Lake

Gravel Pad

Current

Deadman

During breakup and summer, lengths of conventional boom can be deployed on a lake or flooded tundra once there 

is enough open water available. The boom deployment techniques are the same as those in open water. 

The purpose of deflection booming is to divert oil to a collection point for removal with skimmers. It can also be used 

as exclusion booming to protect lengths of shoreline.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specif﻿ic 

personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• When working with equipment around or near flow lines, a spotter must be added to each front-end loader.

• A civil work permit from the operator is required for all work on owner company pads. 

• SUMMER CONSIDERATIONS:

– Equipment is same as for breakup (just make sure you’re not tearing up the tundra)

– Prop boats can be used

– Can use tundra berm or trench after thaw

• FREEZEUP CONSIDERATIONS:

– No ice under water in ponds

– Slush ice possible

– Consider tundra same as in summer

– Thin ice

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

SUPPORT

TOTAL STAFF 3

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom All Deflection booming >50 ft

3

1 hr

3 hr Work Boat ACS, KRU, EOA, 

Endicott, Alpine

Booming support 1 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchoring boom Variable 3 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except

Badami

Support Equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC C-6 Underflow Dam (Page 1 of 2) Underflow Dam (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-6

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

An underflow dam can be used when there is too much water flow to allow for a complete blockage of a drainage 

channel. The dam is built of earth, gravel, or other barriers such as sandbags or plywood sheets. Wherever possible, line the upstream side of the dam with plastic sheeting to prevent erosion and penetration of oil into the dam 

material.

Underflow dams use inclined pipes to move water downstream while leaving the spill contained behind the dam. 

The capacity of the pipe (or pipes) should exceed the stream flow rate. It may be necessary to use pumps.

Pipes must be placed on the upstream side of the dam, with the elevated end on the downstream side. Make sure 

that the upstream end of the pipe is submerged and below the oil/water interface. The height of the elevated downstream end of the pipe will determine the water level behind the dam.

Tundra

Small Stream Open Water

Oil

Dam

Pipe

Water

SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• When working with equipment around or near flowlines, add a spotter to each front-end loader and Challenger.

• Check dams periodically for leakage and integrity, replace eroded materials, and continually monitor the water/oil 

interface. Valved pipes, pumps, or number of siphons may require periodic adjustment to compensate for minor 

changes in stream flow.

• If sufficient underflow cannot be maintained or if excessive overflow occurs, additional dams downstream may 

be required.

• Gravel or topping may have to be added continually to the dam if erosion is a problem.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• Approval of State On-Scene Coordinator and ADF&G is necessary for civil work in anadromous fish streams, as 

well as a Title 16 permit from ADF&G.

• Damming of stream mouth may block fish passage. The dam must be removed immediately after it is no longer 

needed.

• Sandbags are labor-intensive and should be the last consideration.

• In larger streams, consider the use of bulk bags for dam construction.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

or

or

*Number of personnel depends on number of sandbags needed.

**The recovery team would conduct monitoring and sustain operations.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >3**

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Challenger Dozer EOA, KRU, Alpine Dam 

construction

1 (3 available 

on Slope)

1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader 

(with bucket and forks)

All Dam 

construction

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Sandbags

(bulk bags may be used)

ACS, KRU, WOA, 

EOA, Alpine

Dam Minimum 

quantity of fill

>6* 2 hr

2 hr

Plywood All Liner >1 2 2 hr

Visqueen

(reinforced)

All Dam 1 roll — 1 hr

Pipe, 6-inch or larger All Dam >20 ft >2 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport Challenger 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-7 Deadarm Trench on River Bank (Page 1 of 2) Deadarm Trench on River Bank (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-7

Current

Shore

Decant Pump

Boom

Oil Trench

Built-Out

Gravel Spit

Deadman

A natural or man-made deadarm trench can be used along the bank of a river to keep oil from migrating downstream 

from a spill on land. The deadarm will serve as a control point downstream of where the oil is entering the river. Deflection boom is deployed to help divert the oil into the deadarm, which may be lined with an impermeable liner.

In addition, the entry of oil at the mouth of the deadarm can be controlled with an adjustable weir.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

• The angle of the trench to current is important. Keep the current perpendicular to the boom at 3/4 knot or less.

• Oil will follow current along the shore.

• A Title 16 permit from ADF&G is required when digging trenches in river beds and river banks.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific 

personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

FLOW

ANGLE

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Nameplate capacity of 3-inch trash pump is 485 bbl/hr.

SUPPORT

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 7

TOTAL STAFF TO MONITOR AND SUSTAIN 3

BOOM CONFIGURATION DURING RECOVERY

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom All Diversion >50 ft

3

1 hr

3 hr

Work Boat All Booming support 1 1 hr

Backhoe EOA, WOA, KRU, Peak, 

AIC, APC, Alpine

Trenching 1 1 2 hr

Anchor System All Anchoring boom Variable 3 1 hr

Trash Pump

(3-inch)

All Decanting from trench 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose

(3-inch)

All Decanting from trench >20 ft 2 for setup 1 hr

Discharge Hose

(3-inch)

All Decanting from trench >50 ft — 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Haul backhoe 1 1 1 hr 0

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provides fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

CURRENT

(knots)

CURRENT

(ft/second)

BOOM ANGLE RELATIVE TO CURRENT 

REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPONENT OF 

CURRENT <3/4 KNOT

1.5 2.5 30° to 42°

1.75 2.9 25° to 35°

2.0 3.4 22° to 30°

2.25 3.8 19° to 26°

2.5 4.2 17° to 24°

2.75 4.6 16° to 21°

3.0 5.0 15° to 19°
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-8 Deflection Booming in Stream (Page 1 of 6) Deflection Booming in Stream (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-8

The object of stream booming is to remove oil from the fastest water and divert it to slower water. A stream can be boomed 

by deploying the boom either upstream or downstream. In either case, the boom is first set out on the stream bank. Before 

the boom is deployed, rig anchor points on the boom. The boom is attached to a shore anchor, and then the boom is either towed upstream to a midstream anchor point, or the boom is allowed to drift downstream with the current. Once the 

boom is set, intermediate anchors are set as needed to ensure that the boom maintains the proper configuration (remembering that the current perpendicular to the boom should not exceed 3/4 knot). Examples of deployment configurations 

follow.

Diversionary (single boom): A boom is deployed from one bank at an angle to the current and anchored midstream or on the opposite bank for diverting the oil to an eddy or other quiet-water collection point on the shoreline. 

Alternatively, a single long boom can be used in a multichannel stream to divert oil so that it stays in one channel.

Diversionary (cascade): Several booms are deployed in a cascade fashion when a single boom can’t be used 

because of a fast current or because it’s necessary to leave openings for boats to get through. This configuration 

can be used in strong currents where it is impossible or difficult to deploy one long boom. Shorter sections of boom 

used in a cascade deployment are easier to handle in fast water. However, more equipment is needed than when 

a single boom is used.

Moderate Current

Deadman

Deflection/Deversionary

Skimmer

Moderate Current

Deflection Booms

Deadman

Diversionary (Cascade)

Skimmer

DEFLECTION/DIVERSIONARY (SINGLE BOOM)

DIVERSIONARY (CASCADE)

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

• Since the speed of the current perpendicular to the boom must be maintained at 3/4 kt or less, the length of boom 

needed to stretch across a stream depends on the current. For a stream 100 ft across with a 1 kt current, a boom 

approximately 140 ft long is needed. If the current is 2 kt, the same stream would require 320 ft of boom. The 

speed of the current is not equal across the stream; the fastest water is with the deepest water. Oil moving in a 

stream will be entrained in the fastest water.

• The shortest length of boom available is 50 ft. Generally, the minimum length required to boom a river such as 

the Sagavanirktok or Kuparuk is 500 ft.

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil. 

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

SUPPORT

FLOW

ANGLE

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific 

personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom All Deflection booming >50 ft

6 for setup

3 to maintain

1 hr

Work Boat All Booming support 2 1 hr 3 hr

Anchor System All Anchoring boom Variable 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except 

Badami

Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

CURRENT

(knots)

CURRENT

(ft/second)

BOOM ANGLE RELATIVE TO CURRENT 

REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPONENT OF 

CURRENT <3/4 KNOT

1.5 2.5 30° to 42°

1.75 2.9 25° to 35°

2.0 3.4 22° to 30°

2.25 3.8 19° to 26°

2.5 4.2 17° to 24°

2.75 4.6 16° to 21°

3.0 5.0 15° to 19°
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-8 Deflection Booming in Stream (Page 3 of 6) Deflection Booming in Stream (Page 4 of 6) TACTIC C-8

Current

Current

Skimmer

Skimmer Deadman

Skimmer

Skimmer

Deadman

Chevron boom configurations are also for use in fast water. Two booms are deployed from an anchor in the middle 

of the stream and attached to each bank. A chevron configuration is used to break a slick for diversion to two or 

more collection areas. An open chevron can be used where boat traffic must be able to pass. (The two booms are 

anchored separately midstream, with one anchor point upstream or downstream of the other).

CLOSED CHEVRON

OPEN CHEVRON

SUPPORT

FLOW

ANGLE

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

• Since the speed of the current perpendicular to the boom must be maintained at 3/4 kt or less, the length of 

boom needed to stretch across a stream depends on the current. For a stream 100 ft across with a 1 kt current, 

a boom approximately 140 ft long is needed. If the current is 2 kt, the same stream would require 320 ft of boom. 

The speed of the current is not equal across the stream; the fastest water is with the deepest water. Oil moving 

in a stream will be entrained in the fastest water.

• The shortest length of boom available is 50 ft. Generally, the minimum length required to boom a river such as 

the Sagavanirktok or Kuparuk is 500 ft.

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil. 

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

*Recovery crews can assist with monitoring boom if necessary.

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom All Deflection booming >50 ft

9 for setup

3 to maintain*

1 hr

Work Boat All Booming support 3 1 hr 3 hr

Anchor System All Anchoring boom Variable 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except 

Badami

Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

CURRENT

(knots)

CURRENT

(ft/second)

BOOM ANGLE RELATIVE TO CURRENT 

REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPONENT OF 

CURRENT <3/4 KNOT

1.5 2.5 30° to 42°

1.75 2.9 25° to 35°

2.0 3.4 22° to 30°

2.25 3.8 19° to 26°

2.5 4.2 17° to 24°

2.75 4.6 16° to 21°

3.0 5.0 15° to 19°
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-8 Deflection Booming in Stream (Page 5 of 6) Deflection Booming in Stream (Page 6 of 6) TACTIC C-8

Current

Deadman Skimmer

Catenary (currents less than 1/4 knot): The boom is attached to an anchor on one bank, and the other end is 

towed to the other bank and attached to an anchor there. The current naturally puts the boom in a “U” shape (“catenary”). The deployment and maintenance of a single long boom can be difficult and labor-intensive. It is usually 

used for recovery operations.

Trolley (cable-supported diversionary boom): A cable or line is strung across a river and the boom attached to 

the trolley line with a pulley.

Current

Skimmer

Cable Winch

Winch

Deadman

Boom

Attachment allowed to move

CATENARY

DEFLECTION/TROLLEY

SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

• Since the speed of the current perpendicular to the boom must be maintained at 3/4 kt or less, the length of 

boom needed to stretch across a stream depends on the current. For a stream 100 ft across with a 1 kt current, 

a boom approximately 140 ft long is needed. If the current is 2 kt, the same stream would require 320 ft of boom. 

The speed of the current is not equal across the stream; the fastest water is with the deepest water. Oil moving 

in a stream will be entrained in the fastest water.

• A cable extended across the river can be dangerous. Make sure everyone knows it’s there and that any approaching 

boats are warned. Mark the cable with buoys.

• The shortest length of boom available is 50 ft. Generally, the minimum length required to boom a river such as 

the Sagavanirktok or Kuparuk is 500 ft.

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil. 

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

FLOW

ANGLE

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 10

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3

*Recovery crews will maintain anchors and winches (see Tactic R-16).

CURRENT

(knots)

CURRENT

(ft/second)

BOOM ANGLE RELATIVE TO CURRENT 

REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPONENT OF 

CURRENT <3/4 KNOT

1.5 2.5 30° to 42°

1.75 2.9 25° to 35°

2.0 3.4 22° to 30°

2.25 3.8 19° to 26°

2.5 4.2 17° to 24°

2.75 4.6 16° to 21°

3.0 5.0 15° to 19°

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom All Deflection booming >50 ft 6 for setup

3 to maintain

1 hr

3 hr

Work Boat All Booming support 2 1 hr

Chain Saw Winch KRU, EOA, WOA, Alpine Booming support 2

4 for setup*

1 hr

Anchor System All Anchoring boom Variable 1 hr

Floating Winch ACS, EOA, Alyeska Boom support 2 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, Badami, Alpine Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-9 Exclusion Booming on River (Page 1 of 2) Exclusion Booming on River (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-9

Either conventional boom or a Shore Seal boom can be used to exclude oil from a sensitive area. For example, the 

Shore Seal boom can be used in shallow water to boom off a backwater, or a conventional boom can be placed 

across the mouth of a side channel to keep oil out. In addition, Shore Seal boom can be connected to conventional 

boom to protect the shoreline.

Shore Seal Boom

Backwater or Estuary

Current

Boom

Optional Anchors

Shore

Island

Island

Island

West Channel

East Channel

Island

Current

Shoreline Protection

Cross-Section

Conventional Boom

Shore Seal Boom

Air Chamber

Water Chamber

Shore

Water

SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• 8x6 Delta boom is most commonly used for this tactic.

• Since the speed of the current perpendicular to the boom must be maintained at 3/4 kt or less, the length of boom 

needed to stretch across a stream depends on the current. For a stream 100 ft across with a 1 kt current, a boom 

approximately 140 ft long is needed. If the current is 2 kt, the same stream would require 320 ft of boom.

• The speed of the current is not equal across the stream; the fastest water is with the deepest water. Oil moving 

in a stream will be entrained in the fastest water.

• Don’t assume 100% containment with one boom system.

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil. 

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

and/or

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >5

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom ACS, WOA, EOA, KRU, 

Endicott, Alpine

Exclusion booming >50 ft 3 1 hr

3 hr

Shore Seal Boom ACS, KRU, MPU, Alpine Exclusion booming >50 ft

4

1 hr 1.5 hr

Work Boat All Booming support 1 1 hr 3 hr

Floating Pump and 

Blower

ACS, KRU, MPU, Alpine Shore Seal inflation 1 1 hr

1.5 hr

Anchor System All Anchoring boom Variable 2 1 hr 3 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except 

Badami

Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC C-10 Containment Using Ice Road Ring (Page 1 of 2) Containment Using Ice Road Ring (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-10

Ice

Water

Sea Floor

Access Ice Road

Ice Rubble

Ice Road Berm

Aerial Oil Plume

For a blowout that is depositing oil on top of solid sea ice, an ice road can be constructed around the source at a 

safe distance. Since the ice road causes the sea ice to deflect downward under the road, an under-ice barrier is 

created to the movement of any oil that may have gotten under the ice. The road also serves as a surface barrier 

because it is higher than the surrounding ice, and will provide a working platform into the breakup season, when 

the ice inside the ring decays.

In addition, ice work pads can be created adjacent to contaminated areas to provide working platforms for heavy 

equipment needed to remove large volumes of oil-contaminated snow.

An alternative method to create an ice ring barrier is to remove the snow from the ice surface. Ice not covered by 

snow will grow thicker.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check ice thickness for safe bearing capacity before working on ice. The ice must be sufficiently strong to support personnel and heavy equipment. See Tactic L-7 for realistic maximum operating limitations (RMOL) for ice 

thickness and temperature. 

• If the ice is not thick enough, a Rolligon may be needed to pull the drag.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A loader with a drag and a water truck hauling fresh water can make approximately one-third mile of ice road 6 

inches thick in 12 hours. If the ice is already thick enough to support activities, 6-inch lifts would not be necessary, 

and the length of ice road completed in 12 hours would increase.

• Rolligons with ice augers can build approximately 3,000 ft of road 4 inches thick in 12 hours using sea water.

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

or

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS >3

EQUIPMENT BASE

 LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rolligon w/Auger CATCO, APC Ice road construction >2 >2 6 hr

1 hr

Water Truck All Ice road construction >2 >2 2 hr

Front-End Loader w/Drag Peak, AIC Ice road construction >1 >1 1 hr

Grader w/Wing Blade Peak, AIC, EOA, 

WOA, KRU

Ice road construction >1 >1 2 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Balami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 

1 to check and fuel 

occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Tioga Heater All Equipment support 1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07

TACTIC C-11 Containment on Ice with Trenches and Sumps (Page 1 of 2) Containment on Ice with Trenches and Sumps (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-11

Various techniques that are used on land can also be used on solid ice. (1) Partial trenches or through-ice slots 

can be dug in the ice surface with a Ditch Witch to encourage oil flow to a collection point. (2) The skirt of a containment boom can be set in a shallow trench to provide additional containment. (3) Another approach is to insert 

a plywood or metal barrier in a slot so that the barrier freezes in place. This tactic can be used to divert under-ice 

oil to a recovery point. 

For smaller volumes of oil on ice, small snow berms can be created to contain the oil, but only where ice is thick 

enough and/or grounded to prevent cracking, pooling, and forced migration of oil below the ice.

Snow

Water

Snow

Snow

Trenched in Ice

(or frozen ground)

Slot through Ice

Ice Blocks

OIL

OIL

Water

Conventional Boom with 

Skirt Set in 

Shallow Trench

Snow

Snow

Snow

OIL

Trench Flooded or 

Packed with Snow

Skirt

Snow

ICE

Boom

Plywood Through-Ice

Stop Block Barrier

Water Oil

Ice Ice

Current

Bottom

1

2

3

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check ice thickness for safe bearing capacity before working on ice. The ice must be sufficiently strong to 

support personnel and heavy equipment. See Tactic L-7 for realistic maximum operating limitations (RMOL) for 

ice thickness and temperature. Also, ensure ice can withstand extra load of oil and ice on the surface without 

either breaking the ice or forcing oil to migrate through existing cracks. Extreme care must be taken when positioning or operating any heavy equipment close to trenches or slots in the ice. Stresses in the ice for a given 

load can double under these situations. Ensure that oil that accumulates in an ice trench is continually removed. 

If allowed to build up to a thick layer, some oil may escape the ice slot.

• Use of the Rube Witch with chain saw is labor-intensive and therefore slower than a Ditch Witch.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A Ditch Witch with a 6-ft bar can cut approximately 100 ft of trench per hour through ice 6 ft deep. Cutting in frozen 

ground is much slower.

SUPPORT

ACS Rube Witch

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Balami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 

1 to check and fuel 

occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Tioga Heater All Equipment support 1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

or

or

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >4*

*The recovery crew will perform maintenance (see Tactic R-13).

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Ditch Witch Airport Rentals, BP, 

Peak, Veco

Trenching 1 2 3 hr

2 hr

Rube Witch w/Chain Saw All Trenching 3 6 1 hr

Visqueen All Liner >50 ft — 1 hr

Boom All Liner >50 ft — 1 hr

ATVs ACS, EOA, END, 

KRU, WOA, Alpine

Snow berm construction 2 2 1 hr

Plywood All Through-ice barrier >1 — 2 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC C-12 Trenching Ice to Direct Flow to a Containment Point (Page 1 of 2) Trenching Ice to Direct Flow to a Containment Point (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-12

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

Ice Rubble

Containment Trench

Containment Trench

Pooled Oil

Oil on Snow ISLAND

Trenching can help recover oil from a blowout on an offshore island in winter when the sea ice is solid.

Gravel islands develop ice rubble fields around their perimeter, and a large volume of oil from a well blowout plume 

would fall either on the island or over the rubble field. Where oil is flowing away from an ice rubble pile adjacent to an 

island where a well is blowing out, it may be possible to dig an ice trench away from the island to encourage rivulets 

of oil to flow to a collection sump a safe distance away. Liners can be used in both the trench and sump.

Such an activity is attempted only if it is possible to work safely near the blowout plume.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check ice thickness for safe bearing capacity before working on ice. The ice must be sufficiently strong to support personnel and heavy equipment. See Tactic L-7 for realistic maximum operating limitations (RMOL) for ice 

thickness and temperature. Also, ensure ice can withstand extra load of oil and ice on the surface without either 

breaking the ice or forcing oil to migrate through existing cracks. Extreme care must be taken when positioning 

or operating any heavy equipment close to trenches or slots in the ice. Stresses in the ice for a given load can 

double under these situations. Ensure that oil that accumulates in an ice trench is continually removed. If allowed 

to build up to a thick layer, some oil may escape the ice slot.

• Use of the Rube Witch with chain saw is labor-intensive and therefore slower than a Ditch Witch.

• Cut the trench only to a depth that will allow a collection area — not all the way through the ice.

• A backhoe may be required to clear an area for cutting of the containment trench.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A Ditch Witch with a 6-ft bar can cut approximately 100 ft of trench per hour through ice 6 ft deep. Cutting in frozen 

ground is much slower.

SUPPORT

ACS Rube Witch

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

TOTAL STAFF >2

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Ditch Witch APC, Norgasco Trenching 1 1 3 hr 0.5 hr

Rube Witch w/Chain Saw All Trenching 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Backhoe EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Peak, AIC, APC, 

Alpine

Clear a trench area 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport Ditch Witch 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Tioga Heater All Heat 1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

TACTIC C-13 Deflection Booming in Open Water (Page 1 of 2) Deflection Booming in Open Water (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-13

Deflection booming is often used where the water current is greater than 1 knot or where exclusion boom does 

not protect the shoreline. Deflection booming diverts oil to locations that are less sensitive or more suitable for 

recovery.

Boom is anchored at one end at the shoreline, while the free end is held at an angle by an anchor system. Deflection boom is deployed at an angle to the current to reduce and divert surface flow. This allows the oil to move along 

the boom and eliminates vortexes and entrainment. Anchoring is usually placed every 50 feet depending on the 

current. Anchoring distance will vary depending on current.

Cascading deflection boom involves two or more lengths of boom ranging from 100 feet to 500 feet placed in a 

cascading formation in the water. The lead boom deflects the slick, and subsequent booms placed downstream of 

the lead boom continue the deflection process until the slick is directed to the desired area.

Tundra

Open Water

Deadman Current

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The optimum angle of boom deployment depends on the current speed and the length and type of boom. The 

angle is smaller in strong currents than in weak currents and decreases as boom length increases. The more 

stable the boom is, the larger the optimum deployment angle is for a given current speed. Because deflection 

booms signif﻿icantly reduce surface current, successive booms are deployed at increasingly larger angles.

SUPPORT

• Recovery systems are sometimes used in conjunction with deflection boom.

FLOW

ANGLE

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• To determine the approximate length of boom required, multiply 1.5 times the length of shoreline to be protected. 

Select vessels and booms according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific 

personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• One tactical unit can deploy and tend up to 8,000 ft of boom in a 12-hour shift along 2 miles of shoreline (assumes 

10 working hours in a 12-hour shift).

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 8

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3 (AND 1 BOAT)

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat All Deploy deflection boom 2

6

1 hr

3 hr

Boom All Deflection Variable 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchor boom Variable 2 1 hr

Onshore Anchors

(e.g., deadmen)

All Anchor boom Variable — 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, Badami, Alpine Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

CURRENT

(knots)

CURRENT

(ft/second)

BOOM ANGLE RELATIVE TO CURRENT 

REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPONENT OF 

CURRENT <3/4 KNOT

1.5 2.5 30° to 42°

1.75 2.9 25° to 35°

2.0 3.4 22° to 30°

2.25 3.8 19° to 26°

2.5 4.2 17° to 24°

2.75 4.6 16° to 21°

3.0 5.0 15° to 19°

• Don’t assume 100% containment with one boom system.

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil.

• In extreme shallow water conditions, sheet metal may be used in lieu of boom in the apex. Use 36 pieces of metal 

and 37 stakes per 100 ft.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets 

of plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• Below are boom towing limitations for airboats during overflood conditions in the nearshore Beaufort Sea (based 

on 2005 ACS seasonal recovery testing):

ICE CONDITIONS FIRE BOOM

(20 lb/linear ft)

FIRE BOOM

(7 lb/linear ft)

FIRE BOOM

(6 lb/linear ft)

DELTA 

BOOM

Groundfast or Shorefast Ice (with overflood) 100 ft 300 ft 350 ft 750 ft

Broken Ice: Large, Dense, First-Year, Afloat 100 ft 300 ft 350 ft 750 ft

Broken Ice: Smaller, Less Dense, Rotted 200 ft 600 ft 700 ft 1,000 ft

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-14 Exclusion Booming in Open Water (Page 1 of 2) Exclusion Booming in Open Water (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-14

Boom is placed across small inlets and creek mouths identified as sensitive areas. Exclusion booming is used where currents are less than 3/4 knot and breaking waves are less than 0.5 

foot in height. The boom is either (1) anchored from shore to shore across the mouths of streams 

or (2) at an angle to a shoreline to guide oil past the sensitive area. Crews with work 

boats deploy and tend boom along the shoreline in marshes and inlets.

Tundra

Small Stream

Open Water

Deadman

Deadman

Current

1

Tundra

Small Stream

Open Water

Deadman

Anchor

Current

2

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• To determine the approximate length of boom required, multiply 1.5 times the length of shoreline to be protected. 

Select vessels and booms according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific 

personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• One tactical unit can deploy and tend up to 4,000 ft of boom in a 12-hour shift along 2 miles of shoreline (assumes 10 

working hours in a 12-hour shift).

SUPPORT

• Recovery systems are sometimes used in conjunction with exclusion boom. Sorbent boom may be deployed 

parallel and inside exclusion boom.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Exclusion booming is effective if the water currents are less than 3/4 kt, breaking waves are less than 0.5 ft, and 

water depth is at least twice the boom depth in other than intertidal areas.

• A flexible curtain-type boom reacts more favorably to tidal level fluctuation than a rigid fence-type boom.

• Exclusion booming is most effective across small stream mouths or inlets. Other areas may be more sensitive and 

require protection, but ability to protect efficiently needs to be considered when determining exclusion booming 

areas.

• Don’t assume 100% containment with one boom system.

• Readjust angles and widths between boom sections as current and wind change. Constantly monitor nearshore 

boom systems to prevent escape of oil. 

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• Below are boom towing limitations for airboats during overflood conditions in the nearshore Beaufort Sea (based 

on 2005 ACS seasonal recovery testing):

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 6

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3 (AND 1 BOAT)

 EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat All Deploy and tend boom 2

6

1 hr

Boom All Deflection Variable 1 hr 3 hr

Anchor System All Anchor boom Variable 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, KRU, GPB, Alpine, 

Badami (300 gal)

Airboat fuel 1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr

ICE CONDITIONS FIRE BOOM

(20 lb/linear ft)

FIRE BOOM

(7 lb/linear ft)

FIRE BOOM

(6 lb/linear ft)

DELTA 

BOOM

Groundfast or Shorefast Ice (with overflood) 100 ft 300 ft 350 ft 750 ft

Broken Ice: Large, Dense, First-Year, Afloat 100 ft 300 ft 350 ft 750 ft

Broken Ice: Smaller, Less Dense, Rotted 200 ft 600 ft 700 ft 1,000 ft
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-15 Intertidal Booming (Page 1 of 2) Intertidal Booming (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-15

Shore Seal boom is bottom-founded and anchored at tideline and in very shallow water. Sorbent boom would be 

used at connections to prevent leaching.

Shoreline Projection

Cross-Section

Conventional Boom

Shore Seal Boom

Air Chamber

Water Chamber

Shore

Water

Shore Seal Boom Cross-Section

Oil Air-filled

Water Water-filled

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

To determine the approximate length of Shore Seal boom required, multiply 1.1 times the length of shoreline to be 

protected. Select vessels and booms according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Shore Seal boom uses water ballast so that it can float free in high tide and seal to the intertidal shore during low 

tide. Shore Seal booms also protect shoreline from wave events. Shore Seal boom will adjust to changing water 

levels.

• When the boom is grounded, the heavy water ballast seals the boom to the shoreline and prevents oil from 

moving along the intertidal zone.

SUPPORT

Sorbents are used in conjunction with Shore Seal boom. Shovels or light excavating equipment help establish 

onshore anchors. Floats and chains are used in conjunction with offshore anchors.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• One tactical unit can deploy and tend up to 4,000 ft of Shore Seal boom in a 12-hour shift along 2 miles of 

shoreline (assumes 10 working hours in a 12-hour shift).

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 4*

*Recovery crews will perform maintenance.

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Shore Seal Boom ACS, KRU, MPU, 

Alpine

Oil exclusion >50 ft

4

1 hr

1.5 hr

Floating Pump and Blower ACS, KRU, MPU, 

Alpine

Shore Seal inflation 1 1 hr

Work Boat All Boom placement 1 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchor boom Variable 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-16 Anchored W Deflection Boom (Page 1 of 2) Anchored W Deflection Boom (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-16

Lengths of deflection boom are anchored in a “W” configuration. Boom sections up to 1,000 feet long are oriented 

at an angle to the wind and to each other. Oil encountering the center “V” of the boom becomes more concentrated 

at the downwind end of the configuration and is recovered with a positioned skimming system. Oil is collected from 

the pockets of the “V”s with a vessel with a skimmer and mini-barge.

See Tactic R-30 for boom configuration for subsea pipeline leak.

SOURCE

Deploy 

Skimming Systems

Deploy 

Skimming 

System

Wind

Oil

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Initial deployment of a section of boom and setting of anchor points involve one boat with one operator and two 

crew members. Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic 

L-6). Specific personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check anchor points frequently and reposition them as necessary by lifting the crown line.

• Change the length and position of the boom as oil conditions change.

• See recovery tactics for information on recovery equipment used with this tactic.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Swath width varies with currents, wind, and the total length of booms.

SUPPORT

• An aircraft can track oil from above and coordinate the on-water task forces.

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Boom All Spill deflection >300 ft

9 for setup

6 to maintain

1 hr

6 hr

Work Boat All Deploy and tend 

boom

3 for setup

2 to maintain

1 hr

Anchor Systems 40-lb: All 

66-lb: ACS

Anchor boom Variable 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC C-17 Containment Using U-Boom (Page 1 of 2) Containment Using U-Boom (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-17

The containment boom has a swath width of up to 1,000 feet. The two tow boats pull up to 3,000 feet of boom. This 

method can be used for temporary containment and/or transport of oil.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and booms according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• See recovery tactis for information on recovery equipment used with this tactic.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Swath width varies with currents, wind, and the total length of boom.

SUPPORT

• An aircraft tracks the oil from above and coordinates the on-water task forces (preferably twin-engined aircraft or 

single-engined aircraft on floats).

Tow Boat

TOTAL STAFF 6

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat West Dock, 

Oliktok, Northstar

Tow boom 2 6 1 hr

2 hr

Boom All Containment Variable — 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC C-18 Containing Light Layer of Oil on Snow Using Water Spray (Page 1 of 2) Containing Light Layer of Oil on Snow Using Water Spray (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-18

An area of lightly oiled snow can be stabilized for recovery by spraying a light water mist onto the contaminated 

snow to coat it with a thin layer of ice.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• The number of staff to erect snow fencing depends on the size of the contaminated area.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Covering lightly oiled snow with a thin layer of ice is a viable option only when air temperatures permit.

• A “Y” valve may be used to operated two nozzles at the same time.

• A fire truck can be used to replace the equipment systems identified above since the fire truck contains the water 

source and spray equipment. Personnel, mobe time, and deploy time would remain the same.

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Tioga Heater All Support heavy equipment >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr

WIND

TOTAL STAFF 4 to 6*

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Water Truck All Water source 1 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Upright Tank (400 bbl) KRU, Alpine Water source 1 2 2 hr 1 hr

Ice Auger 

(when appropriate)

WOA, EOA, KRU, 

ACS, Endicott, Alpine

Water source 1 2 1 hr 0

Trash Pump (2-inch) All Spraying system 1

2

1 hr 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Spraying system >20 ft 2 hr 1 hr

Discharge Hose 

(1- or 2-inch)

All Spraying system >50 ft 1 hr 1 hr

Spray Nozzle ACS Spraying system >1 1 hr 1 hr

or

or

*If an ice auger is used to obtain water from a surface water source, 2 staff are needed to operate the auger. 
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC C-19 Containment Light Layer of Oil on Snow using Snow Fence (Page 1 of 2) Containment Light Layer of Oil on Snow using Snow Fence (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC C-19

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

A snow fence can be erected on the downwind side of lightly oiled snow to keep the wind from spreading the contaminated snow before being recovered.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• A temporary snow fence can be as long as needed to effect containment. The fence should be placed far enough 

downwind of the spill to collect drifting and migrating oiled snow. The fence should be at least 4 ft high, but can be 

made up to 8 ft high by double-stacking ACS’ plastic 4-ft fence. The fencing itself should have at least 50% porosity. 

Tighten the fence as much as possible, and use T-posts, rebar, or survey lath for temporary fence posts.

• This tactic is based on information from Controlling Blowing and Drifting Snow with Snow Fences and Road Design. 

Prepared by Ronald D. Tabler, Tabler and Associates, Niwot, CO, for the National Cooperative Highway Research 

Program, Transportation Research Board of the National Academy. August 2003.

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Snow machine, 

Kabota, or other ATV 

with trailer

All for snow machine 

and other ATV; ACS for 

Kabota

Haul equipment Varies 2 0.5 hr Varies

WIND

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Snow Fencing ACS Containment Varies

>2* 2 hr Varies

T-Post Driver ACS Support fence Varies

T-Posts ACS Support fence Varies

Wire Ties ACS Support fence Varies

*The number of staff to erect snow fencing depends on the size of the contaminated area.
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07

TACTIC R-1 Mechanical Recovery of LIghtly Oiled Snow (Page 1 of 2) Mechanical Recovery of LIghtly Oiled Snow (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-1

Snow provides a good sorbent material for oil and forms a mulch-like mixture that is easily removed with heavy 

equipment such as front-end loaders and dump trucks.

A Challenger and front-end loader pile the snow, and then a loader loads it into dump trucks on nearby gravel pads, 

roads, or ice roads. After a loader has filled a truck, the truck hauls the oiled snow off for disposal. A Bobcat would 

replace the front-end loader in hard-to-reach or tight quarters.

If nearby heavily oiled snow needs blending to ease recovery, then loaders and dozers may be used to push the 

lightly oiled snow into the heavily oiled snow area. Mixing the lightly oiled snow with the heavily oiled snow would 

generate less waste.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

Challenger

Loader

Dump Truck

SUPPORT

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• One cubic yard of lightly oiled snow contains 0.3 bbl of oil. Snowmelters can typically handle 30 cubic yd of lightly 

oiled snow per hour.

• A Challenger can build an initial snow berm around the largest tank spill on the Slope within an hour.

• A front-end loader with an 8-cubic-yd snow bucket can move 500 cubic yd of snow in an hour and fill a dump 

truck in 10 minutes. See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• Following is an example of recovery of lightly oiled snow for one 20-cubic-yd dump truck, with 2 miles between 

load and unload points:

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic is limited to oiled snow with no free liquids. Collect the top 6 inches of snow into piles for recovery. If 

snow cover is light or the snow will be used for blending, collect all of the snow. 

• When working with equipment around or near flowlines, add a spotter to each front-end loader and Challenger.

• An ice road allows dump trucks into recovery sites on tundra.

Dump Truck Recovery Rate = 

Tc = Truck Capacity

Lt = Load Time (10 min or 0.17 hr)

Ut = Unload Time (5 min or 0.08 hr)

Tt = Travel Time ( )

Where:

Tc

Lt + Tt + Ut

20 cubic yd

0.17 hr + ( ) + 0.08 hr

= 55 cubic yd/hr 2 mi * 2

35 mph

miles to disposal * 2

35 mph

= 

(or 16.5 bbl/hr)

The ratio of dump trucks to loaders to fill trucks 

without delay = 1 / (0.17 hr + 0.114 hr + 0.08 hr) 

= 1 / (0.364) = 2.7 trucks per loader.

SNOW SORPTIVE CAPACITY

(% by Volume after Sample Melt)

OIL CONTENT (Percent)

TIME AFTER SPILL (Days)

PRUDHOE BAY CRUDE OIL

DIESEL OIL

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

20

40

60

80

100

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

*Alpine and Western Geo have 1 Challenger with blade and Caribou Construction has 6. Western Geo’s and Caribou’s 

Challengers are normally out with seismic crews in winter and will not be available for at least 24 hours.

**Number of dump trucks depends on distance to disposal area.

TOTAL STAFF >5 (includes 1 spotter that works 

with equipment to protect tundra)

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Challenger Dozer KRU, EOA, Alpine, 

Western Geophysical, 

and Caribou 

Construction*

Piling oiled snow 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader All Transfer oiled snow 

into dump trucks

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Trucks KRU, WOA, EOA, Peak, 

AIC, VECO, Alpine

Transfer oiled snow 

to disposal site

>2** >2 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport Challenger 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Tioga Heaters All Heat >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support heavy 

equipment

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plants All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-1A Use of Snow Blower to Remove Lightly Misted Snow (Page 1 of 2) Use of Snow Blower to Remove Lightly Misted Snow (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-1A

Lightly misted snow can be cleaned up using a snow blower and snow machine with trailer. The snow can be cleaned 

up either directly off of the ground or by using brooms to sweep oiled snow into windrows for more effective recovery. 

Once the trailer is full, it is transferred by snow machine to a front-end loader on the gravel pad or road. The loader 

then transfers the snow into dump trucks on the pad or road.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Crew size consists of two sweepers, a snow blower operator, and a snow machine operator. The number of 

crews will not exceed the number of snow blowers available.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic is limited to oiled snow with no free liquids.

• The number of crews on the spill depends on the size of the spill.

• Lightly oiled snow may be blended with heavily oiled snow in the area to enhance recovery.

• Warm-up areas are needed for responders.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• Snow machine trailers have a 1/2 cubic yd capacity.

• Snowmelters typically handle 30 cubic yd of lightly oiled now per hour, providing 30 bbl/hr of water, plus the oil.

SUPPORT

TOTAL STAFF >7

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Shovels and Brooms All Recovery Variable — 0.5 hr

0.5 hr

Snow Machine with 

Trailer

All Transfer 3 3 1 hr

Snow Blower ACS, Badami, Northstar, 

Alpine

Recovery 1 1 1 hr

Front-End Loader 

(8-cubic-yd)

All Transfer 1 1 1 hr

Dump Truck KRU, EOA, WOA, VECO, 

Peak, AIC, Alpine

Transfer >2 >2 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 1 to check 

and fuel occasionally

1 hr

Heater All Heat 1 1 for initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Trailer All (except 

END)

Fuel 1 1 for initial setup 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07

TACTIC R-2 Manual Recovery of LIghtly Oiled Snow (Page 1 of 2) Manual Recovery of LIghtly Oiled Snow (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-2

Broom and shovel the oiled snow into piles. The piles are then transferred with shovels to garbage cans, totes, or 

similar containers. Once a container is full, it is transferred with a snow machine or Argo to a front-end loader near 

the gravel pad or road. The loader then transfers the snow into dump trucks on the pad or road.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Crew size consists of six shovelers, and the number of crews varies with the size of the spill.

SUPPORT

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• With 6 workers, this technique can recover 30 cubic yd of snow in 10 hours (10 hours worked in a 12-hour 

shift), depending on weather and terrain. In cold weather a typical 12-hr work shift provides 8 labor hours from a 

shoveler. Because lightly oiled snow contains 0.3 bbl of oil per cubic yd of snow, one crew of 6 can recover 9 bbl 

of oil in 10 hours, or 0.9 bbl/hr oil.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic is limited to oiled snow with no free liquids.

• When working with equipment around or near flowlines, add a spotter to each front-end loader and Challenger.

• Manual recovery is the preferred technique when working in tight areas, when the ground is too rough for equipment, 

or there is insufficient snow cover for equipment.

• The number of crews on the spill depends on the size of the spill.

• The lightly oiled snow may be blended with heavily oiled snow in the area.

• Snowmelters typically handle 30 cubic yd of lightly oiled snow per hour, providing 14.5 bbl/hr of water, plus the oil.

• Warm-up areas are needed for responders.

30 cubic yd snow 1 cubic yd water

10 cubic yards snow

3 cubic yd liquids

30 cubic yd snow

x = 3 cubic yd liquids

= 14.5 bbl liquids

≈ 2 cubic yd snow per bbl of liquids

x

14.5 bbl liquids

27 cubic ft

1 cubic yd x 1 bbl

5.6 cubic ft

SNOW SORPTIVE CAPACITY

(% by Volume after Sample Melt)

OIL CONTENT (Percent)

TIME AFTER SPILL (Days)

PRUDHOE BAY CRUDE OIL

DIESEL OIL

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

20

40

60

80

100

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 11 (10 if dump-truck 

operator loads truck)

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Shovels and Brooms All Recovery 6 6 0.5 hr

0.5 hr

Snow Machine or Argo Snow machines: All

Argos: ACS, WOA, KRU

Transfer 3 3 1 hr

Front-End Loader

(8-cubic-yd)

All Transfer 1 1 1 hr

Dump Truck KRU, EOA, WOA, Peak, 

AIC, VECO, Alpine

Transfer 1 1 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 1 to check 

and fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr

Heater All Heat 1 1 initial 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-3 Recovery of Oil-Saturated Snow (Page 1 of 2) Recovery of Oil-Saturated Snow (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-3

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• A dump truck requires one operator. Personnel numbers deploying and collecting sorbents vary with the size and 

configuration of the spill. Personnel typically work in pairs for sorbent deployment and recovery.

Snow provides a good sorbent material for oil and forms a mulch-like mixture that is easily removed with heavy 

equipment such as front-end loaders and dump trucks. A Bobcat replaces the front-end loader in hard-to-reach or 

tight quarters.

Access the oiled snow with dozers and loaders, pile the snow with the dozers, and then load it into dump trucks 

located on nearby gravel pads, roads, or ice roads. After a front-end loader has filled a truck, the truck hauls the oiled 

snow off for disposal, typically to snowmelters in lined pits. If heavily oiled snow needs blending to ease recovery, 

loaders and dozers push nearby lightly oiled snow into the heavily oiled snow area for recovery. Clean snow can 

also be used for blending.

Oil in areas inaccessible by vacuum trucks or heavy equipment is recovered with sorbents and manual labor. The 

sorbents are collected in totes, garbage cans, or bags and transferred with snow machine, Argos, or pickup truck 

to a front-end loader, which transfer the waste into a dump truck for removal and disposal. Sorbents must be placed 

in oily waste bags and then put in an oily waste dumpster.

Challenger

Loader

To Storage or

Disposal

Bobcat

Dump Truck

• This tactic is limited to oiled snow with no free liquids. Otherwise, 

lined or leak-proof dump trucks may be used.

• If the oiled snow is too saturated for handling, blend lightly oiled 

snow or clean snow with it, or use Tactic R-6.

• If delivery of snow exceeds snowmelter capacity, the snow can 

be contained in lined pits until it is processed. Existing lined pits, 

upright tanks, or dry ponds can be used, when available, to store 

snow; otherwise temporary lined pits can be constructed as necessary.

• If the dump trucks cannot access the oiled area, build an ice road 

to keep the loaders from traveling too far.

• After removal of free oil, oiled snow, and after flushing, contain and 

monitor the area until breakup. Insulate ice roads or ice berms to 

provide containment during breakup, when the oil can be removed 

with direct suction, portable skimmers, or burning.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A front-end loader with an 8-cubic-yd snow bucket can fill a dump truck in 10 minutes and move 500 cubic yd of 

snow per hour. The dump trucks available on the Slope typically have 10-, 20-, or 25-cubic-yd capacity. Because 

the front-end loaders fill dump trucks as fast as they pull into position, dump trucks are the bottleneck.

• Heavily oiled snow may contain up to 100 gal of oil per cubic yd at 3.7 gal of oil per cubic ft of snow. A snowmelter 

at 70 bbl/hr of resulting oil can handle approximately 30 cubic yd of heavily oiled snow per hour.

• One cubic yard of oil-saturated snow contains up to 2.4 bbl of oil.

• See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• Following is an example of recovery of oiled snow for one 20-cubic-yd dump unit:

SUPPORT

Dump Truck Recovery = 

Tc = Truck Capacity

Lt = Load Time (10 min or 0.17 hr)

Ut = Unload Time (5 min or 0.08 hr)

Tt = Travel Time ( )

Example:

Tc

Lt + Tt + Ut

20 cubic yd

 0.17 hr + ( ) + 0.08 hr

= 55 cubic yd/hr 2 mi * 2

35 mph

miles to disposal * 2

35 mph

= 

SNOW SORPTIVE CAPACITY

(% by Volume after Sample Melt)

OIL CONTENT (Percent)

TIME AFTER SPILL (Days)

PRUDHOE BAY CRUDE OIL

DIESEL OIL

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

20

40

60

80

100

*Alpine and Western Geo have 1 Challenger with blade and Caribou Construction has 6. Western Geo’s and Caribou’s 

Challengers are normally out with seismic crews in winter and will not be available for at least 24 hours.

or

TOTAL STAFF 11 (includes 1 spotter that works 

with equipment to protect tundra)

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Challenger 

Dozer

KRU, EOA, Alpine, 

Western Geophysical, 

and Caribou 

Construction*

Piling oiled snow 1 1 1 hr

0.5 hr

Front-End 

Loader

All Transfer oiled snow 

into dump trucks

1 1 1 hr

Bobcat ACS, EOA, KRU, 

Alpine

Transfer oiled snow 

to loaders

1 1 1 hr

Dump Trucks KRU, WOA, EOA, 

Peak, AIC, Alpine

Transfer oiled snow 

to disposal site

2 2 1 hr

Snowmelters EOA, APC, Alpine Melt snow 2 8 2 hr

Sorbents All Recovery Variable Variable 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport Challenger 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Tioga Heaters All Support heavy equipment >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination Variable 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-4 Flushing of Oil on Tundra Surface (Page 1 of 2) Flushing of Oil on Tundra Surface (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-4

I n s p r i n g o r fa l l , f l u s h i n g i s u s e d t o c o n c e n t ra t e o i l i n t o p i t s o r t r e n c h e s, w h e r e 

the oil is collected with direct suction using a Manta Ray skimmer head, sorbents, or a portable 

skimming system. The pits or trenches are constructed by cutting slots in ice, utilizing natural depressions, digging 

into tundra or gravel with a backhoe or Bobcat, or by augmenting a depression or pit with sandbags and Shore Seal 

boom (see Tactic C-4). Shore Seal boom is particularly effective when frozen in place. Constructed pits or trenches 

are lined with Visqueen or similar plastic sheeting.

The water source for the flushing unit is either a water truck or an auger hole in the ice of a nearby lake. Flushing 

usually occurs after pooled areas and contaminated snow have been removed.

The flush should consist of high-volume, low-energy flushing with water less than 106°F. This is essentially a mopup technique after the majority of oil and oiled snow has been removed.

See Tactic R-7 for recovery of concentrated oil.

Berm

Trench

Oil and Water

Water

Water Truck

Water Truck

Shore Seal Boom

FLOATING OIL WITHIN SHORE SEAL BOOM

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• The number of staff to deploy sandbags depends on the size of the constructed concentration area.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Flushing is a viable option only when air temperatures permit. Warm water (no more than 106°F) is preferred for 

flushing.

• Flushing works on oil contained on and in the surface of tundra, gravel, and ice, and is particularly effective on 

ice. The tundra can be damaged if it thaws; don’t flush the same area more than 2 or 3 times and don’t suck the 

tundra dry. Also, stay off the tundra that’s being flushed.

• Personnel or small equipment should traverse the tundra on plywood sheets.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 2-inch trash pump operates at 312 bbl/hr nameplate capacity.

• Recovery capacity depends on the nature of the spill, the size of the concentration area, and terrain features. 

• For recovery rates from the pits or trenches, see recovery rates for portable skimmers and/or vacuum trucks.

SUPPORT

or

TOTAL STAFF 2

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Water Truck All Water source 1 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Upright Tank (400 bbl) KRU, Alpine Water source 1

2

2 hr 1 hr

Ice Auger WOA, EOA, KRU, 

ACS, Endicott, Alpine

Water source 1 1hr 0

Trash Pump (2-inch) All Flushing of oil 1 1 hr 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Flushing of oil >20 ft — 2 hr 1 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Flushing of oil >50 ft — 1 hr 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Tioga Heater All Support heavy equipment >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-5 Recovery of Embedded Oil (Page 1 of 2) Recovery of Embedded Oil (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-5

A trimmer is used to recover oil embedded in the surface of a frozen pad or ice. A trimmer uses a rotary blade system 

to chop and collect the surface material at varying depths. The worked-over material is collected with a front-end 

loader and transferred to a dump truck. 

A scratcher is used to break up frozen gravel or ice in areas where a trimmer cannot reach. A scratcher is a fork 

attachment for a front-end loader which can reach areas in tight quarters. A Super Sucker may also be used to 

remove a thin top layer. 

Where the embedded oil is not recovered, the area is stabilized and the perimeter bermed and sealed, and monitored until breakup. Breakup is accelerated in the contained area by placing a layer of black Visqueen over it. The 

Visqueen is lifted as necessary, and the pools of oil removed with direct suction, portable skimmers, or burning.

Gravel Pad

Trimmer

Loader

Dump Truck

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• A trimmer is preferred over a backhoe to remove frozen gravel. When gravel is loose enough, a backhoe or frontend loader may be used. 

• Removal of oil embedded in tundra can be achieved by removing the tundra or burning it out with weed burners. 

Alternatively, the tundra can be contained and monitored until breakup when oil melts out, allowing recovery with 

direct suction, portable skimmers, or burning.

• A civil work permit from the operator is required for work on a pad.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A front-end loader with an 8-cubic-yd snow bucket can fill a dump truck in 10 minutes. The average dump truck 

available on the Slope has a 20-cubic-yd capacity.

• See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• One cubic yard of oiled gravel contains 0.125 bbl of oil.

• A Super Sucker uses an 8-inch hose and can recover 14 cubic yd of gravel in one hour. The storage capacity of 

a Super Sucker is 65 bbl or 14 cubic yd. A Super Sucker can also be reduced to 6-inch, 4-inch, or 2-inch hose, 

and “Ys” allow the use of more than one hose.

• The speed of a trimmer operation depends on many variables, including depth of contamination, hardness of 

surface, and size of trimmer.

SUPPORT

or

or

or

or

TOTAL STAFF >4

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Trimmer 

(loader-mounted, 

10 ft wide)

APC, Peak Recovery of frozen 

surface material

1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Trimmer 

(Bobcat-mounted, 

2 ft wide)

ACS, KRU, Alpine Recovery of frozen 

surface material

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader 

w/Scratcher and 

Bucket

All Transfer oiled snow 

into dump trucks

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Backhoe EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Peak, AIC, APC, Alpine

Recovery of frozen 

surface material

1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Super Sucker Peak, APC, Veco, 

Alpine

Recovery of frozen 

surface material

1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Trucks WOA, EOA, KRU, 

Peak, AIC, Alpine

Transfer oiled snow 

to disposal site

>2 >2 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport heavy equipment 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Tioga Heaters All Support heavy equipment >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plants All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC R-6 Recovery by Direct Suction (Page 1 of 2) Recovery by Direct Suction (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-6

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

For spills off pad or road, a vacuum truck can effectively reach out 200 feet. If the oil is pooled on water, a Manta Ray 

skimmer head is attached to the hose extending from the vacuum truck. The hose or skimmer head is placed in the 

pooled oil for recovery. SRT staff man the hose or skimmer head and move it to other pooled areas as necessary. 

A Super Sucker can also be used for direct suction.

DOP pumps or 4-inch trash pumps can also be used for this task since they can move oil more than 200 feet, and 

could either pump the pooled oil into vacuum trucks on a pad/road, into holding tanks, or into the slop oil tank at a 

nearby production facility.

Free oil can be recovered from any pooled area including natural depressions, barriers, constructed trenches, or 

containment dikes.

Manta Ray Skimmer

Vacuum Truck

Suction Hose

Oil

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Vacuum trucks provide efficient spill recovery, unless vehicle access is prohibited or not possible, the spill is 

unpumpable (highly viscous, cold or weathered), the spill is in a thin layer, or debris will clog the recovery line.

• Identify the disposal facility to be used before calling out a vacuum truck.

• Viscous liquids accessible within 200 ft by a vacuum truck are recovered with direct suction of that vacuum truck. 

Access could be made available to areas in the winter with ice roads. Pooled areas could be in natural depressions 

or in constructed trenches.

• Vacuum trucks can access pooled diesel up to 400 ft away from the truck.

• Use of Manta Ray skimmers with vacuum trucks decreases recovery capacity.

• Super Suckers are available to remove liquids with solids that vacuum trucks cannot handle. See Tactic R-5 for 

more details.

• With a trash pump, the suction head must be completely submerged.

• Since a DOP pump is submersible, oil must be deep enough for effective pumping.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

RECOVERY CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

SUPPORT

Tc = Vac Truck Capacity (bbl)

St = Suction Rate = 150 bbl/hr of oil in winter; 200 bbl/hr of oil in summer (and for diesel)

Example of ORR for a 300 bbl vac truck:

 Time = ( ) + 2( )

Tc

Sr

300 bbl

150 bph

10 mi * 2

35 mph

miles to disposal * 2

35 mph ORR = ( ) Vac Truck Capacity

Time

ORR = ( )= 65 bph 300 bbl

4.6 hr

T = ( ) + 2( ) = 4.6 hr

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

about 34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

• Vacuum truck recovery of pooled oil with one unit equals:

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

or

TOTAL STAFF >3

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Vacuum Truck All Direct suction 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

DOP Pump w/Power Pack ACS Direct suction 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Trash Pump (4-inch) ACS, EOA, WOA, Alpine Direct suction 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Suction Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, Alpine Transfer >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 0

Discharge Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transfer >50 ft — 1 hr 0

Manta Ray Skimmer Head

(optional)

WOA, EOA, KRU, 

ACS,MPU, Alpine

Direct suction 1 — 0.5 hr 0

Upright Tank

(400 bbl)

KRU, Alpine Store fluids 1 1 initial 2 hr 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Tioga Heater All Support heavy equipment >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support heavy equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr

PUMP CATEGORY

MANUFACTURER'S 

NAMEPLATE CAPACITY

(BBL/HR)

ACS DISCHARGE HOSE TEST (9/97) 

WITH 4" TRASH PUMP AND 2,000' OF 

6" DISCHARGE HOSE

Gorman Rupp 4" Trash Pump 1,074 690

DOP 250 Pump 628 N/A

Manta Ray 34 N/A
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-7 Recovery From Pit or Trench (Page 1 of 2) Recovery From Pit or Trench (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-7

Manta Ray Skimmer

Vac Truck

Oil

Trench

Submersible Pump

Power Pack

Fast Tank

An excavated trench is used to intercept the flow of a spill or diver t the flow around a 

sensitive area (see Tactic C-4). Dig the trench at right angles to the flow of the spill. The trench should be angled 

slightly downslope (in the direction of surface flow) to avoid excessive pooling in the trench.

Place excavated material on the downhill side of the trench. In areas with a low water table, line the sides and bottom of the trench with plastic sheeting or similar impermeable materials. Where the groundwater table is high, line 

the downhill side of the trench.

The trench can be flooded with water to inhibit spill penetration into sediments and to stimulate flow toward the 

recovery device in the trench or pit.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Disposal of construction material should be taken into account before using this tactic.

• Do not excavate an interception trench in an area where the excavation will cause more damage than the spill 

itself. Before excavating in tundra, check for the presence of groundwater or permafrost. Do not excavate into 

frost-laden (cemented) soils, since disruption of the permafrost could accelerate thermal erosion. The depth of 

the trench is limited by the depth of the permafrost.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• On pads, check for buried pipe and/or cables prior to excavation. Obtain a civil work permit from the operator.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

SUPPORT

RECOVERY CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Vacuum truck recovery rate: 200 bbl/hr, 150 bbl/hr winter (reduced to 34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used 

with the vacuum truck). Remains at 200 bbl/hr year-round for pooled diesel.

• 3-inch trash pump: 485 bbl/hr nameplate

• 3-inch diaphragm pump: 114 bbl/hr nameplate

• DOP 250 pump: 628 bbl/hr nameplate

• 2-inch peristaltic pump: 163 bbl/hr nameplate

or

or

or

or

or

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 4 (2 if only vacuum truck used)

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 2

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Vacuum Truck All Recovery 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

DOP 250 Pump w/Power Pack ACS Recovery 1 2 1 hr

1 hr

Peristaltic Pump (2-inch) ACS, Alpine Recovery 1 2 1 hr

Trash Pump (3-inch) All Recovery 1 2 1 hr

Diaphragm Pump

(3-inch)

All (ACS, MPU, Alpine 

have diesel)

Recovery 1 2 1 hr

TransVac ACS, WOA Recovery 1 2 2 hr

Fastank or Fold-a-Tank All Storage 1 2 for setup 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Transfer >20 ft — 2 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Transfer >20 ft — 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Transfer >50 ft 2 for setup 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Alpine

Haul backhoe 1 1 1 hr 0
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-8 Use of Portable Skimmers with Pumps (River and Lake) (Page 1 of 2) Use of Portable Skimmers with Pumps (River and Lake) (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-8

Portable skimmers are easily mobilized, transported, and deployed and can be used in most spill situations for 

recovery. They can be used to recover oil from containment areas such as the apex of a diversion boom or natural 

or artificial deadarms. The typical portable skimming system includes:

• Skimmer, pump, or skimmer/pump (with fuel) with power pack

• Hose (suction and discharge with fittings)

• Storage container (tank truck, storage bladder, barrels, Fastank, etc.)

Portable skimmers can be deployed on land or from small boats to recover oil contained on water. 

A weir skimmer has a “lip” or weir at its intake over which liquids flow into the skimmer pump. The user can adjust 

the working depth of the weir. Weir skimmers will pick up any product on water, including emulsified and weathered 

product; however, they recover more water than oil in thin oil layers. (Avoid using a centrifugal pump since emulsification will occur; use a diaphragm pump instead.)

Oil adheres to an oleophilic skimmer, while water is repelled. These skimmers include rotating disks, rotating drums, 

or endless belts (including rope mop). Brush and rope mop skimmers can be effective in any oil thickness, while 

disk and drum skimmers require fresh oil. (Any pump can be used as long as the pump rate can be adjusted so as 

not to exceed the recovery rate of the skimmer.)

Moderate Current

Trench

hose

Fastank

Skimmer

Power Pack

Deadman

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Portable skimmers are initially used to pick up concentrations of oil, then are used in containment areas. The 

skimmers can be land-based or deployed from boats, and require power packs (a jon boat can be used for the 

power pack). When requesting a skimmer, always ask for the total skimming system.

• The only differences in equipment or techniques for road access or no road access are logistical in nature.

• Position the skimmer or pump with suction hose in area of heaviest spill concentration. Make sure intake end of 

hose is fitted with a screen. Use a diaphragm pump (not a centrifugal pump) with a weir skimmer.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• See Tactic L-6, page 3 of 8, for a list of portable skimmers and their nameplate capacities.

• The table below identifies the efficiency multiplier for derating the nameplate capacity of skimmers for planning 

purposes.

SUPPORT

• Fold-A-Tank, bladders, Fastanks, Rolligon with tank, mini-barge possible.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Typically, portable skimmers require 2 persons for setup and 1 or 2 to operate.

SKIMMER EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED CAPACITY

Weir 0.2 Nameplate x 0.2

Oleophilic 0.2 Nameplate x 0.2

Vikoma 30K and Morris MI-30 N/A 10 bbl/hr

Foxtail 0.3 Nameplate pump capacity x 0.3

Lori LSC 0.8 217 bbl/hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC R-9 Use of Sorbents (Page 1 of 2) Use of Sorbents (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-9

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Personnel requirements depend on the nature and area of oil contamination. Personnel typically work in pairs for 

sorbent deployment and recovery. Additional personnel are required for loaders, dump trucks, vessel, etc.

WIND

Sorbent Fences at Breakup

Contaminated Area

Sorbent Material

Fence

Sorbent pads and rolls can be used onshore to remove small pools of liquid or oil layers on rocks or man-made 

structures. If the spill is at the shoreline, sorbent boom can be deployed and backed up with conventional containment boom as necessary to keep the oil from drifting away.

Sorbents can be used with Shore Seal boom or fences to create an oil absorbent barrier.

Place oiled sorbents in plastic bags marked “oily waste” for removal and disposal. Larger quantities can be placed 

in barrels or debris boxes. Minimize the amount of sorbent material used. Oily sorbent bags must be placed in oily 

waste dumpsters.

USE OF SORBENT FENCE

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• Use of sorbents should be minimized because of disposal problem.

• Sorbent wringers can be used to extend the life of sorbents.

• Do not use Pom Poms in conjunction with pumping.

• Sorbents work well on fresh crude, light refined oils, and thick sheens, but are only partially effective on solidified 

or weathered oil, highly viscous oil, very thin sheens, or emulsified oil. Sorbent products are ineffective unless all 

layers become saturated when in contact with spilled product. Use sorbent boom when overland flow is minor, 

and terrain has low slope or is wetland.

• Hay bales could be deployed in place of or in conjunction with sorbent material.

SUPPORT

• Support equipment may include heavy-duty plastic bags and liners, shovels, rakes, poles with gripping claws, 

pitchforks with wire mesh, and heavy equipment.

TYPICAL OIL HOLDING CAPACITIES

(For Fibrous Polypropylene Sorbents

with Medium-Grade Crude Oil)

ESTIMATED RECOVERABLE VOLUME OF OIL

(Gallons/Bale of Sorbent)

PERCENT SATURATION

NOTE: Assume one-time use 

and 15:1 (oil to sorbent by 

weight) ratio, or approximately 

2-gal/lb of sorbent.*

* Ratio of oil weight to sorbent weight at saturation may be as low 

as 10:1 for light oils (e.g., avgas, JP-4, and gasoline) and greater 

than 20:1 for heavy lube oils and Bunker C.

Approximate

Weight

Sorbent Type Dimensions Units/Bale (Pounds/Bale)

(A) Rolls 3/8" x 36" x 150' 1 Roll 38

(B) Sweeps 3/8" x 19" x 100' 1 Sweep 15

(C) Sheets 3/16" x 18" x 18" 200 Sheets 18

(D) Sheets 3/8" x 18" x 18" 100 Sheets 18

(E) Sheets 3/8" x 36" x 36" 50 Sheets 38

(F) Particulate — 1 Bag 25

(G) Pillows 5" x 14" x 25" 10 Pillows 23

(H) Booms 8" Diam. x 10' Long 4 Booms 44

(I) Double Booms 5" Diam. x 10' Long 4 Double 28

Booms

THIN OIL 

FILMS

(Only 

Surface 

Coating of 

Sorbent)

THICK OIL 

LAYERS

(Good 

Penetration 

of Sorbent)

SORBENT TYPE (H)

(A) (E)

(I)

(F)

(G)

(C) (D)

(B)

0 25 50 75 100

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

COMMON SORBENT PACKAGING CHARACTERISTICS

(For Fibrous Polypropylene Products)

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION

Sorbent Boom (8 inch) All

Double Sorbent Boom (8 inch) ACS

Sorbent Boom (4 inch) All

Double Sorbent Boom (4 inch) ACS

Sorbent Pads (18 x 18 inch) All

Sorbent Sweeps (18 x 18 inch) All

Sorbent Pads (36 x 36 inch) All

Sorbent Roll (36 inch x 150 ft) All

Pom Poms ACS, WOA

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rakes All Recovery >1 1 per 1 hr 0

Pitchforks w/Screen All Recovery >1 1 per 1 hr 0

Shovels All Recovery >1 1 per 1 hr 0

Oily Waste Bags All Disposal >1 Box — 1 hr 0

Fencing Material ACS Containment Variable 2 1 hr 2 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC R-10 Fairchild Gate Weir Collection System (Page 1 of 2) Fairchild Gate Weir Collection System (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-10

Moderate Current

Slow Current

Deadman

Trench

Weir

Decant Pump

Vacuum Truck

The Fairchild gate weir provides a closable opening for an existing storage trench or deadarm along a river bank. 

Oil moving on the river is deflected so that it enters the recovery weir into the storage area, and the liquid flow can 

be controlled as necessary.

A 3- or 4-inch trash pump is used to decant fluids back upstream into the boomed area. This will allow for greater 

storage capacity in the trench area.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels and boom according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6). Specific 

personnel requirements depend on the length and type of boom and the nature of the area.

• Equipment and personnel required to set up and maintain boom are listed in the applicable containment tactic.

SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Use an existing trench or deadarm. If necessary, dig a new one or modify an existing one.

• Disposal of construction material should be taken into account before using this tactic.

• Do not excavate where excavation will cause more damage than the spill. Before excavating in tundra, check for the 

presence of groundwater or permafrost. Do not excavate into frost-laden (cemented) soils, since disruption of the 

permafrost could accelerate thermal erosion. The depth of the trench is limited by the depth of the permafrost.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Gorman Rupp 4-inch trash pump = 1,074 bbl/hr nameplate

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

• For planning purposes, 80% of the liquid passing over the gate is oil and 20% is free water. The responder adjusts 

the moveable gate to maximize oil flow into the containment area and minimize water flow through the weir. 

Weir

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 7

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 5

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Backhoe EOA, WOA, KRU, Peak, 

APC, AIC, Alpine

Trenching 1 1 2 hr

3 hr

Vacuum Truck (300-bbl) All Recovery 1 1 1 hr

Fairchild Weir KRU Recovery 1 2 1 hr

Trash Pump (4-inch) ACS, WOA, EOA, Alpine Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, Alpine Liquid transfer >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU, Alpine Liquid transfer >50 ft — 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-11 Decanting Separated Water in River (Page 1 of 2) Decanting Separated Water in River (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-11

Skimmer

River

Boom

Hose Decanting

Water

Fastank Fastank

Moderate Current

Power

Pack

Trash

Pump

Diaphragm

Pump

When oil is being skimmed from the water surface, it is likely that considerable volumes of water will be recovered 

as well. Decanting excess water from oily water storage is an important tool to reduce the volume of oil water that 

must be taken for disposal. 

Oily water is pumped to a primary storage tank such as a Fastank or larger tanks. As the water separates, it can 

be pumped back into the containment area on the water. 

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Equipment and personnel required to set up and maintain boom are listed in the applicable containment tactic.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Gravity flow is the best method for decanting water from a tank.

• Ensure decanting operation is constantly monitored to ensure only water is decanted.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets 

of plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• Consider use of valves on discharge hoses.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

RECOVERY CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 3-inch diaphragm pump = 114 bbl/hr nameplate.

• 3-inch trash pump = 485 bbl/hr nameplate.

NOTE: This illustration depicts a typical deployment for this tactic. See Tactic R-8 for recovery equipment.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 5

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Diaphragm Pump

(3-inch)

All (ACS, MPU, 

Alpine have diesel)

Transfer 1 1 1 hr

0.5 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Transfer >20 ft — 1 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Transfer >50 ft 2 for setup 1 hr

Trash Pump (2-inch) All Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Fastank All Temporary storage 2 2 for setup 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Decanting >20 ft 1 1 hr

Discharge Hose (2-inch) All Decanting >50 ft 1 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-12 Aggressive Breakup in River (Page 1 of 2) Aggressive Breakup in River (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-12

Tactical options are limited during the aggressive river breakup period when currents are strong from bank to bank, 

large pieces of ice are flowing in the river, and it is not safe to deploy airboats or other vessels. Personnel will not 

be placed at risk to deploy any containment or recovery equipment in the river channel.

The overall strategy is to go downstream from the point where the spill is entering the water to look for mechanical 

recovery or burn opportunities in quiet-water areas along the stream banks where boom could be deployed. The 

Heli-torch can be used to ignite inaccessible oil pockets, while skimmers and pumps or vacuum trucks can be used 

where road access is available.

Swift Current

Oil Streamers

Skimming Area(s)

Aggressive Breakup

Ice

Tundra

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Oil will tend to be naturally dispersed by the water’s turbulence and by adherence to silt and sinking.

• Two people are needed to mix gelled fuel for the Heli-torch and to attach it to the helicopter.

• Batch mixer can be used for mixing large amounts of gelled fuel for Heli-torch.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Many different types of small skimmers may be used; see Tactic R-8.

Skimmer

Oil

Oil

Oil

Hose Decanting 

Water

Fastank Fastank

Swift Current

Oil Streamers

Power

Pack

Swift Current

Oil Streamers

Pump

Ice

Ice

Trash

Pump

OPTION A

OPTION B

OPTION A

OPTION B

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 5

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3

TOTAL STAFF WITH HELI-TORCH 3

TOTAL STAFF WITH HAND-HELD IGNITERS 2

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Heli-torch (55 gal) ACS Ignition 2 2 for setup 1 hr

2 hr

Helicopter with FAR

Part 137 Approved Pilot

Alyeska Sling-load Heli-torch 1 1 2 hr

Hand-held Igniters ACS Ignition >6 1 1 hr

Surefire Gel ACS Gelled fuel >5 lb. — 1 hr

Fire Extinguisher All Suppress accidental fires >2 — 0.5 hr

Batch Mixer (300 gal) ACS, KRU Mix gel 1 2 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Small Stationary

Skimmer System

ACS, KRU, EOA, 

WOA, Endicott, Alpine

Recovery 1 1 1 hr

3 hr

Diaphragm Pump

(3-inch)

All (ACS, MPU, Alpine 

have diesel)

Transfer 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>50 ft — 1 hr

Trash Pump (2-inch) All Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Fastank or Fold-a-Tank All Temporary Storage 2 2 for setup 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-13 Cutting Ice Slots for Recovery (Page 1 of 2) Cutting Ice Slots for Recovery (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-13

Ice Slot

Pump

Liquids to Storage Floating Suction

Head or Weir Skimmer

Ice Slot

Snow Berm

Rope Mop

Ice Blocks

Surface

Storage Pit

in Ice

Wringer Assembly

and Drum

Trench

Pulley

Oil

Oil

Oil

Oil

Snow

Snow

Snow

Ice

Ice

Water

Oil moving both on the surface of ice and underneath it can be concentrated in slots cut in the ice and recovered by 

skimming with rope mops or other types of skimmers. If the oil in the slot is thick enough, it can be removed using 

weir skimmers or direct suction. 

Oil entrained in subsurface pockets can be reached by drilling holes with ice augers and pumping the oil directly to 

storage containers such as drums or bladders. Temporary storage can also be provided by excavating shallow pits 

in the ice surface using chain saws and chipper bars. These oil concentrations can be pumped off or burned.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check ice thickness for safe bearing capacity before working on ice. The ice must be sufficiently strong to support 

personnel and heavy equipment. See Tactic L-7 for realistic maximum operating limits (RMOL) for ice thickness 

and temperature. Also, ensure ice can withstand extra load of oil and snow on the surface without either breaking 

the ice or forcing oil to migrate through existing cracks. Extreme care must be taken when positioning or operating 

any heavy equipment close to trenches or slots in the ice. Stresses in the ice for a given load can double under 

these situations. Ensure that oil that accumulates in an ice trench is continually removed. If allowed to build up to 

a thick layer, some oil may escape the ice slot.

• “In-ice” trenches do not extend through the ice and contain spills flowing over the ice surface. “Through-ice” or 

slots or trenches extend through ice to free water to contain spills moving under the ice.

• Ice trenches can be configured in “U” shapes or herringbone patterns to contain oil. Remove cut ice blocks in 

1-cubic-ft pieces and place on side opposite oil. The width of the trench should not exceed 4 ft.

• Use of Rube Witch chain saw is labor-intensive.

• Use of heat will make the rope mop and pump more effective.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Slurp skimmer = 62 bbl/hr nameplate

• 3-inch diaphragm pump = 114 bbl/hr nameplate

SUPPORT

TYPICAL ARCTIC HOLDING CAPACITY

VOLUME (Barrels)

OILED AREA (Acres)

0.1

102

1 mi2

1/2 mi2

1/4 mi2

1/8 mi2

~ 660'

x 660'

103 104 105 106

1

10

102

103

OVER ICE

Flat with Light Snow

Rough with Heavy Snow

~ 210'

x 210'

WATER SURFACE

Smooth

Irregular

UNDER ICE

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP AND TRENCHING 12

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 3

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rube Witch w/Chain Saw All Trenching 3 6 1 hr 0.5 hr

Ice Auger WOA, EOA, KRU, 

ACS, Endicott, 

Alpine

Recovery hole 1

4

1 hr 0.5 hr

Rope Mop (4-inch) All Recovery 1 1 hr 1 hr

Weatherport (10x12) ACS, WOA, Alpine Shelter 1 1 hr 1 hr

Diaphragm Pump 

(3-inch)

All (ACS, MPU, 

Alpine have diesel)

Recovery 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Slurp Skimmer ACS Recovery 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2 >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 0.5 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2 >50 ft — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Generator All Rope mop power 1 2 for setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

4-Wheeler w/Plow All, except Badami 

& MPU

Berming 2 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Mechanic Truck All Support Equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 1 to

check and fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Tioga Heater All Heat >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-14 Recovery of Oil Under Ice (Page 1 of 4) Recovery of Oil Under Ice (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC R-14

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Tioga Heater All Heat 1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except 

Badami

Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 1 to 

check and fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

Snow

Snow

Snow

Water

ICE

Snow

Surface Pit

Pump

to Storage

OIL

Oil trapped

in ice

Oil trapped

under ice

Auger

A sump is cut in the ice around a hole augered through the ice to pockets of oil under the ice or encapsulated in 

the ice. The oil is pumped directly from the sump to temporary storage containers. A heated shelter can be erected 

over the sump.

Another option involves deploying rope mop through holes in the ice to recover oil trapped in under-ice depressions. 

Two holes are drilled in the ice using ice augers or chainsaws, and the rope mop is strung under the ice between 

the holes.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Depending on the thickness of a trapped oil pool, a single sump or auger hole may drain a very small lateral 

area. Repeated holes may have to be drilled at a close spacing to recover most of the oil. This technique is most 

effective for thicker oil pockets on the order of 4 to 6 inches or more. Thin oil lenses in the ice on the order of 2 

to 3 inches or less may not drain effectively to individual holes.

• 3-inch diaphragm pump = 114 bbl/hr nameplate capacity.

SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Heat inside the shelter will make the rope mop and pump more effective.

• Use of the Rube Witch with chain saw is labor-intensive.

• Check ice thickness for safe bearing capacity before working on ice. The ice must be sufficiently strong to support 

personnel and heavy equipment. See Tactic L-7 for realistic maximum operating limits (RMOL) for ice thickness 

and temperature. Also, ensure ice can withstand extra load of oil and snow on the surface without either breaking 

the ice or forcing oil to migrate through existing cracks. Extreme care must be taken when positioning or operating 

any heavy equipment close to trenches or slots in the ice. Stresses in the ice for a given load can double under 

these situations. Ensure that oil that accumulates in an ice trench is continually removed. If allowed to build up to 

a thick layer, some oil may escape the ice slot.

TYPICAL ARCTIC HOLDING CAPACITY

VOLUME (Barrels)

OILED AREA (Acres)

0.1

102

1 mi2

1/2 mi2

1/4 mi2

1/8 mi2

~ 660'

x 660'

103 104 105 106

1

10

102

103

OVER ICE

Flat with Light Snow

Rough with Heavy Snow

~ 210'

x 210'

WATER SURFACE

Smooth

Irregular

UNDER ICE

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >10

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 4

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rube Witch w/Chain Saw All Sump construction 3 6 1 hr 0.5 hr

Weatherport (10x12) WOA, ACS, Alpine Shelter 1

4

1 hr 1 hr

Ice Auger WOA, EOA, KRU, 

ACS, Endicott, Alpine

Recovery hole 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Rope Mop (4-inch) All Recovery 1 1 hr 1 hr

Diaphragm Pump (3-inch) All (ACS, MPU, Alpine 

have diesel)

Recovery 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2 >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 0.5 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2 >50 ft — 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC R-14 Recovery of Oil Under Ice (Page 3 of 4) Recovery of Oil Under Ice (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC R-14

Bladder

Tent with heater

over recovery hole

Oil Lens Ice

Pump

Barge

Tug Tent with heater

over recovery hole

Ice Oil Lens

Pump

Pumping to Shore or Island

Storage Tank Tent with heater

over recovery hole

Ice

Oil Lens

Pump

Sea Floor

Ice

(1' to 2' thick)

Water

Buried Pipeline

Oil Pool

(approx. 3" thick)

Oil trapped under solid ice or in a lens within solid ice can be removed by augering into the oil lens and pumping 

out the oil. If the ice is thick enough to support heavy equipment, the oil can be pumped directly into bladders or 

other portable tanks and hauled to shore. In the case of thin nearshore ice, the oil can be pumped to storage containers on shore. Finally, if the site can be reached by an ice-strengthened tug-and-barge combination, the oil can 

be pumped directly into the barge.

A heated portable shelter should be placed over the auger holes to protect personnel and pumps.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 3-inch diaphragm pump = 114 bbl/hr nameplate capacity

SUPPORT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check ice thickness for safe bearing capacity before working on ice. The ice must be sufficiently strong to support 

personnel and heavy equipment. See Tactic L-7 for realistic maximum operating limits (RMOL) for ice thickness 

and temperature. Also, ensure ice can withstand extra load of oil and snow on the surface without either breaking 

the ice or forcing oil to migrate through existing cracks. Extreme care must be taken when positioning or operating 

any heavy equipment close to trenches or slots in the ice. Stresses in the ice for a given load can double under 

these situations. Ensure that oil that accumulates in an ice trench is continually removed. If allowed to build up to 

a thick layer, some oil may escape the ice slot.

• Heat in the shelter will make the rope mop and pump more effective.

• When appropriate, the amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa 

tube). Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

TYPICAL ARCTIC HOLDING CAPACITY

VOLUME (Barrels)

OILED AREA (Acres) 0.1

102

1 mi2

1/2 mi2

1/4 mi2

1/8 mi2

~ 660'

x 660'

103 104 105 106

1

10

102

103

OVER ICE

Flat with Light Snow

Rough with Heavy Snow

~ 210'

x 210'

WATER SURFACE

Smooth

Irregular

UNDER ICE

or

or

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >4 (12 if barge used)

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 2 (12 if barge used)

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/

SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Ice Auger WOA, EOA, KRU, ACS, 

Endicott, Alpine

Recovery 

hole

1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Weatherport (10x12) ACS, WOA, Alpine Shelter 1 3 for setup 1 hr 1 hr

Diaphragm Pump

(3-inch)

All 

(ACS, MPU, Alpine have diesel)

Recovery 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 0 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>50 ft — 1 hr 0 hr

Tank Bladder ACS, WOA Storage 1 — 1 hr 1 hr

Fastank or Fold-a-Tank All Storage 1 2 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Barge West Dock Storage 1 8 4 hr

6 hr

Tug West Dock Tow barge 1 4 2 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Tioga Heater All Heat 1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 1 to 

check and fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

TACTIC R-15 Anchored V-Boom to Skimmer (Page 1 of 2) Anchored V-Boom to Skimmer (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-15

A V-shaped boom configuration is anchored with two booms of 1,000 feet each, with a typical sweep opening of 

800 feet. Anchors are placed as appropriate. 

A skimmer may be tied in at the apex — e.g., Heliskimmer system or a Swamp vessel with a Destroil skimmer, or 

other skimmers may be placed in a closed boom configuration. A workboat supports the skimmer and tends the 

boom. The skimmer pumps oil and water into a mini-barge anchored immediately downcurrent.

Skimmer

Mini-Barge

1,000 ft. boom

Current

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape). Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

• In shallow water operations, a mini-barge may be grounded and used as a work platform.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering of mini-barges.

• Boom throughput efficiency is 100% in open sea water and 90% in rivers.

SUPPORT

• An aircraft will track the oil and help coordinate the on-water task forces. A work boat with propeller tows the 

mini-barge into place and leaves once the barge is anchored.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 9

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 6

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/ 

SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Skimmer All On-water recovery 1

4

4 hr

3 hr

Work Boat All Support skimmer and 

tend boom

1 1 hr

Boom All V boom 2,000 ft 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchor boom Variable 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchor discharge hose Variable 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchor mini-barge Variable 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-barge (237 

bbl available storage)

West Dock, Oliktok Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr

Work Boat or Runabout All Deploy boom 1 3 for setup 1 hr

Work Boat All Tow mini-barge to 

unload

1 2 1 hr

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER

DERATED

ORR (BBL/HR)

Weir Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s 

nameplate pump capacity

Seavac 660 Heli-Skimmer 937 0.2 187

LORI 271 0.8 217

Vikoma 30K 189 N/A 10

Morris MI-30 142 N/A 10

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Other Oleophilic Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s 

nameplate pump capacity

NOTE: Emulsification factor is 1.67 times oil volume.
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC R-16 Hook Boom to Skimmer and Storage (Page 1 of 2) Hook Boom to Skimmer and Storage (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-16

Boom is anchored on the shore in lengths of 50 to 300 feet. An anchor holds the boom off the shore, and a work 

boat tends the booms and anchors. 

 A skimmer is placed near the shore in the recovery area of the boom. Diesel power packs on shore power the 

skimmer. A temporary tank and a trash pump are set up on shore (see Tactic R-22).

Liquids are pumped to the temporary tank on shore. Onshore tanks decant 80% of the fluids as free water into the 

collection boom area, with approval of the State On-Scene Coordinator.

Additional Fastanks and diaphragm pumps can be added as needed depending on oil encounter rates.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

• Equipment and personnel required to set up and maintain boom are listed in the applicable containment tactic.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• Rubber-tracked Challenger dozers or Rolligons can pull tanks across the tundra to waiting vacuum trucks on a 

pad or road. Backhoes or Bobcats can dig collection pits along the shore for storage.

• Airboats can be used to move oil into collection points.

• KRU has Rolligons with cranes to lift skimmers, if necessary.

• 500-gallon bladders with cargo nets placed underneath could also be used for helicopter slinging or storage.

• Bigger bladders could be used if Rolligon transport is available. 

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Equipment operates 10 hr per 12-hr shift, 2 shifts per day. 

• 3-inch diaphragm pump = 114 bbl/hr nameplate.

• Up to 10 tactical units deployed within a 5-mile area can share the boom deployment/tending crew (e.g., one 

boom crew can deploy and tend up to 2,000 ft of boom within 5 miles), but a skimmer, power pack, storage and 

operators must be included for each hook boom deployed. For example, to set 10 hooks deployed within a 5-mile 

area, the following are needed: 2,000 ft boom, 1 boat with 3 personnel, 10 skimmers each with an operator, 10 

power packs each with an operator, and 10 Fastanks with associated hoses.

SUPPORT

Skimmer*

*A Manta Ray skimmer is shown, but other types of portable skimmers may be used.

Open Water

Fastank

Moderate Current

Diaphragm

Pump or 

Power Pack

Boom

Skimmer to

Storage

Anchor

Current

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Small Stationary

Skimmer System

ACS, KRU, EOA, WOA, 

Endicott, Alpine

Recovery 1

4 for setup

2 to maintain

1 hr

3 hr

Diaphragm Pump

(3-inch)

All 

(ACS, MPU, Alpine have diesel)

Transfer 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>20 ft 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>50 ft 1 hr

Fastank or Fold-a-tank All Storage 1 1 hr

Tank Bladder (500 gal) ACS, WOA, Alpine Storage 1 — 1 hr 1hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Avgas Trailer ACS, GPB, KRU, 

Badami, Alpine

Airboat fuel 1 1 (initial) 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UNDERATED LIQUID

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

Oleophilic skimmer Manufacturer’s nameplate

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s 

nameplate pump capacity

Vikoma 30K 189 N/A 10

Vikoma 12K MKII 75 N/A 10

Morris MI-30 142 N/A 10

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Weir Skimmer Manufacturer’s nameplate

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s 

nameplate pump capacity

NOTE: Emulsification factor is 1.67 times oil volume
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC R-17 J-Boom to Skimmer and Mini-Barge (Page 1 of 2) J-Boom to Skimmer and Mini-Barge (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-17

A work boat tows 350 to 500 feet of boom, with swath widths of 100 to 150 feet, respectively. The other end of the 

boom is connected to the boat that operates the skimmer. The boom is towed in a J-boom configuration that directs 

oil into a skimmer in the apex. Continued operations offshore involve boom of 350 feet. Operations that enter nearshore areas and encounter lesser waves involve boom of 500 feet.

Skimmed liquids are pumped into mini-barges. A skimmer vessel tows and fills a mini-barge until it is replaced by an 

empty mini-barge. Free water from the bottom of the mini-barge tank is decanted during the skimming and loading. 

The discharge hose, fastened upcurrent of the skimmer, directs the free water into the boomed area. The operator 

turns off the pump when the discharge water becomes black with oil. Mini-barges are towed to, and deliver liquids 

to, an intermediate storage barge.

Tow Boat

Skimmer

Cross-Bridle

Mini Barge

Shuttle Boat

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 1 hr to load mini-barge; 1.5 hr to unload. Manufacturer’s nameplate pump capacity for 3-inch trash pump is 485 

bbl/hr. (See Tactic R-28)

• When used with a weir skimmer and after decanting, a mini-barge contains 79 bbl oil, 53 bbl water in emulsion, 

104 bbl free water, 237 total bbl.

• Equipment operates 10 hr in 12-hr shift, two shifts per day.

SUPPORT

• An aircraft tracks the oil and helps coordinate the on-water task forces (preferably twin-engined aircraft or singleengined aircraft on floats).

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering with mini-barges.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape). Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL (CONT.)

TOTAL STAFF 7

EQUIPMENT BASE

 LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Skimmer All On-water recovery 1

3

1 hr

2 hr

Work Boat All Tow boom and minibarge, operate skimmer and pump1 1 hr

Work Boat All Tow J-boom 1

2

1 hr

Boom All On-water collection Variable 1 hr

Work Boat All Shuttle mini-barge 1 2 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237-bbl available storage)

West Dock, 

Oliktok

Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr

DECANTING

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Trash Pump (3-inch) All Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >50 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

NOTE: Emulsification factor is 1.67 times oil volume.

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

Weir Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s

nameplate pump capacity

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

Desmi 250 (Ocean) 628 0.2 125

Desmi 250 (Habor) 440 0.2 88

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Other Oleophilic Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s

nameplate pump capacity
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-18 U-Boom to Skimmer and Mini-Barge (Page 1 of 2) U-Boom to Skimmer and Mini-Barge (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-18

Two work boats each tow 500 feet of ocean boom in a 300-foot-wide sweep. The skimming vessel is tied into the 

boom. The oil passes into the boom configuration and then into a skimmer. The vessel’s hydraulics power the skimmer and the skimmer pump. The skimmer pumps recovered liquids into a towed storage platform (mini-barge or 

floating storage bladder). Free water is decanted during the loading step. When the storage platform is full, a work 

boat replaces it and tows it to an intermediate storage platform for off-loading. Skimming continues uninterrupted.

Mini-Barge

Mini-Barge

Skimmer

Cross-Bridle

Shuttle Boat

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Equipment operates 10 hr in 12-hr shift; two shifts per day

• The oil recovery rate and number of mini-barges required (fill to 95% capacity) vary with the oil encounter rate.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape) prior 

to offloading. Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• When used with a weir skimmer and after decanting, a mini-barge contains 79 bbl oil, 53 bbl water in emulsion, 

104 bbl free water, 237 total bbl.

• 1 hr to load mini-barge; 1.5 hr to unload.

• Manufacturer’s nameplate pump capacity for 3-inch trash pump is 485 bbl/hr. (See Tactic R-28)

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL (CONT.)

DECANTING

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Trash Pump (3-inch) All Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >50 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

NOTE: Emulsification factor is 1.67 times oil volume.

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

Weir Skimmer Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity 0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s nameplate pump capacity

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

LORS-2C 516 0.2 103

Desmi 250 (Ocean) 628 0.2 125

Desmi 250 (Harbor) 440 0.2 88

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Other Oleophilic Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity 0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

NOTE: This operation may also be conducted using a 

work boat with integrated oil recovery system and built-in 

recovered oil storage tank. This option is ideal for handling 

smaller spills, as well as supporiing larger responses.

TOTAL STAFF 11-13

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat All Tow boom, up to 500 ft 2 4 1 hr

2 hr

Boom All On-water recovery 1,000 ft — 1 hr

Work Boat*

with two integrated

skimmers

Shell

Tow boom and mini-barge or 

floating storage bladder; skim, 

decant and store or pump oil

1 2 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Work Boat All

Run skimmer and pump; tow 

mini-barge while loading; tow 

boom

1

4

1 hr

Skimmer All On-water recovery 2 hr 2 1 hr

Work Boat All Shuttle storage platforms 1 2 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237 bbl available storage)

West Dock, 

Oliktok Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr

Floating Storage Bladder** Shell Intermediate storage 2 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

or

or

* 50 bbl onboard recovered oil tank and off-loading PDP

** Onboard 3-inch diaphram diesel decanting pump

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering procedures.
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-19 J-Boom to Tank Barge or OSRV (Page 1 of 2) J-Boom to Tank Barge or OSRV (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-19

Two work boats each tow 1,000 feet of ocean boom into a J-shape to make a 700-foot sweep. The boom is inflated 

and deployed from the deck of the tank barge or OSRV. A crane lifts a skimmer from one side of barge’s deck into 

the apex of the boom. The crane positions the skimmers where the oil is deepest. The barge pumps up to 80% of 

its free water back into the boomed area. The task force advances at a speed no greater than 0.7 knot.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Equipment operates 10 hr in 12-hr shift; two shifts per day

• The oil recovery rate and number of mini-barges required (fill to 95% capacity) vary with the oil encounter rate.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape) prior 

to offloading. Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

Tugboat

Tank Barge or OSRV

Skimmer

Cross-Bridle

Work Boat Work Boat

Crane

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Equipment operates 10 hr per 12-hr shift, 2 shifts per day. DOP 250 pump = 628 bbl/hr nameplate capacity.

SKIMMER 

CATEGORY

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER

MANUFACTURER’S 

NAMEPLATE PUMP 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

DERATED 

OIL 

RECOVERY 

RATE 

(BBL/HR)

EMULSIFICATION 

FACTOR

OIL/

EMULSION 

STORED 

(BBL/HR)

FREE WATER 

RETAINED 

AFTER 

DECANTING 

(BBL/HR)

NET 

STORED 

LIQUIDS 

(BBL/HR)

Transrec 250 Weir 

Skimmer

0.2 1,570 314 1.67 524 209 734

Walosep W4 Weir 

Skimmer

0.2 566 113 1.67 189 75 264

LORI LFS Oleophilic 

Skimmer

0.8 271 217 1.67 362 n/a 362

Lamor LSC-5

Skimmer

0.2 1,289 258 1.54 397 52 449

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

* Two LORI LFS or Lamor LSC-5 skimmers are interchangeable with the 

Transrec 250 and Walosep W-4 skimmers, depending on ice conditions.

** 200 hp minimum

*** This mobilization time applies after tank barge arrives on North Slope.

TOTAL STAFF 21-27

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

or

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat

(ACS Bay Class or equivalent*)

West Dock, 

Northstar, Oliktok

Tow boom 2 6 1 hr

3 hr

Boom West Dock, Oliktok On-water 

collection

Variable 4 1 hr

Transrec 250 Skimmer*

(w/ power pack)

West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 2 hr

Walosep W4 Skimmer*

(w/ power pack)

West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 2 hr

LORI LFS Skimmers* West Dock On-water recovery 2 — 1 hr

Lamor LSC-5 Skimmers* Shell On-water recovery 2 — — 1 hr

Tug West Dock Towing 1 4 2 hr

3 hr

Tank Barge West Dock Storage 1 6 4 hr**

OSRV Shell Storage 1 12 1 hr 1 hr

Mobile Crane EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Peak

Skimmer 

deployment

1 1 2 hr

3 hr DOP 250 Pump 

(w/power pack)

ACS, KRU Decanting 1 — 1 hr

Discharge Hose

(4-inch w/ 6-inch to 4-inch reducer)

ACS, WOA, KRU Decanting >50 ft — 1 hr 

PDP, with diesel/hydraulic powerpack (annular injection flanges)Shell Decanting/Offload 8 — 1 hr 1 hr

or

or

or
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-19A Use of J-Booms in Broken Ice (Page 1 of 2) Use of J-Booms in Broken Ice (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-19A

Tugboat

Tank Barge

Skimmer

Cross-Bridle Crane

Work Boat

Two work boats each tow 400 feet of ocean boom from the barge into a J-shape to make a 300-foot 

sweep. Length of boom depends on the ice conditions. A crane lifts a skimmer from one side of the 

storage barge’s deck into the apex of the boom. The crane positions the skimmers where the oil is 

deepest, and the barge fills with recovered liquids.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Ice management may be used to decrease ice concentrations encountered by the containment system.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

* 200 hp minimum

** Two LORI LFS skimmers are interchangeable with the Transrec 250 and Walosep W-4 skimmers, depending on ice conditions.

*** This mobilization time applies after barge arrives on North Slope.

TOTAL STAFF 25

and/or

and/or

and/or

and/or

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO.

 STAFFSHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat

(ACS Bay Class or equivalent*)

West Dock, 

Northstar, Oliktok

Tow boom 2 6 1 hr

3 hr

Tug West Dock Tow barge 1 4 2 hr

Tank Barge West Dock Skimmer mount 1 14 4 hr***

 Boom West Dock On-water collection Variable 4 for setup 1 hr

Mobile Crane EOA, WOA KRU, 

Peak

Skimmer

deployment

1 1 2 hr

Desmi 250 (Ocean) West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 1 hr

Desmi 250 (Harbor) West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 1 hr

LORI LFS Skimmer** West Dock On-water recovery 2 — 1 hr

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B 2-9 West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 2 hr

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 2 hr

Transrec 250 Skimmer**

(w/ power pack)

West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 2 hr

Walosep W4 Skimmer**

(w/ power pack)

West Dock On-water recovery 1 — 2 hr

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

Transrec 250 Weir Skimmer 1,570 0.2 314

Walosep W4 Weir Skimmer 566 0.2 113

LORI LFS 271 0.8 217

Other Oleophilic Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 Derate times manufacturer’s 

nameplate pump capacity

Desmi 250 (Ocean) 628 0.2 125

Desmi 250 (Harbor) 440 0.2 88

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Weir Skimmer Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 Derate times manufacturer’s 

nameplate pump capacity
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-20 U-Boom with Open Apex to Skimming System (Page 1 of 2) U-Boom with Open Apex to Skimming System (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-20

The length of boom and boom swath width are determined by the towing capacity of the boats and the water depth. 

For a swath width of 650 feet, two work boats each pull 1,000 feet of ocean boom. (Shorter lengths of boom may 

be necessary to avoid boom planing or entrainment based on sea conditions).

Oil funnels through the boom’s chained opening in the apex, with concentrated oil moving directly into a collection 

boom consisting of one or two 250-foot sections, each towed by a work boat (Options A and B). A recovery vessel 

(work boat, OSRB or OSRV) with skimming capability is tied into the apex of the collection boom. The recovery 

vessel’s engines power a hydraulic system to drive the skimmer and the pumps. For Option C, the 250-foot sections of boom and towboats are replaced by two 42-foot sections of boom held in place off the recovery vessel by 

means of boom arms.

Oil and sea water are pumped into a mini-barge or floating storage bladder. To replace when full, a shuttle boat 

hooks up an empty replacement to the skimmer vessel and tows away the full one.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering mini-barges and floating storage bladders.

• Equipment operates 10 hr in 12-hr shift; two shifts per day

• The oil recovery rate and number of mini-barges required (fill to 95% capacity) vary with the oil encounter rate.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape) prior 

to offloading. Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

Lamor LSC-5 1,289 0.2 258

LORS-2C 516 0.2 103

Tow Boat

Shuttle Boat

Chain Opening

Shuttle Boat

Cross-Bridle

Mini-Barge

Skimmer

OPTION B

OPTION A

Shuttle Boat

OPTION C

Cross-Bridle

Mini-Barge

Skimmer

Mini Barge

Containment

Boom

Boom 

Arm

Skimmer

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

TOTAL STAFF OPT. A: 16-24

OPT. B: 13-21

OPT. C: 10-18

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME DEPLOY TIME

Work Boat West Dock, 

Oliktok, Northstar

Tow boom for open 

apex

2 6 1 hr

Opt. A: 4 hr

Opt. B: 4 hr

Opt. C: 4.5 hr

Work Boat All Tow boom, up to 

250 ft

Opt. A: 2

Opt. B: 1

Opt. C: 0

Opt. A: 6

Opt. B: 3

Opt. C: 0

1 hr

Boom All On-water recovery Variable — 1 hr

LORI LSC 

Skimmer

West Dock On-water recovery Opt. A: 2

Opt. B: 1

Opt. C: 2

— 1 hr

Lamor LSC-5 

Skimmer

Shell On-water recovery Opt. A: 2

Opt. B: 1

Opt. C: 2

— —

LORS-2C Shell On-water recovery Opt. A: 2

Opt. B: 1

Opt. C: 2

— —

Work Boat West Dock Run skimmer and 

pump; 

tow mini-barge while 

loading

1 4 Opt. A: 1 hr

Opt. B: 1hr

Opt. C: 1.5 hr

Tug

and

OSRB w/crane

Shell Run skimmer 

and pump; store 

recovered oil; deploy 

equipment

1 each Tug: 5

OSRB: 6

Crane: 1

Opt. A: 1 hr

Opt. B: 1hr

Opt. C: 1.5 hr

OSRV Shell Run skimmer 

and pump; store 

recovered oil; deploy 

equipment

1 12 Opt. A: 1 hr

Opt. B: 1hr

Opt. C: 1.5 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237-bbl available 

storage)

West Dock, 

Oliktok

Intermediate storage Opt. A: 2

Opt. B: 2

Opt. C: 4

— 2 hr

Floating Storage 

Bladder

Shell Intermediate storage 2 — 0.5 hr

or

or

or

or

or
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC R-21 Hot-Water, High-Pressure Washing of Solid Surfaces (Page 1 of 2) Hot-Water, High-Pressure Washing of Solid Surfaces (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-21

Hot-water, high-pressure washing removes oil from concrete, rock, and metal surfaces. Sorbents, containment boom, 

and Shore Seal boom prevent re-oiling of adjacent areas. Sorbent boom and skimmers recover oil from adjacent 

water, while trenches collect surface and subsurface oil.

The “Spillbuster” van’s high-pressure, high-temperature spray is directed over the oiled surface to remove the oil. 

The van has a tank, with heater, hose, and nozzle. Water pressure is approximately 3,000 psi. The removed oil is 

trapped downstream in a man-made lined pit or trench or in a boomed-off area of open water close to shore. The oil 

is then removed by direct suction, skimming, burning, or sorbent pads. The Spillbuster van has a 200-gallon water 

tank with a diesel heater. The van can be coupled with a water truck to give it a continuous supply of water. Without 

a water truck the van can operate for 4 to 6 hours.

The Spillbuster is loaded onto a deck barge to access offshore oiled structures.

Spillbuster Van

Tundra

Plywood Walkway

Oiled Area

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL FOR OPEN WATER

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Oiled surfaces are cleaned up as a non-emergency project. Cleaning begins at the highest point and continues 

downslope. Care is taken to avoid contaminating unaffected areas. Removed oil is concentrated for recovery. The 

Spillbuster van has vacuum capabilities.

• The Spillbuster units come skid-mounted (KRU) and as a mobile van (EOA). The Spillbuster units are kept in 

warm storage and are not used when the temperature is below freezing. During winter, ConocoPhillips’ steam 

unit from Drill Site Maintenance is used. This unit virtually eliminates free liquids from cleaning.

• The hot-water, high-pressure wash method is harmful to flora and fauna and is not recommended for surfaces 

that support living plants or animals. When this method is used on oiled surfaces other than boulders, man-made 

structures, or rock, the oil may penetrate deeper into the sediments.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• The water tank on the Spillbuster van has a capacity of 200 gal. 

SUPPORT

• Vacuum trucks, skimmers, and sorbents are used for collection. Trash pumps transfer the oil to mini-barges or 

bladders towed by work boats. Containment booming is used when recovering near or over water and the oil is 

washed into the boomed area (see Tactic C-4 for containment options). A water truck is attached to the Spillbuster 

for an additional water supply, when necessary.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL FOR ONSHORE

*Optional TOTAL STAFF >2

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Spillbuster Van EOA, KRU Surface oil removal 1 2 (3 if water 

truck used)

1 hr 1 hr

Tug* West Dock Tow barge 1

8

2 hr

Deck Barge* West Dock Work platform, and 4 hr

equipment transport

1 4 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Spillbuster Van EOA, KRU Surface oil removal 1 2 (3 if water 

truck is used)

1 hr 1 hr

Plywood All Walk path Varies 2 2 hr 2 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-22 Temporary Storage Options (Page 1 of 2) Temporary Storage Options (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-22

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

In Option A, a pump at the dockhead moves liquids from a storage barge into a temporary upright tank using a 

trash pump, and a Triplex pump moves the liquid from the tank through a 3-inch hard line and flange connector into 

a production pipeline. In Option B, a temporary open-top tank such as a Fastank may also be used and trash pump 

moves the liquid from the open-top tank to a tank truck or tank trailer when a pipeline is not available.

Tank Barge or 

Mini Barge

Trash Pump Trash Pump

Fastank

OPTION B

400 bbl Upright Tank

Tank Barge or 

Mini Barge

Flow Line

3" Hardline

Triplex Pump Trash Pump

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• When working with equipment around or near flow lines, a spotter must be added to each front-end loader.

• A civil work permit from the operator is required for all work on owner-company pads.

• Decanting takes place from the temporary storage tanks with approval from the State On-Scene Coordinator to 

minimize the risk of secondary spills and to reduce the number of trips across the tundra, if necessary.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Piston PZ Triplex 6-inch pump capacity = 1,428 bbl/hr nameplate.

• Gorman Rupp 4-inch trash pump capacity = 1,074 bbl/hr nameplate.

• Pumps operate 10 hr out of 12-hr shift; two shifts per day.

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL (CONT’D)

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

OPTION A

OPTION A

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 13

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 6

or

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO.

 STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Upright Tank (400-bbl) KRU, Alpine Store recovered 

fluids

1 1 intial 2 hr

2 hr

Trash Pump (4-inch) ACS, WOA, EOA, Alpine Liquid transfer 1 1 1 hr

DOP 250 Pump West Dock Liquid transfer 1 — 1 hr 3 hr

Piston Pump PZ Triplex 

(6-inch)

EOA, WOA, KRU; 

Alpine has 2-inch

Liquid transfer 1 2 1 hr

2 hr

Suction Hose (6-inch) ACS Liquid transfer >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (6-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU Liquid transfer >50 ft — 1 hr

Suction Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA Liquid transfer >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU Liquid transfer >50 ft — 1 hr

Hard Line and Flange 

Connector (3-in)

Deadhorse Liquid transfer 1 section 7 for setup 3 hr

OPTION B

TOTAL STAFF 7

or

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rolligon CATCO Transport tank 1 1 6 hr 2 hr

Diesel Power Pack ACS, KRU, EOA, WOA, 

Endicott

Power recovery 

equipment

1 1 1 hr 1 hr

Fastank or

Fold-a-Tank

All Intermediate

storage

1 2 for setup 1 hr

Vacuum Truck All Transfer liquid 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Trailer Tank 

(10,000 gal)

CATCO Transfer liquid 1 — 6 hr

DOP 250 Pump West Dock Transfer liquid 1 — 1 hr 3 hr

Trash Pump (4-inch) ACS, WOA, EOA, Alpine Transfer liquid 2 2 1 hr

Suction Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, Alpine Transfer liquid >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 1 hr

Discharge Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transfer liquid >50 ft — 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-23 Tank on Trailer (CATCO Fuel Tanker) (Page 1 of 2) Tank on Trailer (CATCO Fuel Tanker) (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-23

A Rolligon pulls the empty CATCO 10,000-gallon trailer tank to a storage site. Liquids are pumped from a temporary 

tank into the trailer tank using a 4-inch trash pump. The Rolligon then pulls the trailer cross-country and transfers 

the liquid to a waiting vacuum truck or temporary storage tank on a pad or road. The Rolligon works under ACS’s 

permit for emergency tundra travel.

Skimmer

Open Water

Rolligon with Tank

Fastank

Decanting Hose

Moderate Current

Trash

Pump Diaphragm

Pump

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Equipment and personnel required to set up and maintain boom are listed in the applicable containment tactic.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Other trailer tanks are available on the Slope. The trailer tank and the temporary storage tanks decant free water 

to a recovery site. Travel across tundra by tracked vehicles and decanting require approval by the State On-Scene 

Coordinator. 

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 4 in. trash pump (Gorman Rupp) capacity = 1,074 bbl/hr nameplate.

• 3 in. diaphragm pump capacity = 114 bbl/hr nameplate.

• Pumps operate 10 hr out of 12-hr shift; two shifts per day

• Trailer tank holds 10,000 gal.

• Travel speed is approximately 5 mph across tundra; Rolligon travels up to 20 mph on roads.

SUPPORT

• Temporary storage tanks at a recovery site are the liquid source for the trailer tank. Vacuum trucks wait on gravel 

pads or nearby roads to empty the trailer tank.

TOTAL STAFF 3

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rolligon CATCO, APC Transport tank 1 1 6 hr

2 hr

Trash Pump (4-inch) ACS, WOA, EOA, Alpine Liquid transfer 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, Alpine Liquid transfer >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU, Alpine Liquid transfer >50 ft — 1 hr

Diaphragm Pump

(3-inch)

All (ACS, MPU, Alpine 

have diesel)

Recovery 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Recovery 2>50 ft — 1 hr

Trailer Tank

(10,000 gal.)

CATCO Intermediate 

storage

1 — 6 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07

TACTIC R-24 Hoses and Pumps in Series (Page 1 of 2) Hoses and Pumps in Series (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-24

A system of hoses and pumps in series system is assembled to transfer stored liquids. Four- or 6-inch discharge 

hose is used in sections, with 4-inch or 6-inch trash pumps in series approximately 1,000 feet apart. Liquids are 

pumped to a storage tank or vacuum trucks, or are recycled into a pipeline. Hose and pumps in series are typically 

used across tundra, but if the hose crosses a road or pad, crossings are flagged and constructed with timbers over 

the hose. The hose is clearly marked.

To transport pumps and hose across the tundra, plywood sheets are laid out in the path. The trash pumps are towed 

behind an Argo all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or 4-wheeler across the plywood. A 4-inch trash pump weighs 825 pounds, 

and has an axle and wheels under its skid mount. An ATV towing a trailer carries the hose.

Hose in trailer

ATV

Plywood

TUNDRA

Fastank

Fastank

Trash

Pump

Trash

Pump

Diaphragm

Pump

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• The length of discharge hose required is approximated by the distance of the fluid transfer.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The ACS discharge hose test performed on September 27, 1997, with a Gorman Rupp pump, 4-inch suction 

hose, and 2,000 ft of 6-inch discharge hose demonstrated a capacity of 690 bbl/hr. The test was performed with 

water, and the pump had no problem pumping large volumes of water through 2,000 ft of hose.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Gorman Rupp 4-inch trash pump capacity = 1,071 bbl/hr nameplate; 3-inch trash pump capacity = 571 bbl/hr 

nameplate.

• Pumps operate 10 hr out of 12-hr shift; two shifts per day.

• One tactical crew unit can deploy approximately 1,500 ft of hose per hour if the hose is prestacked on a trailer.

SUPPORT

• A pipeline, tank, vacuum truck, or other suitable storage receives the transported liquids from the hose and pump 

in series. Plywood sheets are laid across the tundra to ease travel and minimize impact to the tundra.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 12

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 6

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

ATV All Transport 

equipment

2 2 1 hr

4 hr Trash Pump (3- or 4-inch) ACS, WOA, EOA, Alpine Liquid transfer >2 4 1 hr

Suction Hose (3- or 4-inch) ACS, WOA, Alpine Liquid transfer >20 ft — 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3- or 4-inch) ACS, WOA, KRU, Alpine Liquid transfer >500 ft 6 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-25 Freighter Boat with Tank (Page 1 of 2) Freighter Boat with Tank (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-25

A 300-gallon DOT tank is mounted on a 30-foot freighter airboat. Liquid is pumped from a recovery site pit, trench, 

or tank with a 2-inch trash pump onboard. The boat hauls the liquids to a disposal, transfer or storage site. 

The airboat’s tank is unloaded with a vacuum truck or at a tank farm.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval from the State On-Scene Coordinator is required for decanting available free water in inshore storage 

tanks.

• Have sorbent boom available at the transfer/disposal site as a contingency during tank offloading.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Manufacturer’s nameplate capacity of Multiquip/Tokai 2-inch trash pump: 312 bbl/hr

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

• Equipment and crews operate 10 hr in 12-hr shift; 2 shifts per day.

• Maximum load of freighter airboat = 8,500 lb.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

• The freighter airboat is offloaded to a tank farm or vacuum truck at a boat launch on the road system, or at a 

marine dock. 

• A Manta Ray skimmer head onboard the airboat will serve as an option to recover from pits or trenches.

TOTAL STAFF 4

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Freighter Airboat ACS, KRU, Alpine Transport tank 1 4 1 hr

1 hr

Trash Pump (2-inch) MPU, ACS, KRU, 

Alpine

Fluid transfer 1 — 1 hr

Discharge Hose (2-inch) All Fluid transfer >50 ft — 1 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Fluid transfer >20 ft — 2 hr

Tank (300-gallon) KRU, Alpine Fluid storage 1 — 1 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-26 Excavation and Storage of Oiled Gravel (Page 1 of 2) Excavation and Storage of Oiled Gravel (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-26

Oiled gravel not considered a regulated waste is excavated with a front-end loader into dump trucks, which then 

drive to a temporary storage site or a disposal site. Contaminated gravel is stockpiled in temporary lined and diked 

containment areas. 

A bulldozer or grader loosens the gravel for the front-end loader when necessary. A Bobcat replaces the front-end 

loader in hard-to-reach or tight quarters. Manpower with shovels may also be required under lines or facilities with 

less than 6-foot clearance.

Loader

Dump Truck

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic is limited to oiled gravel with no free liquids. Depth of penetration of the spill into the gravel depends 

on the type of release and the released fluid. Diesel penetrates the gravel pad to a greater depth than crude oil. 

• Storage sites must be located where they present minimal environmental impact. 

• Set up a decontamination unit before oil handling work is performed.

• A temporary storage permit will be required from ADEC.

• On pads, check for buried pipe and/or cables prior to excavation. Obtain a civil work permit from the operator.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A front-end loader with a 3-cubic-yd bucket recovers 100 cubic yd of gravel per hour, and can fill a dump truck in 

30 minutes. The average dump truck available on the Slope has a 20-cubic-yd capacity.

• A front-end loader with a 4-cubic-yd bucket recovers 150 cubic yd of gravel per hour, and can fill a dump truck in 

15 minutes. 

• See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• Following is an example of dump-truck delivery rate of gravel for one 20-cubic-yd dump truck traveling 4 miles 

round trip (equipment and crews operate 10 hr in 12-hr shift; 2 shifts per day):

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

Dump Recovery = 

Tc = Truck Capacity

Lt = Load Time (15 min or 0.25 hr)

Ut = Unload Time (5 min or 0.08 hr)

Tt = Travel Time ( )

Example:

Tc

Lt + Tt + Ut

20 cubic yd

 0.25 hr + ( ) + 0.08 hr

= 45 cubic yd/hr 2 mi * 2

35 mph

miles to disposal * 2 trips

35 mph

= 

or 5.6 bbl/hr

or

TOTAL STAFF 3 (4 if grader, backhoe, 

or dozer used)

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Front-End Loader All Recover oiled gravel 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Bobcat KRU, EOA, ACS, Alpine Recover oiled gravel 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Grader 

Backhoe 

Dozer

All

KRU, EOA, WOA, Peak, 

AIC, APC, Alpine

All

Loosen gravel 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Truck KRU, EOA, WOA, Alpine Transfer oiled gravel 2 to 9 2 to 9 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport backhoe 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support heavy equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-27 Damaged Tank Transfer Procedures (Page 1 of 2) Damaged Tank Transfer Procedures (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-27

Typically, transfer from a tank would be required if a stationary storage tank either was damaged or developed a 

serious integrity problem, or if a vacuum truck rolled over on the road and was damaged. Tank holes can be patched 

by different methods including plug and dike, wooden stakes, and patch kits.

Damaged tank transfers will generally involve flammable liquids, which require special considerations. Non-sparking 

pumps must be used for such transfers. Vacuum trucks are specially designed for most of these products and are 

readily available on the Slope. Product can also be transferred to a stationary tank in the vicinity of the damaged 

tank.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Support personnel required include 2 responders per shift and one Safety Officer per shift.

RECOVERY CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

• 3-inch diaphragm pump capacity = 114 bbl/hr nameplate.

• Pumps operate 10 hr out of 12-hr shift; two shifts per day.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Inert gases may be required for displacing flammable or explosive air mixtures.

• A Safety Officer should be on site conducting continuous air monitoring.

• Plug-and-patch kits are available from owner company HAZMAT teams.

• Non-sparking tools may be required for working on equipment.

• The amount of oil will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., Coliwasa tube). Emulsion 

samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

NOTE: Deploy times vary greatly based on the safety risk of the product involved.

* Badami vacuum truck capacity = 80 bbl

or

or

TOTAL STAFF 3

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Vacuum Truck (300-bbl)* All Transfer 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Transfer 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Diaphragm Pump 

(3-inch)

All

(ACS, MPU, Alpine have diesel)

Transfer 1 2 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Transfer >20 ft — 2 hr 1 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Transfer >50 ft — 2 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-28 Lightering / Offloading (Page 1 of 2) Lightering / Offloading (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-28

Work boats tow recovered oil-laden mini-barges or floating storage bladders to a waiting OSR platform (tank 

barge, OSRV, or tanker vessel). Towing speed is 5 knots. The mini-barge or floating storage bladder is tied off 

using appropriate fendering. Before offloading mini-barges, a bonding cable is connected for protection against 

accidental ignition. A tankerman assists with the entire off-loading operation, and a Declaration of Inspection 

form will be completed prior to commencing transfer. 

To offload, a 3- to 4-inch trash pump or DOP 250 pump is used depending on the oil viscosity. Personnel monitor tie-up lines during offloading to minimize surge. When pumping is complete, hatches are put back in place, 

hoses and pumps are retrieved and secured, and bonding cable removed (where necessary). At that time, the 

mini-barge or floating storage bladder is ready to return to service.

NOTE: Similar operations are utilized to off-load OSRBs or OSRVs to a tanker vessel.

Barges may also be offloaded directly to a vacuum truck onshore.

Tank Barge Boom

MiniBarge

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The mini-barges have davits, but the DOP 250 pumps can be deployed by hand.

• If recovered oil is weathered to the point the 4-inch trash pump will not work, the DOP 250 pump will be used.

• Hazards include open hatches, coiled lines, and hoses. Beware of pinch points between barges and boats. 

Hearing protection and possibly respirators will be required.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra. 

• The amount of oil recovered is estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape). Emulsion 

samples are collected and analyzed for oil content.

RECOVERY CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 4-inch Gorman-Rupp trash pump capacity = 1,071 bbl/hr nameplate.

• DOP 250 pump capacity = 628 bbl/hr nameplate

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fuel Truck All Provide diesel fuel for boats 

and pumps

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

LIGHTERING AT SEA OFFLOADING AT SHORE

Vacuum Truck

Boom

Mini-Barge

or Tank Barge

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Vessels are to be selected according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

or

*Work boat staff are counted in recovery.

**This mobilization time applies after barge arrives on North Slope.

TOTAL STAFF 10-13

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

OSRV Shell Fluid storage 1 6 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Tug West Dock Tow barge 1 4 2 hr

2 hr

Tank Barge West Dock Fluid storage 1 3 4 hr**

Boom All Surround

off-loading vessel

Variable 2 1 hr

Work Boat* All Tow mini-barge or 

floating storage 

bladder

1 — 1 hr

Suction Hose (4-inch) ACS, WOA Lightering >20 ft — 2 hr

Discharge Hose (4-inch w/

6-inch to 4-inch reducer)

All Lightering >50 ft — 1 hr

Trash Pump (3- to 4-inch) ACS, WOA, EOA, 

Alpine

Lightering 2 2 1 hr

DOP 250 Pump w/Power Pack ACS, KRU Lightering 1 2 1 hr

Vacuum Truck (300-bbl) All Offloading 1 1 1 hr

or

or
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC R-29 Ice Mining (Page 1 of 2) Ice Mining (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-29

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

During the winter, ice rubble piles can form at shorelines and manmade structures in the Beaufort Sea. Oil entrained 

in these piles can be accessed by removing the oiled ice with an ice-miner that grinds up the ice and deposits it in 

a pile that can be picked up with a front end loader and hauled away by dump truck.

This tactic can be used in winter and into breakup as long as the ice is thick enough to support the weight of vehicles 

and heavy equipment.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic is limited to oiled ice with no free liquids.

• If the dump trucks cannot access the oiled area, build an ice road to keep the loaders from traveling too far.

• After removal of free oil, oiled snow, and after flushing, contain and monitor the area until breakup. Insulate ice 

roads or ice berms to provide containment during breakup, when the oil can be removed with direct suction, 

portable skimmers, or burning.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Capacity of ice miner: 1,400 cubic yd per hour for sea ice, 1,420 cubic yd per hour for freshwater ice.

• A front-end loader with an 8-cubic-yd snow bucket can fill a dump truck in 10 minutes and move 500 cubic yd per 

hour. The dump trucks available on the Slope typically have 10-, 20-, or 25-cubic-yd capacity. To keep pace with 

the ice miner, it may be necessary to load more than one truck at a time.

• See Tactic L-6, Table 9A, for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

• Following is an example of recovery of oiled ice for one 20-cubic-yd dump unit:

Dump Truck Recovery = 

Tc = Truck Capacity

Lt = Load Time (10 min or 0.17 hr)

Ut = Unload Time (5 min or 0.08 hr)

Tt = Travel Time ( )

Example:

Tc

Lt + Tt + Ut

20 cubic yd

 0.17 hr + ( ) + 0.08 hr

= 55 cubic yd/hr 2 mi * 2

35 mph

miles to disposal * 2

35 mph

= 

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

Trimmer

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Ice Miner KRU, WOA, EOA Grinding oiled ice 

rubble

1 (3 are available 

on the Slope)

1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Roto Trimmer KRU, GPB Grinding oiled ice 

rubble

1 (3 are available 

on the Slope)

1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader All Transfer oiled snow 

into dump trucks

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Trucks KRU, WOA, EOA, 

Peak, AIC, Alpine

Transfer oiled snow 

to disposal site

>2 >2 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport ice miner 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Tioga Heaters All Heat >1 1 initial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support heavy 

equipment

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plants All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

TACTIC R-30 Recovery Using Diamond Boom for Subsea Pipeline Break (Page 1 of 2) Recovery Using Diamond Boom for Subsea Pipeline Break (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-30

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

During a subsea pipeline break a diamond-patterned boom can be deployed around the break. A skimmer can be 

used at any point of the diamond to ensure collection regardless of the wind direction.

SUPPORT

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering with mini-barges.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• On the North Slope, this tactic is limited to shallow, slow-moving water. 

• The skimming system would be located on the downwind side of the diamond. 

• This tactic may also be used in broken ice conditions to deflect ice away from the spill location.

• Boom apex may be opened to direct oil to vessel-based containment.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape). 

Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

Shuttle Boat

Skimmer

Mini Barge

Work Boat

Anchor

Spill Location TOTAL STAFF 10

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat West Dock Run skimmer and pump; tow 

mini-barge while loading

1 4 1 hr

4 hr

Work Boat West Dock Boom deployment and 

tending

1 3 1 hr

Work Boat West Dock Tow mini-barge to unload 1 3

Skimmer ACS On-water recovery 1 — 0.5 hr

Boom All On-water recovery Variable — 1 hr

Anchor System All Anchor boom 8 — 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237-bbl available storage)

West Dock, 

Oliktok

Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr 2 hr

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

Weir Skimmer Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

Vikoma 30K 189 N/A 10

Morris 30K 142 N/A 10

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Other Oleophilic Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.8 0.8 times manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-31 Free Skimming (Page 1 of 2) Free Skimming (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-31

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

A tug-pushed tank barge, OSRB, OSRV or workboat utilizing various skimmers navigates the spill area collecting 

oil in pockets of broken sea ice. Onboard cranes place the skimmers into the deepest pools of oil. During collection/

recovery, vessels maintain no forward speed and are not using boom.

OPTION B

OPTION A

Skimmer

Mini Barge

Work Boat

Shuttle Boat

Crane

Tugboat

Tank Barge

Skimmer

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to 

determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape). Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

Weir Skimmer Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.2 0.2 times manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

Vikoma 30K 189 N/A 10

Morris 30K 142 N/A 10

Desmi 250 (Ocean) 628 0.2 125

Desmi 250 (Harbor) 440 0.2 88

Foxtail Rope Mop V.A.B. 4-9 249 0.3 75

Multi-functional Brush/Disc 96 0.1 10

Lamor LSC-5 Oleophilic 1,289 0.2 258

Crucial Rope Mop CV-89H 500 0.3 94

Crucial Rope Mop 

ALYMOP14E/D

12 0.3 3.6

Other Oleophilic Skimmers Manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

0.8 0.8 times manufacturer’s nameplate 

pump capacity

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL (CONT.)

OPTION B

TOTAL STAFF 5-7

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat*

with integrated

skimmers

Shell

Tow storage platform or store 

internally; skimmer and pump 

platform

1 2 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Work Boat West Dock Tow storage platform, skimmer and pump platform1 4 1 hr

4 hr

Skimmer (various) West Dock, 

Shell

On-water recovery 1 — 1 hr

Trash Pump (3-inch) All Decanting 1 — 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >20 ft — 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >50 ft — 2 hr

Work Boat West Dock Shuttle storage platforms 1 3 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237-bbl available storage)

West Dock, 

KRU

Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr

Floating Storage Bladder** Shell Intermediate storage 2 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

or

* 50 bbl onboard recovered oil tank and off-loading PDP

** Onboard 3-inch diaphram diesel decanting pump

or

OPTION A

TOTAL STAFF 12-19

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

OSRV Shell Skimmer and pump

platform; storage

1 12 1 hr 1 hr

OSRB Shell Skimmer and pump

platform; storage

1 6 1 hr 1 hr

Tug Shell Tow OSRB 1 5 1 hr 1 hr

Tank Barge West Dock Skimmer and pump

platform; storage

1 14 4 hr*

3 hr

Tug West Dock Tow tank barge 1 4 2 hr

Skimmer (various) ACS, Shell On-water recovery 1 — 1 hr

Mobile Crane EOA, WOA, KRU, Peak Skimmer deployment 1 1 1 hr

Discharge Hose

(4-inch w/ 6-inch to 

4-inch reducer)

ACS, WOA, KRU Decanting >50 ft — 1 hr

DOP 250 Pump

(w/power pack)

ACS, KRU, North Star Decanting 1 — 1 hr

PDP (w/ powerpack) Shell Decanting; Off-loading 8 — — 1 hr

*This mobilization time applies after barge arrives on North Slope.

or

and

and

or

or
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC R-32A Single Boom-Arm Skimming (Page 1 of 2) Single Boom-Arm Skimming (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-32A

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

or

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

OSRV Shell Skimmer and pump

platform; storage

1 12 1 hr 1 hr

OSRB Shell Skimmer and pump

platform; storage

1 6 1 hr 1 hr

Tug Shell Tow OSRB 1 5 1 hr 1 hr

Work Boat West Dock Deploy boom, tow mini-barge, 

operate skimmer and pump

1

3

1 hr

2 hr

Skimmer West Dock On-water recovery 1 1 hr

Boom All On-water collection 21 ft 1 hr

Work Boat West Dock Shuttle storage platforms 1 2 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237-bbl available storage)

West Dock, 

Oliktok

Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr

Floating Storage Bladder* Shell Intermediate storage 2 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

TOTAL STAFF 5-14 * Onboard 3-inch diaphram diesel decanting pump

or

and

or

A skimmer vessel (tug-pushed tank barge, OSRB, OSRV or workboat) deployes a skimmer off one side in a boomarm configuration. The skimmer vessel can advance at a maximum speed of 3 knots, giving an increased encounter 

rate and maneuverability in recovery operations.

Skimmed liquids are pumped into towed mini-barges or floating storage bladders. Free water from the bottom of 

the mini-barge tank is decanted during the skimming and loading. The discharge hose, fastened upcurrent of the 

skimmer, directs the free water into the boomed area. The operator turns off the pump when the discharge water 

becomes black with oil. Mini-barges and floating storage bladders laden with recovered oil are towed to an intermediate storage platform for off-loading.

Skimmer

Mini Barge

Shuttle Boat

Containment

Boom

Boom 

Arm

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Trash Pump (3-inch) All Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >50 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

DECANTING

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering procedures.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 1 hr to load mini-barge; 1.5 hr to unload.

• Manufacturer’s nameplate pump capacity for 3-inch trash pump is 485 bbl/hr. (See Tactic R-28)

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

Lamor LSC-5 Oleophilic 1,289 0.2 258

NOTE: Emulsification factor is 1.67 times oil volume.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Equipment operates 10 hr in 12-hr shift; two shifts per day

• The oil recovery rate and number of mini-barges required (fill to 95% capacity) vary with the oil encounter rate.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape) prior to 

offloading. Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC R-32B Double Boom-Arm Skimming (Page 1 of 2) Double Boom-Arm Skimming (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-32B

Skimmer

Mini Barge

Shuttle Boat

Containment

Boom

Boom

Arms

Skimmer

Containment

Boom

Deployable arms off both sides of the skimming vessel are configured with containment boom and skimmer. 

The skimmer vessel can advance at a maximum speed of 3 knots, giving an increased encounter rate and 

maneuverability in recovery operations.

Skimmed liquids are pumped into towed mini-barges or floating storage bladders. Free water from the bottom 

of the mini-barge tank is decanted during the skimming and loading. The discharge hose, fastened upcurrent of 

the skimmer, directs the free water into the boomed area. The operator turns off the pump when the discharge 

water becomes black with oil. Mini-barges and floating storage bladders laden with recovered oil are towed to 

an intermediate storage platform for off-loading.

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Trash Pump (3-inch) All Decanting 1 1 1 hr

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Decanting >50 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

DECANTING

SUPPORT

• A trained aerial observer in a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter tracks the oil location and movement from above 

and coordinates the on-water task force recovery effort.

• See Tactic R-28 for lightering procedures.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Equipment operates 10 hr in 12-hr shift; two shifts per day

• The oil recovery rate and number of mini-barges required (fill to 95% capacity) vary with the oil encounter rate.

• Approval to decant is needed from the State On-Scene Coordinator. Appropriate agencies will be consulted to determine site-specific stipulations.

• The amount of oil recovered will be estimated based on gauging by appropriate means (e.g., ullage tape) prior to 

offloading. Emulsion samples will be collected and analyzed for oil content.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• 1 hr to load mini-barge; 1.5 hr to unload.

• Manufacturer’s nameplate pump capacity for 3-inch trash pump is 485 bbl/hr. (See Tactic R-28)

SKIMMER EQUIVALENT UN-DERATED LIQUID 

CAPACITY (BBL/HR)

EFFICIENCY 

MULTIPLIER DERATED ORR (BBL/HR)

LORI LSC 271 0.8 217

LORS-2C 516 0.2 103

NOTE: Emulsification factor is 1.67 times oil volume.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Select vessels, booms, and skimmers according to area, water depth restrictions, and function (see Tactic L-6).

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat*

with integrated

skimmers

Shell

Tow boom and mini-barge 

or floating storage bladder; 

skim, decant and store or 

pump oil

1 2 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Work Boat West Dock Run skimmer and pump; tow 

mini-barge while loading; tow 

boom

1

4

1 hr

2 hr

LORI LSC Skimmer West Dock On-water recovery 2 1 hr

Boom All On-water recovery 42 ft — 1 hr

Work Boat West Dock Shuttle storage platforms 1 2 1 hr

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237 bbl available storage)

West Dock, 

Oliktok

Intermediate storage 2 — 1 hr

Floating Storage Bladder** Shell Intermediate storage 2 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

* 50 bbl onboard recovered oil tank and off-loading PDP TOTAL STAFF 4-6

** Onboard 3-inch diaphram diesel decanting pump

or

or
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

TACTIC R-33 Swift Water Recovery – Harbour Buster (Page 1 of 2) Swift Water Recovery – Harbour Buster (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC R-33

Harbour

Buster

Work boat

and

Mini-barge

with double davits

Moderate

Current

20 m

maximum

opening

27 m

Skimmer

Front

Sweep

Otter

Guide

Boom

Option A – When used under a bridge, the boom is anchored to each shore. An anchor and long tow line connects 

the boom to shore.

Option B – For open water operations, boom is towed with work boats or used with anchor systems to create a 

funnel that will deflect oil into the Harbour Buster collection area.

For either option listed above, a skimmer or direct suction unit is placed in the Harbour Buster collection point. Power 

packs on the mini-barge power the skimmer (if used). Recovered liquids are pumped into mini-barge or shoreside 

storage, as appropriate.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat West Dock Tow mini-barge and operate 

skimmer and pump

1

4

1 hr.

2 hr.

Skimmer All On-water recovery 1 1 hr.

Suction Hose (3-inch) All Skimmer recovery >20 ft.

249-bbl Mini-Barge

(237-bbl available storage)

West Dock,

Oliktok

Intermediate storage; skimmer power pack platform1 1 hr.

Harbour Buster Not on Slope On-water containment 1 1 hr.

Boom All On-water containment variable

4

1 hr.

Work Boat West Dock Tow boom 2 1 hr.

or Anchor System All Anchor boom 2 4 for setup 1 hr.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 8

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 4 (8 FOR OPTION B)

RECOVERY CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Mulitiple skimmers may be used with the Harbour Buster containment system. Type is limited by size of apex and 

mini-barge davit capacity.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Using a chaffing or protective mat during Harbour Buster deployment greatly reduces the risk of damage to the 

equipment's otter boom guide.

• Boom height should be considered when selecting the proper boom to avoid splashover in fast current.

• Under Option A, ensure the Harbour Buster is folded and secured before towing it into position. Tow with two lines; 

the first a long tow line and the second a pass-off line so the Harbour Buster remains secured to the vessel thus 

taking the strain off responders.

• Both pelican hooks and carabineers may be used to secure the Harbour Buster to a bridge or shore, but pelican 

hooks are superior since they are safer to cut loose while under pressure during demobilization operations.

• Long towlines facilitate easier tie-off when connecting the Harbour Buster boom system to shore. Consider a 

carabineer-type hookup to the shore.

• Tending vessels should carry an inflation pump onboard for re-inflating the Harbour Buster guide boom as 

needed.

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fuel Truck All Provide diesel fuel

for boats and pumps

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

SUPPORT
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC T-1 Delineation of Oiled Snow or Tundra (Page 1 of 2) Delineation of Oiled Snow or Tundra of Tactic (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-1

Contaminated Snow or Tundra

Delineation of Oiled Snow

Different Colors

(Optional: GPS coordinates

marked on stakes)

The extent of an oil spill on snow or tundra is delineated so that the oil can be found if subsequent snowfall or 

windblown snow covers the spill.

Two crews walk the perimeter of the spill in opposite directions from a common point, and meet on the opposite 

side of the spill. As they walk, they place wood laths in the ground/snow every 50 to 100 feet at the edge of the 

spill, depending on terrain and the spill detail. The crews then retrace their routes to confirm their delineation. The 

crews may be assisted by snow machine, Argo, pickup truck with Mattracks, or similar personal motorized vehicle. 

The crews are part of the SRT. 

For a small spill, one crew is sufficient.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• If the wind is blowing contaminated snow outside the originally staked perimeter, make subsequent delineations 

as necessary.

• Use flagging on the new stakes to distinguish delineation events.

• Designate further staking with different colors of flagging.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Each staking crew has 2 SRT staff.

SUPPORT

TOTAL STAFF 4

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Wooden Lath Stakes All Delineation One for every 100 ft 

of spill perimeter

2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, and 

1 to check and fuel 

occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr

GPS Unit All Mapping 1 per crew — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Argo ACS, KRU, WOA Support 2 4 1 hr 0.5 hr

Snow Machines All Support 2 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Tracked Vehicle KRU, WOA, Alpine Support 1/crew 2 to 3 1 hr 0
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC T-2 Mapping and Surveillance of Spill on Land (Page 1 of 2) Mapping and Surveillance of Spill on Land (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-2

TUNDRA

GRAVEL PAD

Heavily Oiled

GPS Coordinates

Lightly Oiled

An initial hand-drawn map is delivered to other responders by the staff performing the initial surveillance. A more 

detailed and accurate map is then provided using one of the following options:

• The crews performing the delineation take GPS readings at each stake point. The point is recorded on the 

stake with a permanent marker, recorded in the GPS unit, and later entered into MapInfo® GIS software 

(available at all owner locations). A detailed map is drawn by one Situation Unit support staff using MapInfo®. 

The map is available within two hours after the information is provided to the SRT support staff.

• A survey crew is called out after the delineation crew has staked the area, and the contractor records the 

staked points with GPS or survey equipment. The contractor transfers the information to MapInfo®, and a 

detailed map is drawn from that information.

• The Kuparuk Twin Otter flies over the spill-affected area, recording the fly-over with the forward-looking infrared 

(FLIR) system. The IR readings recorded by the fly-over are then overlain on a MapInfo® map of the area, 

and a detailed map of the spill is produced from that. This same task can be performed by a hand-held IR 

sensor available at Kuparuk.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The choice of surveillance and mapping instruments is determined by the size of the spill, site access, available 

equipment, and weather.

• If the spill is re-delineated, update the maps.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

• Support for this function is administrative.

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Kuparuk Twin Otter with FLIR KRU Surveillance 1 3 1 hr 1 hr

Hand-Held FLIR KRU Mapping 1/crew Part of delineation staff 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

MapInfo® Software All Mapping 1 Part of delineation staff — —

GPS Unit All Mapping 1/crew Part of delineation staff 0.5 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC T-3 Detection and Delineation of Under-Ice Oil (Page 1 of 2) Detection and Delineation of Under-Ice Oil (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-3

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

 Ice

 Water

Snow Drift

Under-Ice Cavity Oil

Oil released under a solid sea-ice sheet or that finds its way under the ice through cracks and leads will spread 

under the ice and collect in under-ice pockets. The underside of sea ice contains many of these pockets that reflect 

snow drifts on the surface of the ice. Snow drifts insulate the ice, thereby reducing ice growth and forming pockets. 

Once in a pocket, oil will tend to stay in place, since it takes a current of approximately 0.7 feet/second to push the 

oil out. Oil in pockets will become encapsulated as the ice grows.

Use an ice auger to drill holes and place underwater lights to shine up through the ice (the snow must first be 

removed from surface). A series of auger holes can be drilled in a line from the source to delineate the extent of 

under-ice oil contamination.

Buried Pipe

Oil Leak

Under Ice

Auger Holes

Hand-Held Diving Light Underwater

Light w/Cord

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Check ice thickness before moving heavy equipment onto ice (see Tactic L-7).

• A loader with tundra tires or possibly a Challenger rubber-tracked dozer may have to move snowdrifts.

• Winds will affect water movement even under ice.

• During the ice-growth period from December to April, oil films up to several inches thick can be completely 

encapsulated by new ice within 36 hours.

• In some situations, it may be most effective to cut a hole in the ice and have divers conduct an underwater survey 

for oil.

SUPPORT

TOTAL STAFF 6

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Ice Auger All Detection 2 4 1 hr 0.5 hr

Underwater Light ACS, WOA, Alpine Detection 2 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-end Loader w/Bucket All Snow Removal 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

ATVs w/Plow ACS, EOA, END, 

KRU, WOA, Alpine

Snow Removal 2 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Snow Machine All Personnel 

Transportation

4 4 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Generator All Electricity 2 2 for setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC T-4 Discharge Tracking in Open Water (Page 1 of 2) Discharge Tracking in Open Water (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-4

T h e o i l s l i c k i s t r a c k e d b y v i s u a l o b s e r v a t i o n f r o m a n a i r c r a f t . T h e a i r c r a f t 

provides radio reports and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) video images. The thicker areas of oil within an oil slick 

emit more thermal radiation than the surrounding water and show up in the image as white or hot spots. The FLIR 

system works day or night.

Boat operators deploy satellite tracking buoys into the slick from response vessels. The buoys transmit collected 

position information and other pertinent data to overhead satellites for retransmission to authorized oil spill response 

personnel end users. 

Open Water

Aircraft equipped with FLIR

Satellite Tracking Buoys

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Each aircraft carries two observation personnel: the FLIR operator and an additional oil observer. The response 

vessel crew deploys the satellite tracking buoys.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Most skimming operations receive aerial observation reports to help them position for oil recovery. A helicopter 

can also help coordinate on-water operations.

SUPPORT

• A response vessel deploys the satellite tracking buoys into the slick during response operations.

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Aircraft

with FLIR

KRU Aerial tracking and 

response coordination

1 3 1 hr 1 hr

Satellite Tracking Buoys ACS Track the oil slick 24 — 2 hr 1 hr

Work Boat All Deploy tracking buoys 1 2 2 hr 0
NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC T-4A Discharge Tracking in Ice (Page 1 of 2) Discharge Tracking in Ice (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-4A

Helicopter operators deploy ice beacons into the slick. The beacon system consists of a GPS receiver, antenna, and 

beacon equipped with a transmitter. Beacon positions are transmitted to the Command Center via e-mail.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic is used to track oil in ice that is not thick enough to support on-ice response tactics.

Ice Beacon

Oil

Solid Ice

Ice Beacon

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Helicopter Deployment of beacons 1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Ice Beacons ACS Base Track oil in ice 6 — 2 hr 1 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC T-5 Trajectory Calculations (Page 1 of 2) Trajectory Calculations (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-5

Current component =

0.3 mph @ 0° (north)

Resultant 0.23 mph @ 60°

Wind component =

0.3 mph @ 135° (northwest)

VECTOR ADDITION

Movement of oil on the open ocean is affected by two forces: water current and the wind. Oil is predicted to move at 

the same speed as the underlying water and at about 3% of the wind speed. The direction and speed of movement 

of oil on water can be predicted by vector addition. An example is provided above.

Reports of current wind and temperature and 24-hour weather forecasts are available from 659-5888 (recording) and 

659-5251 (Prudhoe Bay airport tower). Surface water direction and speed may be estimated by three methods:

• Reports of observed water movement from field staff,

• The oceanography volumes of the Endicott Environmental Monitoring Program annual reports (e.g., U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, 1990), and

• Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual Atlas.

Wind generally drives ocean surface currents in the vicinity of the North Slope oil production facilities. Wind shifts 

can reverse surface water currents within a few hours (Bryan Trimm, pers. comm., 1997). Coastal landforms affect 

the nearshore currents. 

In response to a release of oil, please provide spill trajectories for the next 

24 hour period. Transmit the trajectories by Internet to Alaska Clean Seas 

NOAA account. Notify Alaska Clean Seas of the transfer at (907) 659-2405.

Gentlemen:

Incident Name Release Location Lat. Long.

Geographic Description:

Is release continuing? Yes No Time of Release Volume Spill

If continuing release, what is rate? bbl/hr

Material Spilled Current Weather Air Temp. °F

Wind Speed kt Wind Direction 24 hour Forecast Air Temp °F

Wind Speed kt Wind Direction

Current Slick Location Lat. Long.

Time of Current Slick Location

FOR DRILLS ONLY

1. Is this a tabletop drill? Yes No

2. Is this an equipment deployment drill? Yes No

3. Are objects in water being used to simulate oil? Yes No

4. Are other trajectory models being used? Yes No

(Optional)

(Optional)

REFERENCES

Waldman, G. A., R. A. Johnson, and P. C. Smith. 1973. The spreading and transport of oil slicks on the ocean in the 

presence of wind, waves, and current. AVCO Systems Division. USCG Report CG-D-17-73. 

Fay, J . A. 1969. The spread of oil slicks on a calm sea. Pages 53-63 in Oil on the Sea. D. P. Hoult (ed.). Plenum 

Press, New York.

McCourt, J. 1998. Interaction between oil and suspended particulate matter in the Yukon River. Prepared by S. L. 

Ross Environmental Research Ltd. for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. 22 pages plus appendices. 

National Research Council. 1989. Using Oil Dispersants on the Sea. Marine Board Commission on Engineering 

and Technical Systems. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 335 pages.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1990. Endicott Environmental Monitoring Program Final Report. Prepared by Science Applications International Corporation. 

TRAJECTORY MODELLING

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has the ability to provide computer-generated predictions of oil movement on water. NOAA provides the predicted trajectory based on data on the product released, 

its location, current and predicted weather.

ACS maintains an Internet account with NOAA for downloading trajectory predictions. NOAA requires approximately 

3 hours to calculate the trajectory. The model can also be accessed by contacting Dr. John Whitney, Scientif﻿ic Support Coordinator, USCG Marine Safety Office in Anchorage (phone 907-271-3593 and fax 907-271-3139) or NOAA 

Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division in Seattle (206-526-6317).

An example of the exact information required to run the trajectory analysis is provided below.

SAMPLE VECTOR ADDITION
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC T-6 Blowout Modeling (Page 1 of 6) Blowout Modeling (Page 2 of 6) TACTIC T-6

The purpose of this tactic is to provide contingency planners with a method for approximating how oil will be deposited 

from a well blowout, for use in developing response scenarios in facility-specif﻿ic contingency plans.

An unobstructed surface well blowout, while a highly unlikely event, could send a plume of oil into the atmosphere. 

The distribution of oil falling from the aerial plume depends upon the height that the oil is propelled and the size of 

the oil droplets. Factors such as pipe diameter and gas flow rate control the plume height and subsequent fallout 

distribution.

Downwind oil distribution predictions are found in Oil Deposition Modeling for Surface Well Blowouts (Belore, 1997, 

prepared by S.L. Ross Environmental Research Ltd. for Alaska Clean Seas). The model assumes the following 

conditions:

• Alaska North Slope crude oil

• Atmospheric Stability Class D

• Median oil drop diameter of 750 μm

• Release height (feet above ground surface) of 0

Wind speed has no practical net effect on the deposition pattern. A high wind reduces the plume-rise height by 

bending the rising plume, but it also carries the oil downwind faster. Drops fall to the ground sooner but travel just 

as far from the source.

Figures 1A and 1B associate typical gas flow rates with oil flow rates and gas-to-oil ratios. A gas flow rate found in 

these figures is then used to select curves in Figures 2 through 7, which have been developed using an oil-drop-size 

distribution with a 750 μm volume median diameter. This drop-size distribution was derived from an annular, twophase flow situation. The shaded area in Figure 1B identifies flows outside the annular flow conditions for which this 

drop-size distribution was derived. The oil drops formed under these low-flow conditions are likely to be larger than 

those used to develop Figures 2 through 7; therefore, these are not valid for flow conditions that fall in the shaded 

areas below the limits plotted for each of the pipe diameters in Figure 1B. 

Figures 2 through 7 show the downwind length and width of the aerial plume where a percentage of the total oil 

flow has fallen to the surface. Ten percent of the oil is assumed to be in the form of drops so small (50 μm or less) 

that they do not fall to the ground but are held aloft by atmospheric turbulence. 

Aerial Oil Plume

Aerial Oil Plume

Blowout Well

FIGURE 1A

GAS FLOW - OIL FLOW - GOR

The following example illustrates how to use Figures 1 through 7:

A well is assumed to be discharging oil and gas at a rate of 12,000 bopd with a gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) of 750 

scf/bbl through a 6.3-inch-diameter (7-inch outer diameter) pipe. To determine the amount of oil that falls within 

200 meters from the source, complete the following steps:

From Figure 1, determine the gas flow to be about 8.75 mmscf/d.

On Figure 4, interpolate between the 5 and 10 mmscf/d curves to approximate the 8.75 curve. From this interpolated curve, get the percent of oil falling within 200 meters of the source (about 72%). The total volume of oil 

falling within 200 meters of the source will be the total oil flow of 12,000 bopd times 0.72 times the duration of 

the blowout period.

To determine the width of the fallout at 200 meters, use Figure 5 in the same way, and determine the fallout width 

at 72% of oil on “ground” (about 35 meters). This is the width that would be oiled if the wind came from the same 

direction during the entire release. If the wind is shifting, the plume will deposit oil over a much wider area. If the 

wind’s directional persistence throughout the release period is known, these values can be applied to determine 

the percentage of oil falling and the resulting oil thickness in the various sectors around the spill source.

FIGURE 1B

GAS FLOW - OIL FLOW - GOR (LOW FLOWS)
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC T-6 Blowout Modeling (Page 3 of 6) Blowout Modeling (Page 4 of 6) TACTIC T-6

FIGURE 2

OIL FALLOUT PERCENT VS. DISTANCE FROM SOURCE (4-INCH ID PIPE)

FIGURE 3

FALLOUT WIDTH VS. PERCENT ON THE GROUND (4-INCH ID PIPE)

FIGURE 5

FALLOUT WIDTH VS. PERCENT ON THE GROUND (6.3-INCH ID PIPE)

FIGURE 4

OIL FALLOUT PERCENT VS. DISTANCE FROM SOURCE (6.3-INCH ID PIPE)
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC T-6 Blowout Modeling (Page 5 of 6) Blowout Modeling (Page 6 of 6) TACTIC T-6

FIGURE 7

FALLOUT WIDTH VS. PERCENT ON THE GROUND (7 5/8-INCH ID PIPE)

FIGURE 6

OIL FALLOUT PERCENT VS. DISTANCE FROM SOURCE (7 5/8-INCH ID PIPE)
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC T-7 Spill Volume Estimation (Page 1 of 2) Spill Volume Estimation (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC T-7

SPILL VOLUME ESTIMATION

OIL IN OR ON SOILS

• It is difficult to estimate the amount and extent of subsurface pollution from hydrocarbons spilled and trapped 

in soil.

• Hydrocarbons in soil may exist in three phases:

– As vapors within the pore spaces

– As residual liquid attached to or trapped between soil particles

– As dissolved components of oil in moisture surrounding soil particles

• Generally, oil retention increases with: decreasing grain size, poorer sorting of soils, and increasing oil viscosity.

• Oil retention of initially water-saturated soils is generally lower than for initially dry soils.

• The “retention capacity” factor for different types of soils provides an estimate of volume of liquid retained per 

unit pore volume. Following are rules of thumb for retention capacity of soil types:

 Silt Sand Gravel

Crude Oil 12% - 20% 4% - 13% 0% - 5%

Diesel 7% - 12% 2% - 8% 0%- 2%

Gasoline 3% - 7% 1% - 5% 0% - 1%

OIL ON ICE AND SNOW

• Field experience and data from actual spills indicate that oil-holding capacities of ice and snow range as high 

as 1,600 barrels per acre.

• Equations for estimates:

 V (bbl) = (4.14 x 105) x A (mi2) x t (in.)

 V (bbl) = 647 x A (acres) x t (in)

 V (bbl) = (1.48 x 10-2) x A (ft2) x t (in.)

 V (gal) = 42 x V (bbl)

 V = Volume of oil spill

 A = Area of oil slick or contaminated zone

 t = Thickness of oil slick or contaminated zone (with snow, t = equivalent oil thickness)

OIL ON WATER

• Oil Color

– Sheen (silver-gray): Use 10-6 inch as average thickness

– Iridescent (blue green): Use 10-4 to 10-5 inch as average thickness

– Blue-black (aged, wind-blown): Use 10-2 to 10-3 as average thickness

– Blue-black (fresh/equilibrium conditions): Use 10-1 inch as average thickness

– Emulsion (brown/ “chocolate mousse”): Use 10-1 inch as average “oil” thickness (actually 2 to 3 x 10-1

inch with 50% to 70% water).

• Equations for estimates:

 V (bbl) = 4.14 x 105 A (mi2) x t (inches)

 V (bbl) = 647 A (acres) x t (inches)

 V (bbl) = 1.48 x 10-2 A (ft2

) x t (inches)

 V (gal) = 0.624 A (ft2

) x t (inches)

 V = Volume of oil spill

 A = Area of slick at thickness t

 t = Thickness of oil slick

NOTE:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes an observer’s guide that contains more information 

on estimating oil spill volumes.

ESTIMATING SPILL SOURCE VOLUMES AND FLOW RATES

LEAK RATE CALCULATIONS

 One drop/second = 1 gallon per day

 Thin stream breaking to drops = 24 gallons per day

 Small stream (about 1/8 inch) = 84 gallons per day

 Large stream (about 1/4 inch) = 936 gallons per day

A simple rule of thumb is to divide 10,000 by the number of seconds it takes to fill a five-gallon pail.

ESTIMATES FOR CAPACITY

• Pipeline per linear foot

– For volume in gallons per foot: square the inside diameter (in inches) and multiply by 4 percent 

(0.04)

– For volume in barrels per foot: square the inside diameter (in inches) and divide by 1,000

– To find the volume of a pipeline in barrels per mile: square the inside diameter (in inches) and 

multiply by 5.13

• For vertical cylindrical tanks:

V (gal) = 0.0034 d (in.) x d (in.) x h (in.)

V (gal) = 5.88 D (ft) x D (ft) x H (ft)

d = diameter in inches

D = diameter in feet 

h = height of liquid in inches 

H = height of liquid in feet

ENCOUNTER RATE CALCULATIONS

• Calculations used to estimate the amount of oil moving past in a stream, entering a collection boom, or in a 

windrow/patch of oil.

EnR (gpm) = 37 x W (ft) x V (ft/sec) x t (in)

EnR (bbl/hr) = 53.33 x W (ft) x V (ft/sec) x t (in)

EnR (bbl/day) = (1.28 x 103) x W (ft) x V (ft/sec) x t (in)

W = Width of oil swath

V = Velocity in feet per second (1 knot = 1.68 ft/sec)

t = Thickness of oil slick
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 05/08 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

Before in-situ burning can be used a spill control measure, regulatory approval must be obtained. First complete 

the application and burn plan in Tactic B-1A and submit it to the Unified Command. Approval is required for the 

burn to proceed. 

Refer to pages 3 and 4 of this tactic for information on safe distances from downwind human populations. This 

information is taken from the In-Situ Burning Guidleines for Alaska, Revision 1, March 22, 2001, prepared by the 

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, Region 10.

Once in-situ burning is approved, the following steps are involved:

1. Collect and concentrate the oil using a fire-resistant boom, ice floes, ice pits, or other natural features as 

gathering places for burn.

2. Ignite the oil using the Heli-torch or hand-held igniter, making sure to avoid flashback and ignition of the spill 

source.

3. Monitor the burn, maintaining constant watch on the fire and smoke plume, condition of containment boom, 

speed and position of towing vessels, and other safety hazards and issues.

4. Recover and dispose of the burn residue.

Proper safety procedures must be followed for burning, and the 

necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used.

NOTE

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

APPLICATION

SUBMITTED

TO FEDERAL AND STATE

ON-SCENE

COORDINATORS

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

ARE

MECHANICAL

CONTAINMENT

AND RECOVERY

FEASIBLE AND

SUFFICIENT?

IS

IN-SITU BURNING

FEASIBLE?

WILL

THE PUBLIC 

BE SAFE 

FROM SMOKE?

ARE 

PUBLIC

WARNINGS

IN PLACE?

BURN

WITH

CONDITIONS

DO NOT BURN

TACTIC B-1 In-Situ Burning Plan (Page 1 of 4) In-Situ Burning Plan (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC B-1
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 05/08 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

TACTIC B-1 In-Situ Burning Plan (Page 3 of 4) In-Situ Burning Plan (Page 4 of 4) 3. Safe Distance TACTIC B-1

15 Revision 1, 03/22/01

Figure 1

Zones for In Situ Burns on Populated Flat Land, and on Water

Within 3 Miles of Shore

The dashed circle shows an example of a 1,000-ft radius site safety zone for workers,

determined under a separate site safety plan.

45o

45o

Red Zone

1 mile

3 miles

Green Zone

Yellow Zone

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

The following information is taken from the In-Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska, Revision 1, March 22, 2001, prepared by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, Region 10.

Table 1 below lists the general safe distances separating an in-situ burn and downwind, populated areas in flat 

terrain. Figure 1 below shows a bird’s-eye of the zones for in-situ burns on populated flat land and on water within 

3 miles of shore.

13 Revision 1, 03/22/01

Safe Distance in Populated, Flat Terrain

The on-scene coordinator determines whether the flat terrain safe distance guidelines apply.

Among the conditions of authorization is that the in situ burn lies a safe distance from human

populations. With a topographic map, the on-scene coordinator finds the rise of the terrain

downwind of the fire. With a phone call to the National Weather Service, the on-scene

coordinator learns the predicted atmospheric mixing layer height. Where the mixing layer

height is less than 10 times the rise of the land above the fire, the area is considered complex

terrain; safe distance rules are not available there. Where the expected mixing layer height

exceeds 10 times the topographic rise above the fire, the area is considered flat terrain. In flat

terrain, the on-scene coordinator considers the safe distance recommendations outlined in this

section.

Table 4 lists the general safe distances separating an in situ burn and downwind, populated

areas in flat terrain. Figures 1 through 4 show bird’s-eye and cross-sectional views of the safe

distances.

Table 4

Safe Distances Between In Situ Burns

and Downwind Human Populations in Flat Terrain

Location of Fire Green Zone Yellow Zone Red Zone

Flat terrain on land

Water <3 miles from shore

>3 miles 1 to 3 miles <1 mile

Water >3 miles from shore >1 mile not applicable <1 mile

On water more than 3 miles from shore, the green zone safe distance is 1 mile from the public.

On land or on water less than 3 miles from shore, the green zone safe distance is 3 miles from

the public. Burning at a green zone safe distance from the public is acceptable following

Level 1 public notification.

The yellow zone distance extends from 1 to 3 miles downwind of an in situ burn, and within 45

degrees of the smoke plume, when the burn is on land or on water within 3 miles of shore.

The quadrant shape of the zone protects people from smoke subjected to minor wind shifts.

The on-scene coordinators may authorize burning following Level 2 and Level 3 public

notifications, warning, and sheltering in place or evacuation.

The red zone distance is within 1 mile of any in situ burn and within 45 degrees of the smoke

plume. The on-scene coordinators may authorize burning in the red zone following public

notifications, warnings, and sheltering in place or evacuation, and if the on-scene coordinators’

best professional judgment supports the expectation of PM2.5 less than 65 micrograms per

cubic meter 1-hour average in populated areas.

Table 1

Safe Distances Between In-Situ Burns

and Downwind Human Populations in Flat Terrain

SOURCE:

In-Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska, Revision 1, March 22, 2001. Prepared by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10.

On water more than 3 miles from shore, the green zone safe distance is 1 mile from the public.

On land or on water less than 3 miles from shore, the green zone safe distance is 3 miles from the public. Burning 

at a green zone safe distance from the public is acceptable following Level 1 public notification.

The yellow zone distance extends from 1 to 3 miles downwind of an in-situ burn, and within 45 degrees of the smoke 

plume, when the burn is on land or on water within 3 miles of shore. The quadrant shape of the zone protects people 

from smoke subjected to minor wind shifts.

The on-scene coordinators may authorize burning following Level 2 and Level 3 public notifications, warning, and 

sheltering in place or evacuation. 

The red zone distance is within 1 mile of any in-situ burn and within 45 degrees of the smoke plume. The on-scene 

coordinators may authorize burning in the red zone following public notifications, warnings, and sheltering in place 

or evacuation, and if the on-scene coordinators’ best professional judgment supports the expectation of PM2.5 less 

than 65 micrograms per cubic meter 1-hour average in populated areas.

The red zone radius takes into account that the risk of smoke exposure becomes greater close to the fire. In addition, 

the ALOFT model does not predict the behavior of smoke close to the fire before it lofts. The red zone downwind 

boundary also lies downwind of the expected in-situ burn operations site safety area. For example, a 1,000-foot 

radius around an in-situ burn of oil in a fire boom may be designated as the worker site safety zone by the site 

safety officer.

The Table 1 rules apply only in the following situations:

• In the vicinity of human populations

• For a burn of any size from a single source

• For simultaneous burns less than 100 yards apart

The Table 1 rules do not apply in the following situations:

• In unpopulated areas

• In-situ burns less than 3 miles upwind of terrain that rises more than 10 percent of the mixing layer height

• For simultaneous burns more than 100 yards apart

Figure 1

Zones for In-Situ Burns on Populated Flat Land,

and on Water Within 3 Miles of Shore
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 05/08 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

38 Revision 1, 03/22/01

APPLICATION AND BURN PLAN

In Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska

Incident Name: Date Prepared Operational Period

Incident Location: Date Time

Incident Date: Time

Prepared Start:

Incident Time: End:

Title of Applicant: Address: 

Affiliation: Phone: Fax: 

STEP 1

Site Location ____________________________

Site Description __________________________

Latitude ________________________________

Longitude_______________________________

Type of Incident (check one):

_______Grounding

_______Transfer Operations

_______Explosion

_______Collision

_______Blowout

_______Other ___________________________

Product Released (check one):

_______North Slope Crude

_______Cook Inlet Crude

_______Chevron Residual

_______Diesel #2

_______JP4

_______Other ___________________________

Estimated Volume of Released Product:

________________________ gallons, or

________________________ BBL

Estimated Volume of Product That May Potentially be Released:

________________________ gallons, or

________________________ BBL

Release Status (check one):

______Continuous

______Intermittent

______One time only, now stopped

If Continuous or Intermittent, Rate of Release:

________________________gallons, or

________________________BBL

Estimated Water Surface Covered (square miles)

____________________________________

Why is mechanical recovery alone inadequate to control the

spill? Consider the spill size, forecasted weather and

trajectories, amount of available equipment, time to deploy,

and time to recover._________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Will you use mechanical recovery in conjunction with

in situ burning? yes no

Have you evaluated dispersants? yes no

Will you use dispersants in conjunction with

in situ burning? yes no

Why is in situ burning preferred? _____________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

APPLICATION AND BURN PLAN

In Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska

39 Revision 1, 03/22/01

STEP 2

Did source burn? yes no

Is source still burning? yes no

Is product easily emulsified? yes no

Is product already emulsified? (check one)

_______No

_______Light emulsion (0-20%)

_______Moderate emulsion (21-50%)

_______Heavy emulsion (>50%)

_______Unknown

Estimated Percent Oil Naturally Dispersed and Evaporated

Within First 24 Hours: _______________________

Check boxes and enter wind values in the following table:

Current

Conditions

12-hour

Forecast

24-hour

Forecast

Clear

Partly cloudy

Overcast

Rain

Snow

Fog

Wind Speed

(kt)

Wind Direction

(from)

Percentage Ice Coverage (check one):

_______No ice present

_______<10%

_______11-30%

_______31-50%

_______51-100%

Tidal state at ____________ o’clock (check one):

______Slack tide

______Incoming (flood)

______Outgoing (ebb)

Attach a graph with tidal information for three tidal cycles.

Dominant current (not drift):

Speed (knots) _________________________

Direction (to) __________________________

Current Speed (knots) Relative to the Containment

Boom __________________________________

Sea State (check one):

______Calm

______Choppy

______Swell

Waves (estimate height in feet)____________

Does your site safety plan cover this in situ burn plan?

yes no

Will response workers be briefed on the site safety plan

before burning? yes no

Are the responders trained and equipped with safety gear?

yes no

Attach an ICS 204 form, or similar document. On it, list

the following equipment you will use:

Vessels

Aircraft for ignition and aerial observation

Lengths of fire boom

Residue containment equipment

Fire fighting equipment

Ignition systems

Burn promoters

Communications systems

Proposed Burn Date and Time ______________

This form is taken from the In-Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska, Revision 1, March 22, 2001. Prepared by the Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 

TACTIC B-1A In-Situ Burning Plan and Application Form (Page 1 of 4) In-Situ Burning Plan and Application Form (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC B-1A
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 05/08 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

TACTIC B-1A In-Situ Burning Plan and Application Form (Page 3 of 4) In-Situ Burning Plan and Application Form (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC B-1A

APPLICATION AND BURN PLAN

In Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska

40 Revision 1, 03/22/01

Describe how you intend to carry out the burn.

_______________________________________

Check one:

_______Ignition is away from source after containment and

movement of the oil to safe location (i.e., controlled

burn).

_______Ignition of uncontained slick(s) is at a safe distance

from the source.

_______Ignition is at or near source without controls.

How will you ignite the oil?____________________________

_________________________________________________

Enter the volume of oil you expect to burn:

Fire

No.

Oil Volume

(BBL__ or Gal__)

Fire Duration

(Hrs__ or Min__)

1

2

3

4

5

Attach a list for more fires.

Total

Vol.:

How many simultaneous burns are planned?

_________________________________________________

What distance will separate simultaneous burns?

_________________________________________________

Are you planning sequential or repeat (not simultaneous)

burns? yes no

Estimated area of oil in uncontrolled burn

 (square feet) ______________________________________

Describe your ability and procedures to extinguish the burn if

necessary or directed to do so.

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Step 3

Attach a chart with a distance scale. Show estimated

spill trajectory and landfalls, with time. Show the location and

distance of your proposed burns relative to the following

features:

1. Source:

Location__________________________________________

Distance from Burn (miles) ________________________

2. Ignitable slicks:

Location__________________________________________

Distance from Burn (miles) ________________________

3. Nearest Land (burns on water) or

Non-Flat Terrain (burns on land):

Location__________________________________________

Distance from burn (miles) ________________________

4. Nearby Human Populations and Human Use Areas (names of

towns, etc.):

Location__________________________________________

Distance from Burn (miles) ________________________

Location__________________________________________

Distance from Burn (miles) ________________________

Location__________________________________________

Distance from Burn (miles) ________________________

5. Show your mechanical recovery and in situ burning

equipment configurations.

Step 4

How do you plan to collect burned oil residue?

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

How do you plan to store and dispose of burned oil residue?

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

APPLICATION AND BURN PLAN

In Situ Burning Guidelines for Alaska

41 Revision 1, 03/22/01

Describe the risk of accidental (secondary) fire.

_________________________________________________

How much will your burn impair visibility at airports?

_________________________________________________

How far is your proposed burn from the nearest Class I

airshed?1 _________________________________________

 1 Class I airsheds in Alaska:

• Denali National Park and Preserve

• Bering Sea National Wildlife Refuge National Wilderness Area

• Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge National Wilderness Area

• Tuxedni National Wildlife Refuge National Wilderness Area (this

area lies adjacent to Cook Inlet)

Special protection of visibility is also designated in the following

areas

• Mt. Deborah and the Alaska Range East viewed from the Savage

River Campground area

• Mt. McKinley, Alaska Range, and Interior Lowlands viewed from

Wonder Lake

Signatures

Signature of Applicant

Printed name of Applicant

Date and Time Submitted to Federal and State On-Scene

Coordinators

Prepared By: ICS Position: Phone:
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

A response worker rakes oiled vegetation with a metal rake so that grass stems are oriented more or less vertically. 

A second response worker uses a weed burner, which consists of a flame nozzle, hosing, and a propane tank. The 

weed burner is held just above the oiled vegetation until the vegetation is burned down to a stubble. Care is taken 

not to burn vegetation down to soil, which would damage the root system. Work is started on the upwind edge of 

the oiled area and proceeds downwind so that response workers are not exposed to smoke.

WIND

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be 

used.

• Do not walk on oiled vegetation. Snowshoes can be used to protect unoiled tundra.

• Burning of oiled vegetation is conducted as a non-emergency project and has the objective of reducing re-oiling of adjacent areas. Burning proceeds downwind from its starting point. Care is taken to avoid contaminating 

unaffected areas. Burning is most effective immediately after the spill, before evaporation of volatile components. 

• Take care to avoid secondary fires. If there is access to water, the oiled area and the surrounding vegetation can 

be saturated with water. Wet vegetation will still burn under the direct flame of a weed burner.

• Fire suppression must be on hand, with staff in direct control of it. 

• Burned tundra can regenerate itself, as long as the root structure is left intact. Sedges and grasses recover more 

quickly than mosses and lichens, which do not have much of an underground structure. It is normally preferable 

to burn the oil in the tundra rather than to leave oiled vegetation. Tundra vegetation cannot survive under heavy 

oiling, but it can survive if the oil and vegetation are burned, leaving a healthy root structure.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• An ADEC open-burn permit is required.

CAPACITIES

• One weed burner can cover approximately 50 sq. ft in an hour, depending on terrain and degree of oiling. 

SUPPORT

• Pickup trucks and four-wheelers transport personnel and equipment.

• Sorbent may be used in conjunction with the weed burners.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 2

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Weed Burner, with 

Propane Tank

All Surface oil removal 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Rake (metal) All Rake vegetation upright >1 1 1 hr 0

Fire Extinguisher All Suppression of unwanted fires >2 — 0.5 hr 0

TACTIC B-2 Burning Oily Vegetation (Page 1 of 2) Burning Oily Vegetation (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC B-2
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC B-3 In-Situ Burning with Heli-Torch and Other Igniters (Page 1 of 2) In-Situ Burning with Heli-Torch and Other Igniters (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC B-3

Numerous methods are available for the ignition of floating oil. Hand-held pyrotechnic devices such as ACS’s Dome 

igniters can be armed and tossed by hand from a helicopter or vessel. If such devices are unavailable, one can 

often make a simple though effective igniter on location using oil-soaked rags, sorbents, or even a roll of toilet paper. 

When it is unsafe to use such igniters, and particularly when a large, intense ignition area is needed, a Heli-torch 

may be used.

The Simplex Model 5400 Heli-torch owned by ACS is a helicopter-slung device for delivering measured amounts 

of burning gelled fuel to an oil slick for purposes of igniting the slick.

The Heli-torch can be used to ignite inaccessible oil pockets collected in quiet-water areas or on melt pools on the 

ice.

BASIC DESIGN AND INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE DOME IGNITER

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

CAPACITIES

• Burning on water reduces the volume of a crude oil spill by 75% or more.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used.

• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Designated personnel on the surface and in the air maintain a constant 

watch of the fire and smoke plume, the condition of the boom, the speed and positions of the towing vessels, and the 

proximity of the burn operations to other vessels, oil slicks, the shoreline, etc. In addition, each vessel should maintain 

constant contact with the supervisor. The supervisor of the burn operation must be in direct radio contact with all elements of the burn team, including aircraft and the mixing/loading crew.

• It is critical that communications be available to ensure coordination between the burn operations supervisor and all 

elements of the response. All personnel involved in the operation must be in constant contact with the burn operations 

supervisor. The following communications are necessary for a burn on water:

– Dedicated radio links and equipment with specif﻿ic frequencies for air-to-air and air-to-ground communications

– Dedicated radio links and equipment with specif﻿ic frequencies for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-command communications

– Repeater stations as appropriate for distant or blocked communications paths

– Emergency manual signal (e.g., light or siren)

• Take care when filling, mixing, and dispensing raw or gelled fuel. Always connect a ground wire to an earth ground. 

Use a non-sparking pump in a well-ventilated area. When mixing by hand, use wooden or aluminum paddles. Have 

at least two 20-lb dry-chemical fire extinguishers in both the fuel mixing and Heli-torch filling areas. Personnel mixing 

and dispensing fuel must wear antistatic protective clothing.

• The charter company supplying the helicopter for the Heli-torch must be FAA-certified to sling-load petroleum. In addition, the pilot must have FAR Part 137 certification.

• Burning gelled fuel may sometimes fall off the Heli-torch while in transit to or from the burn site. Pilots should plan 

their flight path to minimize the risk of starting unwanted fires.

• Certain environmental limitations restrict the feasibility of in-situ burning. Optimal environmental conditions are:

– Winds less than 20 kt

– Waves less than 2 to 3 ft

– Currents less than 3/4 kt relative velocity between boom and water

• The following oil thicknesses are required to support combustion:

– 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 inch) for fresh crude oil

– 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.2 inch) for diesel and weathered crude

– 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inch) for emulsions and Bunker C

• Emulsification can affect ignitability. Most oils are readily combustible if water content is less than 25%. For water 

contents greater than 25% it may be necessary to apply an emulsion breaker to obtain ignition.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF >4

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT 

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Heli-torch (55-gal) ACS/KRU Ignition 2

3

1 hr

2 hr

Helicopter with FAR 

Part 137 Approved Pilot

Alyeska Sling-load Heli-torch 1 2 hr

Hand-held Igniters ACS, Northstar, 

Alpine

Ignition >6 2 1 hr

Surefire Gel w/Fuel ACS Gelled fuel >5 lb. — 1 hr

Batch Mixer (300 gal) ACS/KRU Mix gel 1 2 1 hr

Fire Extinguisher All Suppress accidental fires >2 — 0.5 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

Fire containment boom can be deployed in a stationary mode either anchored to a shore or on the water. In addition, it can be towed like a standard containment boom in a U-configuration to collect oil on water and concentrate 

it for burning within the boom.

To use the full holding capacity of the boom, oil should fill the lower one-third of the boom’s apex while the boom is 

being towed. During a burn, the oiled area may be expanded by slowing down. This increases the size of the burn 

and the oil elimination rate.

In-situ burning, without boom, may be used in ice conditions. The ice would act as the containment mechanism.

DEPLOYMENT WITH TOW BOATS

3M FIRE BOOM

Tow Boats

Burning Oil

3M Fire Boom

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be 

used. 

• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Designated personnel on the surface and in the air maintain a 

constant watch of the fire and smoke plume, the condition of the boom, the speed and positions of the towing 

vessels, and the proximity of the burn operations to other vessels, oil slicks, the shoreline, etc. In addition, each 

vessel should maintain constant contact with the supervisor. The supervisor of the burn operation must be in 

direct radio contact with all elements of the burn team, including aircraft and vessels.

• It is critical that communications be available to ensure coordination between the burn operation supervisor and 

all elements of the response. All personnel involved in the operation must be in constant contact with the burning 

operations supervisor.

CAPACITIES

• Burning on water reduces the volume of a crude oil spill by 75% or more.

• For layers of oil 0.5 inch thick or greater, the removal rate is 4.2 gal of oil per hour for every sq. ft of burning oil.

SUPPORT

(Continued on next page)

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP 8

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 7 (including personnel 

to pick up burn residue)

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT 

MOBE 

TIME 

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fire Boom ACS, KRU, WOA, 

Endicott

Contain oil for 

burning on water

>500 ft 4 to unload 

conex

1 hr

2 hr

Work Boat All Tow boom 2 per 

configuration

2 per boat 1 hr

Tow Line (with bridles 

and anchors)

ACS Tow boom 500 to 800 ft 

per towboat

— —

Hand-held Igniters ACS, Northstar, 

Alpine

Ignite oil 10 per platform 1 1 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Work Boat All Recovery and storage of 

burn residue

1 per 

configuration

3 per boat 2 hr 1 hr

Fire Extinguishers All Fire suppression >2 per 

configuration

— 0.5 hr —

Fire Boom Repair Kit ACS Boom repair 2 — — —

TACTIC B-4 Deployment and Use of Fire Containment Boom (Page 1 of 4) Deployment and Use of Fire Containment Boom (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC B-4
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08

TACTIC B-4 Deployment and Use of Fire Containment Boom (Page 3 of 4) Deployment and Use of Fire Containment Boom (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC B-4

ICE CONDITIONS FIRE BOOM

(20 lb/linear ft)

FIRE BOOM

(7 lb/linear ft)

FIRE BOOM

(6 lb/linear ft)

DELTA 

BOOM

Groundfast or Shorefast Ice (with overflood) 100 ft 300 ft 350 ft 750 ft

Broken Ice: Large, Dense, First-Year, Afloat 100 ft 300 ft 350 ft 750 ft

Broken Ice: Smaller, Less Dense, Rotted 200 ft 600 ft 700 ft 1,000 ft

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS (CONT’D)

(Continued from previous page)

• The following communications are necessary for a burn on water:

– Dedicated radio links and equipment with specif﻿ic frequencies for air-to-air and air-to-ground communications

– Dedicated radio links and equipment with specif﻿ic frequencies for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-command 

communications

– Repeater stations as appropriate for distant or blocked communications paths

– Emergency manual signal (e.g., light or siren)

• The following oil thicknesses are required to support combustion:

– 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 inch) for fresh crude oil

– 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.2 inch) for diesel and weathered crude

– 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inch) for emulsions and Bunker C

• Certain environmental limitations restrict the feasibility of in-situ burning. Optimal environmental conditions are:

– Winds less than 20 kt

– Waves less than 2 to 3 ft

– Currents less than 3/4 kt relative velocity between boom and water

• Note that Fire Boom is very heavy, and proper lifting techniques must be used during deployment.

• Towing vessels should be positioned to avoid any direct contact with floating oil that could accidentally be ignited.

• Keep the operation out of the smoke plume.

• One towing vessel should be designated as the lead vessel for determining course and speed.

• Tow at speeds of 1/2 to 3/4 kt or less and avoid sudden speed changes.

• All personnel and equipment should remain at least 2 to 3 fire diameters away from the pool of burning oil.

• As conditions allow, the rate at which oil can be eliminated may be increased by a factor of 2 to 3 by slowing the 

boom-towing vessels and permitting the contained burn to spread forward within the boom. Oil should not be 

allowed to spread within 50 ft or less of the leading (upstream) ends of the boom.

• Boom-towing personnel should be familiar with procedures to terminate the burn.

• Beware of flashback! After the fire appears to be extinguished, unexpected re-ignition can occur.

• As the burn begins to die down, keep the tow at just enough forward speed to let the remaining oil burn as completely as possible.

• Select size and length of boom based on expected wind and sea conditions, staging and logistics constraints, 

and the volume of oil to be burned.

• Use conventional boom-deployment practices to avoid snags, twists, and fouling with other equipment.

• Select tow line size based on a safety factor of 7. Use long tow lines for each tow vessel (typically 500 to 800 

ft) to reduce oil entrainment from prop wash, to position tow vessels safely away from the burn, and to provide 

additional reaction time in an emergency.

• As necessary, increase oil encounter rate by connecting sections of conventional boom to the leading ends of 

the fire containment boom. (Maintain a gap ratio of 0.3).

(Continued on next page)

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS (CONT’D)

(Continued from previous page)

• Be careful if burning while towing to avoid smoke blowing directly into the vessels.

• Ensure that spotter aircraft are available to direct the boom-towing vessels to the heaviest oil concentration or 

the highest-priority slick.

• If a U-configuration with collected oil is to be moved before ignition, don’t locate it directly upstream or downstream 

of the source or other ignitable slicks. About 1/4 to 1/2 mile side-wind is adequate.

• Inspect boom after each burn before using again; repair or replace damaged sections.

• Below are boom towing limitations for airboats during overflood conditions in the nearshore Beaufort Sea (based 

on 2005 ACS seasonal recovery testing):

• In extreme shallow water conditions, sheet metal may be used in lieu of boom in the apex. Use 36 pieces of metal 

and 37 stakes per 100 ft.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

Oil can be burned on any solid surface provided the oil is thick enough to support combustion. This includes tundra, 

ice, snow, or gravel.

In-situ burning on land should be considered only if there is a layer of ice covering underlying vegetation to protect 

it from heat damage. If this is the case, the oil should be pooled into one area and a buffer zone created around this 

area. Pooling of oil can be accomplished by digging a pit for oil to flow into. 

Oil on land can be ignited with torches, igniters, propane weed burners, or a Heli-torch.

If the spill is on tundra, some sort of dike should be built around the oil using sandbags. The diked area should never 

cover more than 4,000 square feet. Once the dike is in place, flood the diked area with water until the tundra root 

mass is covered with one-half to one inch of water.

In the case of oil initially spilled on the surface and mixed with snow, burning of oiled snow piles can be successfully 

achieved even in midwinter conditions. Depending on the initial oil spill volume per unit area of ice, the technique 

of plowing oiled snow into concentrated piles may be the only way of achieving successful ignition and burning. 

In many cases, waiting for the snow to melt could result in thin oil films incapable of supporting combustion and 

spread over a large ice area.

Snow Berm

Ice

Oil

Sandbags

Tundra

Oil

Dump Truck

Snow Berm

Oil CHALLENGER

CAT

Challenger

Melt Pools with Oil

Sea Ice

CAPACITIES

• For layers of oil 0.5 inch thick or greater, the removal rate is 4.2 gal of oil per hour for every sq. ft of burning oil.

• A backhoe on a tracked, amphibious marsh buggy is capable of gathering snow at the rate of 9 cubic yards per 

minute and of transiting natural sea ice at 1.2 miles per hour.

• A Tucker Sno-Cat with blade is capable of moving snow into berms at the rate of 2 acres per day, assuming 10 

hours of operation in each of two, 12-hour shifts per day at 70 sq. ft. per minute.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be 

used. Designated personnel on the surface and in the air should maintain a constant watch of the fire and smoke 

plume.

• The following oil thicknesses are required to support combustion:

– 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 inch) for fresh crude oil

– 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.2 inch) for diesel and weathered crude

– 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inch) for emulsions and Bunker C

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), which 

must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations in tundra or 

any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity must be documented 

and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid archeological sites and 

biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy equipment, and even foot traffic 

can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause structure disturbance. Using sheets of 

plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

SUPPORT

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

*Marsh buggies may be used in rotting ice conditions.

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

966 Loader All Unload sandbags 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Water Truck All Flooding 1 2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Fire Extinguisher All Suppress unwanted fires >2 — 0.5 hr —

Marsh Buggy* AIC Transportation to site 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Marsh Buggy with 

Hoe

AIC Move ice and snow 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Tucker Sno-Cat KUP, 

APSC, AIC

Transportation to site 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Tucker Sno-Cat with 

Blade

KUP, 

APSC, AIC

Move snow 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Amphibious 

Personnel Carrier 

(e.g., Haaglund)

AIC Transportation to site 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

*Number of personnel depends on number of sandbags needed.

TOTAL STAFF >3

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Heli-torch (55-gal) ACS/KRU Ignition 2

3

1 hr

2 hr

Helicopter with FAR Part 

137 Approved Pilot

Alyeska Sling-load 

Heli-torch

1 2 hr

Surefire Gel w/Fuel ACS Gelled fuel >5 lb. — 1 hr

Batch Mixer (300 gal) ACS/KRU Mix gel 1 2 1 hr

Sand Bags ACS, KRU, EOA, WOA, 

Alpine

Containment >100 >6 for setup*

2 to maintain

2 hr

1 hr Propane Weed Burner All Ignition 2 2 1 hr

Hand-held Igniters ACS, Northstar, Alpine Ignition >6 1 1 hr

TACTIC B-5 Burning Oil Pools on any Solid Surface (Page 1 of 2) Burning Oil Pools on any Solid Surface (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC B-5
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC B-6 Burn Residue Recovery (Page 1 of 2) Burn Residue Recovery (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC B-6

The type and amount of residue from an in-situ burn of oil on water depend on the starting oil type and condition, 

as well as the way in which the oil is contained and/or herded throughout the burn. If wind or currents are available 

to push burning oil against a barrier (boom, ice, steel structure, etc.), adequate combustion thicknesses will be 

maintained for a much more efficient burn. The residue may be an inch or more thick.

The residue may continue to pile up on itself and reach an average thickness of several inches. Most burns result 

in taffy-like layers of weathered, viscous material that is relatively buoyant. Some residues, however, may quickly 

become negatively or neutrally buoyant because of combustion and/or sediment uptake.

If the residue is sufficiently buoyant, it may be possible to leave it in the apex of the U-boom configuration. By combining 

the residue with newly collected oil, a major portion of the residue can be eliminated during subsequent burns.

If the burn residue remains buoyant, and it is practical to recover it before collecting and burning additional oil, the 

residue can be released to secondary collection booms or nets. Whether recovered from secondary booms or the 

fire containment boom, the burn residue can normally be picked up with large strainers or handtools, with viscousoil sorbents, or with standard viscous-oil skimmers.

If not recovered, burn residue will normally break up and be dispersed as highly weathered tar balls.

Residue from burning oil on ice will be manually recovered from the surface of the ice.

Fire Boom

Residue

Water

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be 

used.

• Beware of flashback! After the fire appears to be extinguished, unexpected re-ignition can occur. Wait until the 

residue cools before approaching.

• Shortly after it cools, the burn residue becomes viscous and continues to cool to a thick, tarry substance best 

removed with handtools or nets.

• Initially, the residue floats, but eventually (several hours to several days), it may sink.

• Containers such as drums or plastic bags can be used for temporary storage.

• Handle the residue in the same manner as recovered oil. Testing is necessary to ensure that the residue is not 

hazardous. A State of Alaska permit is needed for final disposal.

CAPACITIES

• Burning on water reduces the volume of a crude oil spill by 75% or more.

• For layers of oil 0.5 inch thick or greater, the removal rate is 4.2 gal of oil per hour for every sq. ft of burning oil.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 3

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Handtools All Recovery Varies Varies 1 hr

1 hr

Large Strainers All Recovery Varies Varies 1 hr

Viscous-Oil Sorbent All Recovery Varies Varies 1 hr

Viscous-Oil Skimmers All Recovery 1 2 2 hr

Work Boat All Recovery >1 3 2 hr

Fire Extinguisher All Suppress unwanted fires >2 — 0.5 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

It may be necessary to terminate in-situ burning for a variety of reasons:

• Personnel safety

• Adverse weather

• Darkness, especially for aircraft (vessels may still be able to operate with limited light)

• Downwind effects of smoke plume

• Completion of burning

Boom-towing personnel should be familiar with procedures to terminate the burn.

• The oil can be released from the boom and allowed to spread until it is too thin to burn (The potential spread 

area is possibly as large as ten contained fire diameters).

• The tow speed can be quickly increased to force the oil under the boom. This is less likely to involve downstream combustion; however, anticipate the potential for a tenfold increase in burn diameter.

Burning Oil Tow Boats

Fire Boom

A. SPEED UP THE TOW

B. RELEASE THE BOOM

Open boom configuration to let

oil spread thin enough to

extinguish fire.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be 

used.

• Ensure released burning oil will not start unwanted fires.

• Ensure good communications between both vessels prior to initiating extinguishment procedure.

TACTIC B-7 Burn Extinguishment on Water (Page 1 of 2) Burn Extinguishment on Water (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC B-7
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC DT-1 Dispersant Application Via Vessel (Page 1 of 2) Dispersant Application Via Vessel (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC DT-1

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

• An aircraft, either fixed-wing or helicopter with a trained observer, is important in guiding spray vessels to the 

heaviest oil concentrations as well as the leading edges of slicks that could threaten sensitive resources.

• In the event of a fixed point-source spill (e.g., a blowout or sub-sea pipeline rupture), the need for aerial support 

may be reduced by spraying directly downstream of the source.

• Operations will normally involve strong support from the USCG and/or trained contractors to monitor and document 

the results of dispersant use following Special Monitoring of Applied Response Technologies (SMART) protocols.

CAPACITIES

• With good visibility (especially with a fixed, continuous spill source), the equipment has the potential to operate 

24 hours per day.

• For each 1,000 gallons of dispersant carried onboard, the vessel could treat as much as 20,000 gallons of oil 

(based on a dispersant-to-oil ratio of 1:20).

• Typical areal coverage rates for vessels with swaths of 60 to 100 feet, spraying at 5 knots, run between 0.7 and 

1.2 acres/min. (i.e., ~0.06 to 0.11 mi2/hr).

• Reference NOAA's Dispersant Mission Planner to determine incident-specific operating and application parameters.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Spray arms provide relatively low areal coverage rates.

• It can be difficult to observe oil on the water surface from the vessel's wheelhouse.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 7

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

OSRV Shell Dispersant Application 12 6 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Dispersant Spray Arm Shell Dispersant Application 2

1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

CorExit 9500 Shell Dispersant > 100 bbls

Chemical dispersants, once authorized for use, may be applied from spray arms off one or both sides of a vessel. 

Large vessels offer unique advantages over aerial systems involving the potential for large payloads of dispersant, 

continuous spraying for long periods, higher dosages (avoiding the need for multiple passes), and relatively simple, 

on-site application systems. Working with spotter aircraft, the vessel can be guided to the heaviest concentrations 

of oil where it can apply dispersants over swaths of typically 60 to 100 feet, depending upon the beam of the spray 

vessel and the length of the spray arms. With application speeds of approximately 3 to 8 knots, dispersants can be 

sprayed undiluted (neat) or diluted. Neat application, yielding higher efficiencies, is usually preferred.

NOTE: Permission to use dispersants MUST be requested in advance, and approval received, in accordance 

with Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT) Unified Plan, Annex F.

Spray systems are designed and positioned on the vessel to give slightly overlapping spray patterns at the surface, 

yielding droplet-sizes that are typically 250 to 750 microns (1/4 to 3/4 mm), and making initial contact directly with 

the oil, thereby avoiding any wasteful treatment of oil that has been mixed into the water column by the vessel's 

bow wave and wake. With dosages of typically 5 to 15 gallons of dispersant per acre, pump rates are controlled to 

operate within that range based on the vessel's spray swath and speed. NOAA's Open Water Oil Identification Job 

Aid (characterizing oil slicks at various thicknesses) and its Dispersant Mission Planner 2 are helpful in determining 

appropriate slicks for chemical treatment and system operating parameters for both vessel and aerial spray systems.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC DT-2 Dispersant Application Via Aircraft (Page 1 of 2) Dispersant Application Via Aircraft (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC DT-2

The aerial application of dispersants can be conducted as a primary response option when wind/sea conditions 

preclude the safe and effective use of booms for containment and recovery or burning operations. Dispersants may 

also be used strategically to treat oil that has escaped recovery and/or burning operations.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 6

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT 

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

C-130 Hercules aircraft Anchorage Dispersant Application 1 2 24 hrs 0.5 hr

CorExit 9500 Anchorage Dispersant 25,000 

gals 4 4 hrs 1 hr

SUPPORT

• Whenever possible, a second spotter aircraft (fixed-wing or helicopter) would be used to help align the Hercules 

with each pass over the oil, giving “start” and “stop” instructions for spraying as the aircraft enters and leaves the 

desired spray zone. The spotter aircraft can provide important information to the pilot of the spray plane regarding 

wind effects on targeting of the dispersant, proper overlap with previous spray paths, effectiveness of dispersion, 

and any other adjustments that may be needed for the flight path.

• Flight crews manning aerial dispersant C-130 and spotter planes should be trained to work in tandem.

• The spotter aircraft can also be of help to those conducting the Special Monitoring of Applied Response Technologies (SMART) protocols by directing those boats to the regions where dispersants had been applied.

• Additional support is required back at the staging location for refueling of the aircraft and for the rapid loading of 

dispersant between sorties.

• Reloading dispersant pack requires two staff in PPE.

CAPACITIES

• The MSRC dispersant application platform consists of a built-in tank with removable spray arms that are positioned 

just forward of the tail. The booms, 15 ft on each side, deliver a swath width of 150 ft at altitudes of 50 to 100 ft.

• The Hercules' MSRC Dispersant system can deliver up to 4 payloads, depending upon the actual transit distance 

from staging to spill location, over a 12 to 18-hour period resulting in treatment of up to 10,000 bbl of oil (using a 

dispersant-to-oil ratio of 1:20). 

• With good visibility there is the potential for dispersant application 24 hours per day during periods of extended 

daylight in the summer months.

• See NOAA's Dispersant Mission Planner to determine incident-specific operating and application parameters.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Distance of sortie from staging location to application site.

• High wind and rough sea conditions may degrade application effedtiveness.

• Oil type, thickness, emulsification, and weather are other factors determining effectiveness.

• SMART protocols require a test application to evaluate effectiveness.

NOTE: Permission to use dispersants MUST be requested in advance, and approval received, in accordance 

with Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT) Unified Plan, Annex F.

Once authorized for use, dispersants may be applied from a large fixed-wing aircraft, with the important advantage 

being speed of application with a relatively wide swath. MSRC’s dedicated C-130 Hercules has a built-in tank and 

spray system with a dispersant carrying capacity of 3,250 gallons. Dependent upon the aircraft type and dispersant 

spray system storage capacity, a C-130 Hercules may be flown with up to 5,000 gallons per sortie and can operate effectively with a 100 ft altitude and application speeds of typically 145 to 150 knots. Since higher speeds and 

altitudes can be used for transit to the spill site and observation of the spill, the aircraft provides an opportunity to 

select the optimum direction and pattern for delivery of the dispersant. The large payload of this system, combined 

with its long-range capabilities and high areal coverage rates, typically many tens of acres/minute, make the Hercules one of the most effective options for treating large areas and volumes of oil far from shore (100 miles or more). 
ACS Tech. Manual Vol., 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC DT-3 Dispersant Application Via Helicopter (Page 1 of 2) Dispersant Application Via Helicopter (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC DT-3

Dispersant application from a “bucket” slung beneath a helicopter provides the capability for “surgical” spraying over 

oil that has escaped containment during recovery or burning operations. Helicopters can also access relatively 

large areas (typically 10 acres/min or more), maneuver well to hit the highest concentrations of oil, and make quick 

altitude adjustments locating oil from 500 feet or more, and then dropping to a 50-ft altitude or less for spraying. 

Helicopter spray buckets will vary in size from approximately 150 to 300 gallons of dispersant. For example, a 

240-gallon bucket can spray with a swath width of 75 to 100 feet at speeds of typically 50 to 85 knots. Depending 

upon the payload/range capabilities of the helicopter, such spray systems are somewhat restricted to waters that 

are typically less than 20 n mi from shore or offshore staging.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT 

MOBE 

TIME 

DEPLOY 

TIME

Helicopter Shell Dispersant Application 1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Spray Bucket

(mobilized with aircraft) Shell Dispersant Application 1

2 1 hr 1 hr

CorExit 9500 Shell Dispersant 1

Slung Bucket System

Spray Boom

SUPPORT

• A spotter aircraft (fixed-wing or helicopter), if available, can greatly enhance the operation by locating slicks, guiding the spray helicopter to those regions, and documenting the effectiveness of dispersion.

CAPACITIES

• With good visibility there is the potential for dispersant application 24 hours a day during periods of extended 

daylight in the summer months.

• Depending upon the distance from shore and the availability of backup dispersant supplies and ground support, 

a helicopter spray system could deliver well over a dozen sorties in a single day. If 200 gallons of dispersant are 

sprayed during each of 12 sorties, the system could treat nearly 1,200 bbls of oil (assuming a dispersant-to-oil 

ratio of 1:20).

• Each staging location may store at least 2,000 gallons of dispersant for each helo-bucket system to be serviced 

for each day of operation.

• Reference NOAA's Dispersant Mission Planner to determine incident-specific operating and application parameters.

• AES spray bucket has a capacity of 200 gallons.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Due to the limited range of most small helicopters and the added risks of flying over water, helicopter spraying 

operations should be conducted from staging locations relatively close to the spill.

• Remote locations, far offshore, would need to be supported by vessels or a platform with heli-pad, refueling facilities and dispersant for reloading the bucket between sorties.

TOTAL STAFF 4

NOTE: Permission to use dispersants MUST be requested in advance, and approval received, in accordance 

with Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT) Unified Plan, Annex F.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-1 Shoreline Assessment (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Assessment (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-1

PURPOSE OF SHORELINE ASSESSMENT

If a spill impacts the shoreline, it is important to have a clear and accurate understanding of the nature and extent of the 

oiling, particularly before cleanup commences. The Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team (SCAT) approach is used to collect 

data on shoreline oiling conditions and support decision-making for cleanup. The objectives are to:

• Systematically collect data on shoreline oiling conditions

• Identify and describe human use, ecological and cultural resource effects and the constraints that they impose on 

cleanup operations

• Cross-check pre-existing information on environmental sensitivities or clarify observations from aerial surveys

• Identify any constraints that may limit operations

• Provide decision support for onshore response operations

Priorities for shoreline assessment surveys may be determined using information from aerial surveys and pre-existing sensitivity atlases and databases. Priority setting criteria include:

• Degree of oiling

• Environmental resources

• Projected tide and wind conditions

• Available transportation and logistics

Information collected from the SCAT process is the basis for development of the shoreline treatment or cleanup operation.

SCAT may involve:

• An aerial reconnaissance survey to identify areas of current or potential impact

• An aerial video survey to document shoreline oil conditions and geomorphology and to establish locations and 

priorities for ground surveys

• A ground survey to document shoreline oil conditions, geology, ecology, cultural resources, and identify constraints

PT/T 

2x40

TB/B 

1x42

TB/S 

1x150

PT/T 

2.5x25

TB/P 

1.5x45

PT/S 

3.5x130

Sand

Tundra

Gravel Dock

Meters

N

Berm

Crest

LHTS

TB

Granule

PT

PT

TB

Step

Step

Berm TB

LHTS

LHTS

Erosional

Scarp

C

C

B

13

6

7

5

4

11

10

3

12

15

14

2

1

B

A

A

Step

Crest

Coarse-Grained Sand

0 20 40 60

SAMPLE SHORELINE ASSESSMENT SKETCH MAP

SHORELINE SEGMENTATION

Shoreline segmentation provides a systematic and uniform framework for documentation, planning and response consideration.

• The shoreline is divided into working units, called “segments”, within which the shoreline character is relatively homogeneous in terms of physical features and sediment type.

• Each segment is given a unique location identifier and is surveyed.

• Segment boundaries can be either prominent geological features (headlands, streams, etc.), changes in shore/substrate 

types, or changes in oil conditions.

• Segment lengths are small enough to obtain adequate resolution and detail on the distribution of oil, but not so small 

that too much data is generated. Most segments in oiled areas would be in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 km.

• Segments are identified on an alphanumeric scheme with an alphabetical prefix, keyed to a geographic place name 

(e.g., MP = Milne Point), followed by a number based on an alongshore sequence (MP-4).

Segmentation for the North Slope region has already been accomplished as part of the pre-planning exercise (see the ACS 

Technical Manual Map Atlas). It should be reviewed for suitability at the time of a spill, since the segment boundaries may 

need to be adapted to existing spill conditions. Predesignated segments can be subdivided if oiling conditions vary significantly within the segment; segment subdivision can be identified by a suffix (e.g., MP-4-A).

SCAT SURVEY TEAM AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary team members for the surveys and their responsibilities are outlined below. Assignments can be modified according 

to survey objectives and the composition of the team. Government or landowner representatives will participate and may 

assist in the data collection.

Detailed information on the SCAT process is provided in the two following documents:

• Owens Coastal Consultants. 1994. North Slope Shoreline Oil Spill Countermeasures Manual. Prepared for Alaska Clean 

Seas, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

• Michel, J. and I. Byron. 1997. Shoreline Assessment Manual. Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division, 

National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Report No. HAZMAT 97-4.

TEAM MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Oil Spill Geomorphologist • Logistical direction and management of the survey team

• Review of existing data, maps and photos

• Reviewing and verifying existing shoreline segmentation and adapting it as 

necessary 

• Photographic/video documentation

• Collection and documentation of any sediment/oil samples that may be required

• Consultation with the spill response operations representative and other team 

members concerning appropriate response options and constraints for a given site

• Post-survey mapping, documentation, and categorization of the severity of oiling 

based on on-site observations

Ecologist • Cross-checking information from existing sensitivity atlases and databases with 

actual conditions

• Describing the abundance and location of different coastal ecosystems in the 

segment

• Tabulating information on the general character and health of indicator species along 

the shoreline

• Providing information on nearshore, shallow areas and wildlife observations

• Recommending ecological constraints on operations or cleanup activities

• Providing photo documentation and a sketch map of the surveyed area

Archaeologist • Evaluate the foreshore areas to identify likely site locations

• Update known site by recording additional information on site location, size, depth, 

presence of surface features and conditions 

• Document newly discovered sites

• Complete forms as required (Cultural Resource Evaluation Form and Human Use 

Summary Form)

• Apply constrains as necessary on operations or cleanup activities

• Provide photo documentation and draw a sketch map
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-2 Natural Recovery of an Oiled Shoreline (Page 1 of 2) Natural Recovery of an Oiled Shoreline (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-2

Natural recovery allows the shoreline to recover without intervention. This option requires field observations of the 

oiling conditions and of the resources at risk to assess the effects of allowing the oil to weather naturally. In some 

cases, monitoring the location may be necessary to ensure that the assessment is correct.

Natural recovery can be applicable on any spill incident and for any shoreline type, but 

requires a decision that:

• To treat or clean stranded oil may cause more damage than leaving the site to recovery naturally, or

• Response techniques cannot accelerate natural recovery, or

• Safety considerations could place response personnel in danger either from the oil (itself) or from environmental conditions (weather, access, etc.).

Other factors include an analysis of the:

• Resources at risk,

• The type and amount of oil, and

• The location of the site.

For example, a decision could be made that a small amount of nonpersistent oil on an exposed shore at a remote 

location may weather and degrade without any active or potential future threat to the local environment.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Natural recovery of oiled shorelines is more applicable for:

– Small than large amounts of oil,

– Nonpersistent than persistent oil, and

– Exposed shorelines than sheltered or low wave-energy environments.

• Natural recovery may not be appropriate if important ecological resources or human activities/resources are 

threatened.

• Natural recovery should always be considered as the preferred option, particularly for small amounts of oil. The 

trade-off analysis involves (1) natural recovery, (2) the possible benefits of a response to accelerate recovery, 

and (3) any possible delays to recovery that may be caused by response activities.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only.

TACTIC SH-3 Shoreline Cleanup Using Flooding and Flushing (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Flooding and Flushing (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-3

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

Physical removal involves a variety of washing or flushing tactics to move oil from the shore zone to a location for 

collection and removal. The variables that distinguish each tactic are pressure and temperature. For all these tactics, 

booms or other methods of trapping and containment are used to collect the oil for removal.

FLOODING (“DELUGE”)

A high-volume (50 to 250 gpm), low-pressure supply of seawater at ambient temperature is pumped using largediameter (3- to 6-inch) pipe and/or hose (“header”) to the upper section of the oiled area. Water can be pumped 

either directly from a hose without a nozzle, or the pipe or hose can be perforated (0.1- to 0.2-inch holes) at intervals 

and placed along the shoreline parallel to the water line. Output pressures are less than 20 psi. 

The high volume of water floods the surface area (in the case of impermeable man-made shorelines) or the beach 

sediments. Mobile or non-sticky oil is transported with the water as it flows downslope. Flooding can be used in 

combination with trenches or sumps and vacuum systems to float and collect oil for recovery.

LOW-PRESSURE, COLD-WATER FLUSHING

Hand-operated or remote-controlled hoses use ambient temperature seawater to flush, wash, and herd oil to a collection point for removal. Output pressures are controlled, usually by a nozzle, and are low (less than 50 psi). The 

tactic can be used with flooding to prevent redeposition of the oil. 

LOW-PRESSURE, WARM/HOT-WATER FLUSHING

Hand-operated or remote-controlled hoses use heated (80°F to 212°F) seawater to flush, wash, and herd oil to a 

collection point. This tactic is used primarily to dislodge and flush oil that cannot be washed using low-pressure, 

ambient-temperature water. Output pressures are controlled, usually by a nozzle, and are low (less than 50 psi). 

This tactic can be used with flooding to prevent redeposition of the oil.

HIGH-PRESSURE, COLD-WATER FLUSHING

Hand-operated or remote-controlled hoses use ambient temperature seawater jets to flush, wash, and herd oil to a 

collection point. The higher water pressures dislodge and flush oil that cannot be washed or mobilized using lower 

pressure, ambient temperature water. Output pressures are controlled and are in the range of 100 psi or greater. 

On sloping outcrops or structures this technique can be used with flooding to prevent redeposition of the oil. 

HIGH-PRESSURE, WARM/HOT-WATER FLUSHING

Hand-operated or remote-controlled hoses use high-pressure, heated (80°F to 212°F) seawater to flush, wash, and 

herd oil to a collection point. Output pressures may be fixed or controlled by a nozzle and are in the range of 100 

psi or greater. The higher pressure and warm water dislodge and flush oil that cannot be washed by lower pressure 

and temperature water. On sloping structures, this technique can be used with flooding or low-pressure flushing to 

prevent redeposition of the oil.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• A 2-inch trash pump operates at 220 gpm.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic. Additional permits may be required for 

beach or upland access, and to anchor boom to the beach (e.g., ADF&G, ADNR, SHPO, etc.).

• Washing oil and/or sediments downslope to lower intertidal zones that may have plant or animal communities 

should be avoided, particularly if these were not initially oiled. This can be avoided by working at only mid-tide 

or higher water levels so that these communities are below the water line. This oil and oiled sediment should be 

contained and collected as part of the treatment process. If it cannot be recovered, the technique only disperses 

oil rather than cleans the shoreline.

• Flooding is effective on most shoreline types, but it may have limited application only on sand or mud flats and 

on steep man-made solid structures. Generally, flooding is not a very intrusive technique.

• Low-pressure, cold-water flushing is effective on most impermeable shoreline types and on some permeable 

shores or marshes. It may have limited application only on sand beaches, sand-gravel beaches, or sand flats, and 

is probably not appropriate on mud flats. Generally, this is not an intrusive technique and leaves most organisms 

in place.

• Low-pressure, warm/hot water flushing is effective on most impermeable shoreline types, but may have limited 

application only on sand beaches, sand-gravel beaches, and sand flats and is probably not appropriate on mud 

flats. Generally, this is not a highly intrusive technique if used carefully in conjunction with high-volume flooding, 

which minimizes the potential adverse effects on shoreline organisms of using heated water.

• The effectiveness of flooding and low-pressure flushing decreases as oil viscosity increases and as depth of 

penetration increases on cobble beaches.

• High-pressure, cold-water flushing has limited application only for oiled bedrock or solid man-made shorelines. 

High-pressure water can dislodge attached organisms and may damage others.

• High-pressure, warm/hot-water flushing usually has only limited application for solid man-made structures. The 

heated water or the pressures may dislodge attached organisms or damage others.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

*Warm/hot-water flushing would be used only where road access is available to truck heated water to the site.

TOTAL STAFF 2 (3 if water truck is used)

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Trash Pump (2-inch) ACS, KRU, MPU, Alpine Deluge >1 2 1 hr

2 hr

Suction Hose (2-inch) All Suction >20 ft 2 for setup 2 hr

Discharge Hose (3-inch) All Deluge >50 ft — 2 hr

Perforated Header Hose ACS Deluge >100 ft 2 for setup 1 hr

Water Heating Plant* EOA Heat water — — —

Water Truck* All Transport heated water 1 1 2 hr

• See tactics on booming and skimming for additional equipment and personnel needs for recovery of free oil 

generated by these tactics.

• Ambient sea water for flooding and flushing operations may also be supplied via pumps located aboard off-shore 

response vessels.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-4 Shoreline Cleanup Using Steam Cleaning or Sand Blasting (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Steam Cleaning or Sand Blasting (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-4

STEAM CLEANING

Hand-operated or remote-controlled units are used to dislodge, wash, and herd oil to a collection point. Output 

pressures from the unit are generally over 100 psi and may be as high as 1,000 psi with steam temperatures over 

200°F. This tactic can be used with flooding to prevent redeposition of the oil.

SAND BLASTING

Hand-operated or remote-operated units are used to dislodge oil or abrade stains and thin weathered films of oil 

from a hard surface. Output pressures from the hose are usually less than 100 psi. Spent sand and dislodged oil 

can be collected by a drop-cloth arrangement below the working area.

Open Water

Deadman

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Washing oil and/or sediments downslope to lower intertidal zones that may have plant or animal communities 

should be avoided, particularly if these were not initially oiled. This can be avoided by working at only mid-tide 

or higher water levels so that these communities are below the water line. This oil and oiled sediment should be 

contained and collected as part of the treatment process. If it cannot be recovered, the technique only disperses 

oil rather than cleans the shoreline.

• Steam cleaning has limited application and is used only on impermeable man-made surfaces. Generally, this is 

a very intrusive technique. Steam cleaning will kill most organisms. 

• Sand blasting has limited application and is used only on impermeable man-made surfaces. Generally, this is 

a very intrusive technique. Sand blasting will remove all organisms and leave a clean and pristine, but barren, 

surface.

• Sand blasting systems use up to 1,000 lb. of sand per hour so that a considerable amount of waste material is 

generated. The movement of sand and oiled sand to lower intertidal zones that have attached plant or animal 

communities should be avoided.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• See tactics on booming and skimming for additional equipment and personnel needs for recovery of free oil 

generated by these tactics.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

or

TOTAL STAFF 2

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Small Sand Blaster ACS Sand blasting 1 2 2 hr

2 hr

Air Compressor All Air for sand blaster 1 — 1 hr

Spillbuster Van EOA, KRU Steam cleaning 1 2 1 hr

Steam Cleaner ACS Steam cleaning 1 2 2 hr 2 hr

1000-Gal Water Tank ACS Water 1 — 2 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-5 Shoreline Cleanup Using Manual Removal and Vacuum Methods (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Manual Removal and Vacuum Methods (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-5

This group of physical methods involves removal of the oil or oiled materials (sediments, debris, vegetation etc.) 

from the shore zone to a location where it can be disposed of.

MANUAL REMOVAL

The technique involves picking up oil, oiled sediments, or oily debris using gloved hands, rakes, pitchforks 

with screens, trowels, shovels, sorbent materials, buckets, etc. It may include scraping or wiping with sorbent 

materials or sieving if the oil has come ashore as tar balls. Collected material can be placed directly in plastic bags, drums, etc., for transfer. If the containers are to be carried to a temporary storage area they should 

not weigh more than can be easily and safely carried by one person. This tactic can be used practically and 

effectively in any location or on any shoreline type or oil type where access to the shore zone is possible and 

safe. 

VACUUM

Truck-mounted vacuum systems may be used; the suction end usually is deployed manually to collect oil and/or oily 

water. These vacuum systems are primarily used where oil is pooled in natural depressions or hollows, or has been 

herded into collection areas. Vacuums can be used in combination with flooding or deluge techniques to float and 

collect oil. Vacuum trucks can be used to remove oil that is collected in sumps. A dual-head wash-vacuum system 

can be used in locations that are hard to access, such as between boulders and logs.

Vacuum Truck

Suction Hose

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Manual removal is most applicable for:

– Small amounts of viscous oil (e.g., asphalt pavement removal),

– Surface or near-surface oil, and

– Areas inaccessible to vehicles.

• Manual removal is labor intensive and slow for large oiled areas; although slower than mechanical removal, it 

generates less waste and the waste materials can be segregated easily at the source.

• Foot traffic should avoid the oiled zone to prevent carrying oil from there into previously clean locations. Foot 

traffic can have an adverse impact on marshes or in tidal flat areas. Excessive foot traffic can impact vegetated 

areas, such as backshore tundra, or can disturb adjacent resources, such as nesting birds.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

34 bbl/hr if if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 2

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Rakes All Recovery >1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Pitch Forks w/Screen All Recovery >1 1 1 hr 1 hr

Shovels All Recovery >1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Sorbents All Recovery >1 Pkg. 1 1 hr 1 hr

Vacuum Truck All Recovery 1 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Oily Waste Bags All Disposal >1 Box — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only.

TACTIC SH-6 Shoreline Cleanup Using Mechanical Removal (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Mechanical Removal (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-6

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

Mechanical removal is more rapid than manual removal but generates larger quantities of waste. The method of 

operation varies considerably depending on the type of equipment that may be available and on the ability of that 

equipment to operate on a section of shore. The cleaning efficiency for each type of equipment is expressed in terms 

of the rate of cleaning that can be achieved and the amounts of waste that are generated.

Some equipment (e.g., Bobcats, front-end loaders, or vacuum trucks) can remove and transfer material directly 

to a truck or temporary storage area in a single step. Other types (graders and bulldozers) are less efficient and 

require two steps to move or side cast material that must then be picked up by other equipment (Bobcats, front-end 

loaders or backhoes) for transfer.

Several mobile beach cleaners have been developed specifically for oil spill cleanup; however, these are not locally 

available on the North Slope but may be brought in for medium- or large-scale response operations, if appropriate. 

Other beach cleaners designed for cleaning of debris can be adapted to pick up oiled tarballs. A commonly-used 

example is a mobile sieving unit drawn by a tractor.

Off-site beach cleaning machines that treat or wash and replace oiled materials are included in this part as they 

involve a waste management program of transfer, temporary storage and treatment, even if replaced on the shore. 

These off-site cleaners involve a multistep process as oiled material is removed from a beach and subsequently 

replaced by one or more types of earth-moving equipment.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Mechanical removal can be used on all but solid, man-made shoreline types, although it has limited applicability 

for tidal flats, due to poor bearing capacity. The bearing capacity of the sediments and the slope of the shore 

zone, as well as the performance characteristics of the individual equipment, control the applicability of different 

types of machines.

• The various types of commercially-available earth-moving equipment have different operational requirements and 

different applications. The most important variable is the ability of a piece of equipment to travel on a beach type 

without becoming immobilized. Traction for wheeled equipment on soft sediments (low bearing capacity) can be 

improved by reducing tire pressures. Tracked equipment may be able to operate where wheeled vehicles cannot, 

but is not a preferred option as tracks disturb sediments or tundra surfaces to a much greater degree than tires. 

Each type of equipment has a particular application:

– Graders: Can operate on only hard and relatively flat surfaces and are capable of moving only a thin cut (<3 

inches) of surface material.

– Loaders, bulldozers and backhoes: Can operate in a wider range of conditions and are designed to move 

large volumes of material and can dig as well as move material.

– Backhoes: Use an extending arm or crane so that they may be operated from a backshore area and can 

reach to pick up material.

– Beach cleaning machines: Operate in a number of different ways: mobile equipment cleans or treats on a 

beach whereas other equipment operates off-site (adjacent) to treat sediment so that cleaned material may 

be replaced on the beach.

– Vacuum trucks: Remove pooled oil or oil collected in lined sumps.

• Use of mechanical techniques on tidal flats or marshes can cause significant adverse impacts, either by mixing 

oil with clean and/or subsurface sediments or by damaging plant stems and root systems.

• All earth-moving equipment is designed to move large volumes of material in a rapid and efficient manner, which 

is not always an appropriate approach for shoreline cleanup. Frequently the objective of a cleanup program is 

to use the equipment in such a way that only a thin cut of oiled sediment is removed. Usually the operator can 

advise on which piece of equipment is the most appropriate or practical to achieve a particular goal.

• Repeated handling or transfer of oiled sediments during mechanical removal should be avoided as much as 

possible as this increases the potential for spillage and decreases efficiency.

SUPPORT

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• The typical suction rate for liquids by a vacuum truck is 200 bbl/hr in the summer and 150 bbl/hr in the winter. The 

typical suction rate for pooled diesel remains at 200 bbl/hr year round. (Vacuum truck recovery rate is reduced to 

34 bbl/hr if a Manta Ray skimmer is used.)

• See Tactic R-1 for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

or

or

or

TOTAL STAFF >3

*Alpine and Western Geo have 1 Challenger with blade and Caribou Construcion has 6. Western Geo and Caribou Challengers 

are normally out with seismic crews in winter and would not be available for at least 24 hours.

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Bobcat ACS, KRU, EOA, Alpine Recovery 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loaders All Recovery 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Backhoe EOA, WOA, KRU, Peak, 

AIC, APC, Alpine

Recovery 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Challenger Dozer EOA, KRU, Alpine, 

Western Geophysical, and 

Caribou Construction*

Sediment 

Reworking

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Grader All Recovery 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Vacuum Trucks All Recovery 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Trucks WOA, KRU, EOA, 

AIC, Peak, Alpine

Disposal 2 2 1 hr 0

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy 

equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Haul equipment 1 1 driver 1 hr 0
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-7 Shoreline Cleanup Using Sorbents and Vegetation Cutting (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Sorbents and Vegetation Cutting (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-7

SORBENTS

Sorbent materials such as rolls or snares are placed in the shore zone to collect oil as it comes ashore (protection 

mode) or in the oiled area after it has been stranded (cleanup mode).

Usually the sorbents are deployed in fixed position, by stakes and/or anchors, as a line or parallel lines in the form 

of a floating boom or rope so that they are lifted and can move at the water’s edge. Alternately, individual sorbents 

may be staked to swing over a fixed area as the water rises and falls.

In both the protection and cleanup modes, the sorbent material is left in place to collect oil for subsequent removal 

and disposal.

This technique is distinguished from the use of sorbent materials to manually remove oil. That technique is described 

under manual removal.

VEGETATION CUTTING

Vegetation cutting removes oiled plants to prevent remobilization of the oil and contact by wildlife or to accelerate the 

recovery of the plants. Usually, this is a manual operation involving knives, powered weed cutters, and/or rakes.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Vegetation cutting is a labor-intensive technique that is used in marshes or on attached plants, such as seaweed, 

where there is concern that the oil may be released later to affect other resources, particularly wildlife. Also 

applicable where the continued presence of oil may pose a contact threat to animals and birds that use the area 

or to adjacent healthy organisms.

• Foot traffic from vegetation cutting can cause considerable damage in low-lying, drowned tundra, or marsh areas. 

Loss of plants or of stems and leaves can delay natural recovery rates and remove habitat for some species.

• Sorbents can be used on any shoreline type and for most oil types. Less applicable for very viscous, volatile oil 

types and for semisolid oils.

• Sorbents can quickly reach their capacity when in contact with large amounts of oil. When frequent replacement 

is necessary, which can occur even for relatively small amounts of oil, this is a labor-intensive activity that can 

generate large amounts of waste on a daily basis.

• Sorbents can be run through a sorbent wringer and reused.

• Sections of sorbent boom can be placed at the water level and secured with fence posts every 10 feet to catch 

any oil that may be going back out into the water.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF >2

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Knives All Vegetation removal >1 1 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Weed Eater EOA, KRU Vegetation removal >1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Rakes All Vegetation removal >1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Sorbents All Recovery > 1 pkg. 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC SH-8 Shoreline Cleanup Using Mechanical Tilling/Aeration (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Mechanical Tilling/Aeration (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-8

Mechanical tilling/aeration exposes or breaks up surface and/or subsurface oil to accelerate evaporation and other 

natural degradation processes.

Heavy equipment is used to break up surface oil layers or to expose subsurface oil to natural weathering processes. 

This tactic may involve the use of farm-type equipment such as a disc system, harrow, plough, rakes or tines, or 

earth-moving equipment such as front-end loaders, graders, or bulldozers.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Mechanical tilling/aeration can be used on coarse sediment (pebble/cobble) or sand beaches and is particularly 

useful in promoting evaporation (safety evaluations are crucial to ensuring that volatile fractions are not present). 

This method may be used in conjunction with manual removal (to pick up patches of oil that are exposed) or 

bioremediation.

• If oil or oiled sediments have been buried by a clean layer of material, it may be appropriate to remove that clean 

layer to a temporary storage location, replacing it after tilling or aeration and after the exposed oiled materials 

have been allowed to weather.

• Care should be taken to not alter the shoreline such that erosion/accretion occur. This method may affect biological 

populations.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

or

or

or

TOTAL STAFF >2

or

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Aerator KRU Aeration 1 1 2 hr 1 hr

Roto-tiller EOA Aeration 1 1 2 hr 1 hr

Front-End Loader All Aeration 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Grader w/Scarifying Teeth All Aeration 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Dozer w/Ripper Teeth EOA, KRU, WOA, 

Peak, AIC

Aeration 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Tractor w/Tilling 

Attachment

Peak Aeration 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, 

KRU, Alpine

Haul equipment 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All Provide fluids to heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except 

Badami

Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC SH-9 Shoreline Cleanup Using Sediment Reworking and Surf Washing (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Sediment Reworking and Surf Washing (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-9

Sediment reworking/surf washing accelerate natural degradation by exposing oil and oiled materials to higher levels 

of physical (wave) energy.

Earth-moving equipment is used to move oil or oiled sediments to a location where these processes are more active — from surface or subsurface areas where they are protected from natural physical abrasion and weathering 

processes or where these processes occur at relatively slower rates.

Farm-type machinery (such as a disc system, harrow, plough, rakes or tines) or earth-moving equipment (such as 

front-end loaders, graders, or bulldozers) can be used.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• If oil or oiled sediments have been buried by a clean layer of material, it may be appropriate to remove that clean 

layer to a temporary storage location, replacing it after reworking or washing the exposed oiled materials and 

after they have been redistributed by wave action.

• Sediment reworking/surf washing can be used on coarse sediment (pebble-cobble) or sand beaches, and is 

particularly useful:

– In promoting evaporation and physical abrasion;

– Where sediment removal may cause beach instability (i.e., potential erosion);

– Where oiled sediments are located above the limit of normal wave action;

– Where oil or oiled sediments have been buried or oil has penetrated to a level below the normal or seasonal 

wave-action zone; and

– Where other cleanup or treatment activities have removed most of the oil or oiled sediment and only light 

oiling (i.e., stains) remains.

• Degradation requires wave action, so that the applicability of the technique decreases in sheltered or low waveenergy environments.

• Sediment reworking/surf washing is not appropriate if large amounts of oil might be released that could threaten 

to re-oil the beach or adjacent locations. Oiled materials should not be moved into shoreline areas where the oil 

and/or the sediments could damage other resources.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

or

TOTAL STAFF >2

or

*Alpine and Western Geo have 1 Challenger with blade and Caribou Construction has 6. Western Geo’s and Caribou’s 

Challengers are normally out with seismic crews in winter and will no be available for at least 24 hours.

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Front-End Loader All Sediment reworking 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Grader All Sediment reworking 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Challenger Dozer KRU, EOA, Alpine, 

Western 

Geophysical, and 

Caribou 

Construction*

Sediment reworking 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Tractor w/Tilling 

Attachment

Peak Aeration 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Haul equipment 1 1 driver 1 hr 0
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-10 Shoreline Cleanup Using Burning (Page 1 of 2) Shoreline Cleanup Using Burning (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-10

Oil on a beach will not sustain combustion by itself unless it is pooled or has been concentrated in sumps, trenches, 

or other types of containers. This technique is used primarily where combustible materials, such as logs or debris, 

have been oiled and can be collected and burned, or where vegetation, such as a marsh, has been heavily oiled.

Torches can be used to burn oil from hard substrates, but this is a labor-intensive method that uses large amounts 

of energy to remove small amounts of oil.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Proper safety procedures must be followed, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be 

used.

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• Responders should work from upwind edge of spill to downwind edge.

• Burning is applicable primarily for oiled peat, logs or debris, or where oil has been collected and can be ignited 

with sustained combustion in sumps or drums.

• Burning has been used effectively for oil spills on ice.

• Burning of heavily oiled marsh vegetation has a major impact on the ecosystem if the marsh soils are dry, as 

the root systems can be destroyed. Wet soils protect the root systems from heat damage so that recovery from 

burning is more rapid.

• Generation of smoke may be an undesirable side effect, although this is not a health or safety issue provided that 

standard precautions are observed.

• Burning requires that appropriate permit(s) be obtained (see Tactic B-1).

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

or

TOTAL STAFF >2

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Propane Weed Burner All In-situ burning 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Hand-Held Igniter ACS In-situ burning >1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-11 Biological/Chemical Shoreline Response Tactics (Page 1 of 2) Biological/Chemical Shoreline Response Tactics (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-11

This technique involves chemical agents or nutrients that alter the character of the stranded oil either 

to facilitate removal of the oil from the shore zone or to accelerate in-situ weathering. Nutrient enrichment and bioremediation can use products that have been developed for other applications. The other techniques in this group 

involve agents or materials that are designed specif﻿ically for oil spill response and that are available commercially 

from manufacturers and/or suppliers. Only bioremediation is a stand-alone technique; the remaining methods require 

an additional removal component.

SHORELINE CLEANERS

Shoreline cleaning (or surface washing) agents contain a surfactant that alters the surface tension of the oil, by a 

mechanism often referred to as detergency, so that the oil does not stick to substrate materials. The oil is lifted by 

rising tidal water levels and can be transported away from the shore. Cleaners may also be used to pretreat shorelines to prevent oil from becoming stranded.

Cleaning agents can be applied directly to an oiled area with a hand spray or hose system. It may be used directly or 

as a presoak that is left for some time prior to flooding or flushing. The soak time varies depending on temperature 

and on the character of the oil. The preferred application is to use the agent on a rising tide so that the oil is immediately lifted from the shore, particularly on coarse-sediment beaches, as this minimizes the amount of oil that 

can be carried into the subsurface.

SOLIDIFIERS AND VISCO-ELASTIC AGENTS

Visco-elastic agents increase the viscosity of oil to enhance recovery and collection. Solidifiers alter the oil from a 

liquid to a solid in order to make recovery easier or to prevent remobilization or spreading of the oil. Agents may be 

available in a powder form that can either be applied directly or mixed with water prior to application. The agent is 

spread over and mixed with the oil. These agents are used in conjunction with removal techniques.

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

Equipment for biological/chemical shoreline response tactics must be obtained from out of region.

NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT/BIOREMEDIATION

Naturally-occurring microorganisms (bacteria) use oxygen to convert hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide. 

This process usually occurs at the water interface and is limited by oxygen and nutrient availability and by the 

exposed surface area of the oil. If these three factors can be increased, then the rate of biodegradation can be 

accelerated.

Fertilizers can be obtained in solid or liquid form. Solid fertilizers can be broadcast using seed spreaders. On contact 

with water, the fertilizer slowly dissolves and releases water-soluble nutrients over time. Liquid fertilizers can be 

sprayed onto a shoreline using a number of commercially available types of equipment, such as paint sprayers.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Unified Command approval is required for any shoreline cleanup tactic.

• The use of chemicals to control oil discharges or treat oiled shorelines is controlled by state and federal regulations; appropriate approvals and permits are required.

• Shoreline cleaners can be used on fresh or salt water, and the technique is applicable for all types of oil. Shoreline 

cleaners are usually used in conjunction with collection techniques, such as sorbents and skimmers, to contain 

and recover the oil as is it released. 

• The effectiveness of shoreline cleaners is a function of oil type, and decreases as the specific gravity of the oil 

increases. The success of the method is dependent, to a degree, on the ability to contain and collect the oil that 

is released.

• Solidifiers and visco-elastic agents can be used in either fresh or salt water conditions. These agents are not 

applicable where large pore spaces (cobble or boulders) might result in loss of the oil in the subsurface sediments or where there is oiled vegetation, as it may incorporate or smother healthy plants and animals. The dose 

increases as the viscosity of the oil decreases so that for some agents, approximately 10 to 20 times more agent 

is required to alter the viscosity of a light fuel oil than for a heavy fuel oil.

• Bioremediation can be used on all shoreline types without affecting plants or animals. Bioremediation is best for 

use on residual oil after other techniques have been used to remove mobile or bulk oil from the shoreline. Applications may be repeated periodically to continue the supply of nutrients. Bioremediation may require tillers for 

mixing treatment agents with contaminated material.

• Fertilizers may be used alone on a shore to degrade residual surface and/or subsurface oil, but the process is 

more effective if combined with tilling or other methods of breaking the oil into smaller particles, thereby signif﻿icantly increasing the surface area for the microorganisms to affect.

• Nutrient enrichment/bioremediation is relatively slow compared to other response options. Since the rate of biodegradation decreases with lower temperatures, nutrient enrichment is more effective during warmer summer 

months.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purpose only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC SH-12 Summary of Potential Impact of Shoreline Cleanup Techniques (Page 1 of 2) Summary of Potential Impact of Shoreline Cleanup Techniques (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC SH-12

SUMMARY OF RELATIVE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF RESPONSE TECHNIQUES 

IN THE ABSENCE OF OIL

H = High

M = Moderate

L = Low

SUMMARY OF RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS, RELATIVE RATES, AND 

WASTE GENERATION FOR REMOVAL TECHNIQUES

SUMMARY OF WASHING OR FLUSHING TECHNIQUE RANGES

SOLID 

MANMADE

PEBBLE 

COBBLE

MIXED 

SANDGRAVEL

SAND 

BEACH

SAND 

FLAT

MUD 

FLAT MARSH PEAT

LOWLYING 

TUNDRA

TUNDRA 

CLIFF

1) Natural

Recovery L L L L L L L L L L

Physical Cleaning — Washing

2) Flooding L L M L L L L L L L

3) Low-Presure 

Cold-Flush L M M M M H L L L L

4) Low-Pressure

Hot/Warm Flush L M M H H H H M H L

5) High-Pressure

Cold Flush L H H H H H H H H M

6) High Pressure 

Warm/Hot Flush M H H H H H H H H H

7) Steam Cleaning L H H H H H H H H H

8) Sand Blasting H H H - - - - - - H

Physical Cleaning — Removal/Disposal

9) Manual

Removal L L L L M H H L M L

10) Vacuums L L L L M H M L M L

11) Mechanical 

Removal - M M M M H H M H L

12) Vegetation 

Cutting M - - - - H H - H -

13) Passive

Sorbents L L L L L M L L L L

Physical Cleaning — In Situ

14) Tilling - M M M M H H H H -

15) Surf Washing - M M M H H H M H L

16) Burning M H H H M M H H H -

Treatment — Chemical/Biological

17) Shore Cleaners L L L L - - M - M L

18) Solidifiers - L L L M M M L M L

19) Bioremediation L L L L L L L L L L

TECHNIQUE PRESSURE RANGE

(psi)

TEMPERATURE RANGE

(°F)

(2) Flooding ("deluge") < 20 Ambient seawater

(3) Low-pressure, cold flushing < 50 Ambient seawater

(4) Low-pressure, warm/hot flushing < 50 80 - 212

(5) High-pressure, cold flushing 50 - 1,000 Ambient seawater

(5) "Pressure washing" > 1,000 Ambient seawater

(6) High-pressure, warm/hot flushing 50 - 1,000 80 - 212

(7) Steam cleaning 50 - 1,000 212

(8) Sand blasting ~ 50 n/a

TECHNIQUE RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS CLEANUP 

RATE WASTE GENERATION

(9) Manual removal Labor intensive Slow Minimal

(10) Vacuums (manual) Labor intensive Slow Moderate

(11) Mechanical removal

Grader/scraper Minimal labor support Very rapid Moderate

Front-end loader Minimal labor support Rapid High

Bulldozer Minimal labor support Rapid Very high

Backhoe Minimal labor support Medium High

Dragline/clamshell Minimal labor support Medium High

Beach cleaners Minimal labor support Slow Low

Vacuum trucks Minimal labor support Rapid Low

(12) Vegetation cutting Labor intensive Slow Can be high

(13) Passive sorbents Labor intensive if used extensively with 

large amounts of oil Slow Can be high if frequent change-outs required
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TACTIC W-1 Wildlife Protection Strategy and Permits (Page 1 of 2) Wildlife Protection Strategy and Permits (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-1

WILDLIFE PROTECTION STRATEGY

The wildlife protection strategy for the North Slope is based on the Wildlife Protection Guidelines for Alaska (Annex 

G of the Alaska Regional Response Team Unified Plan). There are three response strategies to protect wildlife:

PRIMARY RESPONSE

Containment and Recovery

of Oil

TERTIARY RESPONSE

Capture, Stabilization, and

Treatment of Oiled Wildlife

SECONDARY RESPONSE

Wildlife Hazing

1.

2.

3.

Wildlife Response

Strategy

• Control release and spread of oil.

• Recover oil as quickly as practicable.

• Keep oil from contaminating critical habitat.

• Collect oiled carcasses.

• Haze wildlife away from spill area.

• Deter wildlife from entering spill area.

• Use as a last resort if primary and secondary 

response strategies are unsuccessful.

WILDLIFE PERMITS

Permits are required for any secondary or tertiary wildlife response (i.e., hazing or collecting and holding).

ACS has obtained permits from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to allow ACS to deal with birds and land (terrestrial) mammals during an oil spill. This can 

include hazing of non-oiled animals to keep them away from the spill and capture, stabilization, transport, and 

rehabilitation of oiled animals. Note that ACS does not have the required permits to haze or handle marine mammals 

(polar bears, walruses, sea otters, whales, porpoises, seals, or sea lions). ACS defers to BP Exploration and/or 

ConocoPhillips for hazing and incidental take of polar bears. BP Exploration and/or ConocoPhillips maintain these 

permits on behalf of ACS.

ACS has the following permits from ADF&G:

• Permit FG05-III-0012: Hazing, capture, stabilization, transport, and rehabilitation of birds.

• Permit FG05-III-0013: Hazing terrestrial mammals.

• Permit FG05-III-0014: Stabilization, transport, and disposition of large terrestrial mammals.

Each ADF&G permit requires that:

• The Plan of Operations that is attached to the permit must be followed.

• Personnel performing hazing must be appropriately trained (personnel covered by the permit include contractors and employees of ACS and its member companies).

• Hazing is prohibited during oil spill drills and exercises or during construction or maintenance activities.

• The ADF&G Habitat and Restoration Division in Fairbanks must be notified as soon as practical after hazing 

activities have begun.

• A written report must be submitted to ADF&G within 30 days after hazing has stopped.

The ACS permit from the USFWS covers hazing, capture, stabilization and treatment of migratory birds. This 

provides the required federal authorization to perform the functions allowed in the ADF&G permit.

Even though ACS has permits for secondary and tertiary response activities, it is still necessary to complete appropriate sections of the Oil Spill Response Checklist: Wildlife Hazing and/or Oil Spill Response Checklist: Wildlife 

Capture, Transportation, Stabilization, and Treatment (from Appendices 24 to 25 of the Wildlife Protection Guidelines). These completed checklists must be submitted to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator and appropriate wildlife 

resource agency representatives within 24 hours following initiation of pre-permitted wildlife response activities.

STATE AND FEDERAL PERMITS AND/OR AUTHORIZATIONS 

REQUIRED FOR HAZING, COLLECTING OR HOLDING LIVE ANIMALS

1. An ADF&G permit is also needed to collect, hold, or haze any species on the State endangered species list.

2. Passive hazing (e.g., balloons, scare eye balloons, Mylar tape) does not require an ADF&G permit.

3. Includes salvage of dead, oiled wildlife.

4. A USFWS permit is also needed to haze species managed by USFWS including those listed on the Federal 

endangered species list. 

ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF 

FISH AND GAME FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

 Collect and 

Hold

 Haze Collect and 

Hold

 Haze Collect and 

Hold

 Haze

 Migratory Birds NO YES YES NO NO NO

 Sea Otters, Walruses, 

and Polar Bears

 NO NO YES YES NO NO

 Whales, Porpoises, 

Seals, and Sea Lions

 NO NO NO NO NO YES

 Terrestrial Mammals YES YES NO NO NO NO

1 2 3

3 1

4

1 1
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

TACTIC W-1A RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 1 of 8) RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 2 of 8) TACTIC W-1A

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-157

APPENDIX 24

OIL SPILL RESPONSE CHECKLIST: WILDLIFE HAZING 

Responders who do not have pre-authorization to haze wildlife as part of a spill response must

receive authorization from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) and appropriate wildlife

resource agencies; i.e., Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Alaska

Department of Fish and Game prior to initiating hazing activities. Responders may apply for

authorization to haze wildlife by completing Sections I-V of this form and submitting it to the

Federal OSC and appropriate wildlife resource agency representatives. 

Responders who do not have pre-authorization to haze wildlife should note that completing the

requested information on this checklist does not satisfy wildlife resource agencies permitting

requirements. However, the information contained in the completed checklist should provide

wildlife resource agencies with the necessary information for determining whether or not it is

appropriate to issue requested permits. 

Responders who have pre-authorization to conduct wildlife hazing and who choose to initiate a

hazing program should (1) follow the terms of their permit, and (2) complete Sections I-V of this

checklist and submit it to the Federal OSC and appropriate wildlife resource agency representatives

within 24-hours following the initiation of a wildlife hazing program.

I. SPILL DATA

A. Name of incident: 

B. Date of incident: 

C. Spill location: _____________________ latitude: _________ longitude: _________

D. Spill location: land _________; water _________; land and water _________ 

E. Distance to nearest water body, if on land: _____________ km/mi

F. Product released: North Slope Crude __________; Diesel #2 __________; 

 Cook Inlet Crude __________; Chevron Residual __________; JP4 __________;

 Other __________

G. Estimated volume of product released: ____________ gals/bbls

H. Release status: Stopped ________ ; Continuing ________; Unknown ________ 

I. Is spill: Contained _________ ; Spreading _________; Unknown _________ 

J. Estimated volume of product potentially released: _________ gals/bbls

APPENDIX 24, CONT.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-158

II. WILDLIFE DATA

SPECIES/SPECIES

GROUPS

ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF WILDLIFE AND

LOCATION RELATIVE TO SPILL RELEASE

e.g., Waterfowl e.g., 100 eiders 1 mile from leading edge of spill
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1A RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 3 of 8) RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 4 of 8) TACTIC W-1A

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

APPENDIX 24, CONT.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-159

III. PRIMARY RESPONSE ACTIONS

Describe any response actions underway or previously taken: (1) to protect wildlife and/or

wildlife habitat, and (2) that may affect proposed hazing activities.

APPENDIX 24, CONT.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-160

IV. SECONDARY RESPONSE ACTIONS: HAZING 

A. Describe hazing plan for each species or species group identified in Section II,

including objectives, procedures, equipment, number of persons, and location(s):

B. Information on Person in Charge of Hazing 

Name: 

Affiliation:

Address:

Qualifications:

Telephone number:

Fax number:

Permit holder:
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1A RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 5 of 8) RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 6 of 8) TACTIC W-1A

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

APPENDIX 24, CONT.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-161

V. REQUESTOR SIGN-OFF

Signature of requestor: 

Printed name of requestor:

Title of requestor:

Requestor affiliation:

Requestor representing:

Time and Date Request Submitted to Federal On-Scene Coordinator: 

 

NOTE: SECTIONS I-V NEED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FEDERAL

ON-SCENE COORDINATOR AND APPROPRIATE WILDLIFE

RESOURCE AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES LISTED IN APPENDIX 26

APPENDIX 24, CONT.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-162

VI. WILDLIFE RESOURCE AGENCY RESPONSE TO REQUEST 

A. Date and time request received by wildlife resource agency representative(s):

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)

Name: _________________________________________________________ Date:

_____________ Time: ________ Phone #: __________

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Name: _________________________________________________________ Date:

_____________ Time: ________ Phone #: __________

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Name: _________________________________________________________ Date:

_____________ Time: ________ Phone #: __________

B. ADF&G Recommendation/Decision:

____ Approve requested program(s) as proposed

____ Approve requested program(s) with the following conditions: 

____ Deny requested program(s)

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

C. FWS Recommendation/Decision: 

____ Approve requested program(s) as proposed

____ Approve requested program(s) with the following conditions: 

____ Deny requested program(s)

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

D. NMFS Recommendation/Decision:

____ Approve requested program(s) as proposed

____ Approve requested program(s) with the following conditions:

____ Deny requested program(s)

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1A RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 7 of 8) RRT Hazing Checklist (Page 8 of 8) TACTIC W-1A

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/031 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

APPENDIX 24, CONT.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-163

VII. FEDERAL AND STATE ON-SCENE COORDINATOR RESPONSE TO

REQUEST

A. State On-Scene Coordinator's decision regarding wildlife response program:

Request received by State On-Scene Coordinator:

Time: _______________ Date: __________________

____ Concur with wildlife resource agencies

____ Concur with attached conditions

____ Do not concur

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

B. Federal On-Scene Coordinator's decision regarding response program:

Request received by Federal On-Scene Coordinator:

Time: _______________ Date: __________________

____ Concur with wildlife resource agencies

____ Concur with attached conditions

____ Do not concur

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-164

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1B RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 1 of 10) RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 2 of 10) TACTIC W-1B

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-165

APPENDIX 25

OIL SPILL RESPONSE CHECKLIST: WILDLIFE CAPTURE, TRANSPORTATION,

STABILIZATION, AND TREATMENT 

Responders who do not have pre-authorization to capture, transport, stabilize, or treat wildlife as part

of a spill response must receive authorization from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) and

appropriate wildlife resource agencies; i.e., Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries

Service, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game prior to initiating those activities. Responders

may apply for authorization to capture, transport, stabilize, and/or treat oiled wildlife by completing

Sections I-VIII of this form and submitting it to the Federal OSC and appropriate wildlife resource

agency representatives. 

Responders who do not have pre-authorization for wildlife capture, transportation, stabilization, or

treatment should note that completing the requested information on this checklist does not satisfy

wildlife resource agencies permitting requirements. However, the information contained in the

completed checklist should provide wildlife resource agencies with the necessary information for

determining whether or not it is appropriate to issue requested permits. 

Responders who have pre-authorization for wildlife capture, transportation, stabilization, or

treatment and who choose to initiate one or more of those activities should (1) follow the terms of

their permit, and (2) complete Sections I-VIII of this checklist and submit it to the Federal OSC and

appropriate wildlife resource agency representatives within 24-hours following the initiation of those

activities. 

I. SPILL DATA

A. Name of incident: 

B. Date of incident: 

C. Spill location: ________________ latitude: ________________ longitude:

____________

D. Spill location: land ________; water _________; land and water ___________ 

E. Distance to nearest water body, if on land: ______________ km/mi

F. Product released: North Slope Crude ______; Diesel #2 ______; Cook Inlet Crude

_____; Chevron Residual ________; JP4 ________; Other ________

G. Estimated volume of product released: _______ gals/bbls

H. Release status: Stopped _________ ; Continuing ________; Unknown ________ 

I. Is spill: Contained _________ ; Spreading __________; Unknown ___________ 

J. Estimated volume of product potentially released: _________ gals/bbls

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-166

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

II. WILDLIFE DATA

SPECIES/SPECIES

GROUPS

ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF WILDLIFE AND

LOCATION RELATIVE TO SPILL RELEASE

e.g., Waterfowl e.g., 100 eiders 1 mile from leading edge of spill
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1B RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 3 of 10) RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 4 of 10) TACTIC W-1B

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-167

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

III. PRIMARY RESPONSE ACTIONS

Describe any response actions underway or previously taken: (1) to protect wildlife and/or

wildlife habitat, and (2) that may affect proposed capture, transport, stabilization, or wildlife

treatment activities.

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-168

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

IV. SECONDARY RESPONSE ACTIONS: PRE-EMPTIVE CAPTURE

A. Describe pre-emptive capture plan for each species or species group identified in

Section II, including objectives, procedures, equipment, number of persons, and

location(s):

B. Information on Person in Charge of Pre-emptive Capture

Name:

Affiliation:

Address:

Qualifications:

Telephone number:

Fax number:

Permit holder:
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1B RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 5 of 10) RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 6 of 10) TACTIC W-1B

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-169

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

V. TERTIARY RESPONSE ACTIONS: CAPTURE, TRANSPORTATION,

STABILIZATION AND TREATMENT

A. Describe capture, transportation, stabilization, and treatment plan for each species or

species group identified in Section II, including objectives, procedures, equipment,

number of persons, and location(s):

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-170

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

V. TERTIARY RESPONSE ACTIONS: CAPTURE, TRANSPORTATION,

STABILIZATION AND TREATMENT, CONT.

B. Information on Stabilization Facility

Address:

Specific location (if not discernible from address):

Telephone number:

Fax number:

C. Information on Treatment Facility

Address:

Specific location (if not discernible from address):

Telephone number:

Fax number:

D. Information on Person in Charge

Name:

Affiliation:

Address:

Qualifications:

Telephone number:

Fax number:

Permit holder(s):
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1B RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 7 of 10) RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 8 of 10) TACTIC W-1B

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-171

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

VI. REQUESTOR SIGN-OFF

Signature of requestor: 

Printed name of requestor:

Title of requestor:

Requestor affiliation:

Requestor representing:

Time and Date Request Submitted to Federal On-Scene

Coordinator: 

NOTE: SECTIONS I-VI NEED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FEDERAL

ON-SCENE COORDINATOR AND APPROPRIATE WILDLIFE

RESOURCE AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES LISTED IN APPENDIX 26

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-172

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

VII. WILDLIFE RESOURCE AGENCY RESPONSE TO REQUEST 

 

A. Date and time request received by wildlife resource agency representative(s):

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)

Name: ________________________________________________________ 

 Date: _____________ Time: ________ Phone #: __________

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Name: ________________________________________________________ 

 Date: _____________ Time: ________ Phone #: __________

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Name: ________________________________________________________ 

 Date: _____________ Time: ________ Phone #: __________

B. ADF&G Recommendation/Decision:

____ Approve requested program(s) as proposed

____ Approve requested program(s) with the following conditions: 

____ Deny requested program(s)

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

C. FWS Recommendation/Decision:

____ Approve requested program(s) as proposed

____ Approve requested program(s) with the following conditions: 

____ Deny requested program(s)

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

D. NMFS Recommendation/Decision:

____ Approve requested program(s) as proposed

____ Approve requested program(s) with the following conditions:

____ Deny requested program(s)

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1B RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 9 of 10) RRT Capture/Transportation/Stabilization/Treatment Checklist (Page 10 of 10) TACTIC W-1B

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-173

APPENDIX 25, CONT.

VIII. FEDERAL AND STATE ON-SCENE COORDINATOR RESPONSE TO

REQUEST

A. State On-Scene Coordinator's decision regarding wildlife response program:

Request received by State On-Scene Coordinator:

Time: _______________ Date: __________________

____ Concur with wildlife resource agencies

____ Concur with attached conditions

____ Do not concur

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

B. Federal On-Scene Coordinator's decision regarding response program:

Request received by Federal On-Scene Coordinator:

Time: _______________ Date: __________________

____ Concur with wildlife resource agencies

____ Concur with attached conditions

____ Do not concur

Signature: _______________________________ Time: ______

Date:_____

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-174

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC W-1C RRT Contact Information for Wildlife Resource Agencies (Page 1 of 2) RRT Contact Information for Wildlife Resource Agencies (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-1C

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-175

APPENDIX 26

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR WILDLIFE RESOURCE AGENCIES:

MIGRATORY BIRDS, MARINE MAMMALS, AND TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS 

SPECIES AGENCIES/CONTACTS

Migratory Birds

Sea Otters

Pacific Walruses

Polar Bears

Caribou

Muskoxen

Moose

Sitka Black-Tailed Deer

Bison

Mountain Goats

Dall Sheep

Brown and Black Bears

Wolves

Red Foxes

Arctic Foxes

Mink

River Otters

Muskrats

Beavers

Wolverine

Marten

Miscellaneous Small

 Mammals

Fish and Wildlife Service

Primary contact

Catherine Berg

Fax: 271-2786

Wk: 271-1630

Hm: 694-7379

Cell: 244-1529

catherine_berg@fws.gov

Alternate contact

Philip Johnson

Fax: 786-3350

Wk: 786-3483

Hm: 345-0300

Cell: 242-6893

philip_johnson@fws.gov

Alaska Department of Fish

and Game

Primary contact

Mark Fink

Fax: 267-2464

Wk: 267-2338

Hm: 337-7933

markf@fishgame.state.ak.us

Alternate contact

Jack Winters

Fax: 456-3091

Wk: 459-7285

Hm: 479-2320

jwinters@fishgame.state.ak.us

APPENDIX 26, CONT.

SPECIES AGENCIES/CONTACTS

[Revision 4–June 4, 2002] G-176

Northern Fur Seals

Northern (Steller) Sea Lions

Ringed Seals

Harbor Seals

Spotted Seals

Bearded Seals

Ribbon Seals

Cetaceans

National Marine Fisheries

Service

Primary contact

Brad Smith

Fax: 271-3030

Wk: 271-5006

Hm: 248-4211

brad.smith@noaa.gov

Alternate contact

Matt Eagleton

Fax: 271-3030

Wk: 271-6354

Hm: 338-2822

matthew.eagleton@noaa.gov

Alaska Department of Fish

and Game

Primary contact

Mark Fink

Fax: 267-2464

Wk: 267-2338

Hm: 337-7933

markf@fishgame.state.ak.us

Alternate contact

Jack Winters

Fax: 456-3091

Wk: 459-7285

Hm: 479-2320

jwinters@fishgame.state.ak.us
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-2 Wildlife Hazing Equipment (Page 1 of 2) Wildlife Hazing Equipment (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-2

The ACS inventory of wildlife hazing equipment includes:

• Passive excluders (balloons, reflector tape).

• Propane exploder cannons.

• 15-mm single-shot pistol/launcher with 22-caliber caps, screamers, and bangers.

• 12-gauge single-shot shotgun with cracker shells, rubber bullets (bear deterrence), and slugs (bear protection).

• Electric fencing.

The ACS equipment is available upon notification 24 hours a day, but will be issued only to certified trained personnel 

(i.e., those that have completed the ACS wildlife training course). ACS maintains a list of such personnel.

12-GAUGE SHOTGUN

PROPANE EXPLODER CANNON 15-MM PISTOL

FIREARM SAFETY

The 15-mm pistols and 12-gauge shotguns in ACS’s hazing inventory must be handled properly to ensure the 

safety of all personnel. No one will be allowed to use ACS firearms without the appropriate training. Following are 

the primary safety precautions that should be taken when you are using any firearm:

• Never point the muzzle of the gun at anyone at anytime — regardless of whether the gun is empty or loaded.

• Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

• Never load the gun until you are ready to use it; keep the action open. When you pick up a gun, open the 

action right away to make sure the chamber is empty.

• Do not use the shotgun or pistol unless you have received training.

• Make sure you use the right ammunition.

• Make sure you know where you’re shooting and that no one could be accidentally hit.

• Wear ear and eye protection when shooting.

15-MM PISTOL

ACS’s hazing equipment includes 15-mm single-shot pistols/launchers with 22-caliber caps, screamers, and bangers. 

The “caps” are small explosive charges that are placed in the firing mechanism of the pistol and that launch the 

screamer or banger when the gun is fired. These should be fired above the animals and not at them. The person 

shooting the gun must wear ear protectors and safety goggles.

12-GAUGE SHOTGUN

ACS uses 12-gauge shotguns with cracker shells to scare both birds and mammals. Rubber bullets can be used 

for bear deterrence, and slugs are available for bear protection if all else fails and humans are threatened by a 

bear. The guns used are single-barrel, single-shot shotguns that break and load at the breach. The barrel should 

be inspected for blockage after each shot.

Cracker shells are 12-gauge shotgun shells in which the shot has been replaced with a bulldog firecracker. When 

fired, the firecracker travels 75 to 150 yards and explodes in the air with a loud sound. It should be noted that cracker 

shells leave a heavy residue in the barrel of the shotgun, and this residue should be cleaned out regularly.

FIRING PROCEDURES

The following procedures must be followed for firing either the pistol or the shotgun:

• Check the barrel for blockage after each shot.

• For the shotgun, run the cleaning rod with bore brush through the barrel after every third shot.

• Be aware of fire hazards. Never use cracker shells where smoldering debris may fall into dry areas or on 

building roofs. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

• Never fire into a strong wind.

• You should normally fire at a 45-degree angle above the horizon.

• After firing, if you do not see or hear the firecracker explode, do not look down either end of the shotgun 

barrel. It is possible that the firecracker is lodged in the barrel, and it could explode in your face. Extreme cold 

combined with the use of old primer caps can cause the gun to misfire or not fire at all.

ELECTRIC FENCING

The 5,000 feet of electric fencing ACS maintains can be used to surround a spill area to keep out larger terrestrial 

mammals. The fence can be used with or without electric current. When electrified, the fence is more effective in 

keeping out large mammals.

In addition, the fence can be used as protection around a remote camp where bears may be a problem.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-2A Mammal Hazing (Page 1 of 2) Mammal Hazing (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-2A

Terrestrial mammals that may be present on the North Slope include caribou, muskoxen, moose, brown (grizzly) 

bear, and foxes. Techniques for hazing mammals involve visual methods, auditory methods, pain (use of rubber 

bullets), or exclusion by fencing, netting, or gridding. The choice of appropriate method depends on the species 

involved, the local environment, the spill situation, and the time of year. The table on the next page summarizes 

available methods.

ACS’s permit (ADF&G Permit No. FG94 - III - 02H) allows trained personnel to haze mammals. ADF&G is responsible 

for overseeing and providing guidance for ACS hazing personnel and may assist ACS with hazing. The minimum 

amount of hazing required to move animals away from a spill site will be used. The animals should not be unduly 

stressed during hazing.

Hazing of moose, muskoxen, and caribou would involve either surface or aerial methods. The ACS hazing kits can be 

used for individual animals and for small groups of animals, including small muskox herds that should be prevented 

from forming protective circles and encouraged to move away from the spill. According to the permit, prior to initiation, ACS must seek guidance and help from ADF&G on the most appropriate hazing technique for bears.

I n a d d i t i o n , s c a r e eye b a l l o o n s, s n ow fe n c e s, o r e l e c t r i c fe n c e s m ay b e i n s t a l l e d 

around isolated spill areas, field camps, staging areas, waste disposal sites, or other spill-related 

areas.

The distance from the spill site, staging area, etc. at which hazing of mammals would begin and end must be determined on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, it may be advantageous to haze animals at a considerable distance 

from a spill site. For example, a large moving herd of caribou a considerable distance away may be deflected on 

its course with minimal effort, while it may be nearly impossible to deflect the same herd once it is a few hundred 

yards from the spill site.

To protect mammals from oil:

• Contain the oil before it reaches the mammals.

• Haze them (scare them away) from oiled areas.

• Collect dead, oiled wildlife to prevent contamination through scavenging.

• Selected capture and stabilization of mammals on case-by-case basis.

12-GAUGE SHOTGUN MAMMAL HAZING TACTICS

 SPECIES TECHNIQUE(S) COMMENTS

Bear Pyrotechnics

Propane exploder cannons

Helicopters

Airboats

Ground vehicles (snow machines, ATVs, trucks)

Rubber bullets

The preferred option is the use of pyrotechnics, if 

spill conditions allow.

Helicopters, airboats, and ground vehicles are also 

effective tools, with helicopters being the most 

versatile of this group.

Fences (electrified) Effective for isolating small spill areas, field camps, 

etc.

Caribou Pyrotechnics

Propane exploder cannons

Most effective on individual animals or small groups.

Helicopters

Airboats

Ground vehicles (snow machines, ATVs, trucks)

Most effective on herds. Helicopters are the most 

versatile and can be used on a herd while it is still 

far away from the spill.

Fences Effective for isolating small spill areas, field camps, 

etc.

Moose Pyrotechnics

Propane exploder cannons

Air horns

Helicopters

Airboats

Ground vehicles (snow machines, ATVs, trucks)

Helicopters and ground vehicles are the best tools 

to use on moose.

Pyrotechnics can be used individually or with hazing 

equipment.

Fences Effective for isolating small spill areas, field camps, 

etc.

Muskoxen Pyrotechnics

Propane exploder cannons

Helicopters

Airboats

Ground vehicles (snow machines, ATVs, trucks)

Ensure that animals are not hazed to the point that 

they form a defensive ring. Drive them slowly with a 

ground vehicle (ATV or truck).

Fences Effective for isolating small spill areas, field camps, 

etc.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC W-2B Bird Hazing (Page 1 of 2) Bird Hazing (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-2B

Birds can be deterred from entering a spill area or hazed from an area by either visual or auditory methods, or both. 

The choice depends on the species involved, the local environment, and the spill situation. The table on the next 

page summarizes the available techniques.

The primary method for protecting birds from an oil spill is to prevent oil from reaching areas where birds are concentrated, including migration staging areas, seabird colonies, major feeding areas, nesting colonies, and wintering 

areas of marine birds.

The secondary response is to deter birds from an oil slick or contaminated shoreline. A 

deterrent may be used to discourage birds from landing in or near an oil slick or oiled area. 

ACS uses the following guidelines for selecting the primary hazing method:

• Use propane exploder cannons to disperse birds where waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors are dominant. 

This should include frequent human attendance at the site and supplemental use of shotgun cracker shells 

or pistol-launched noisemakers to ensure the highest effectiveness and to reduce habituation.

• Visual methods (Mylar tape, balloons) can be used to disperse birds in close proximity to the spill. This is 

most effective for waterfowl.

• Flightless birds may need to be herded with boats and/or helicopters (aircraft should not be used to disperse 

birds in any other circumstances). Flightless birds include young birds and molting birds. (“Molting” refers to 

the annual loss of feathers. Birds that are molting cannot fly.) 

Capture and relocation is a tertiary method for dealing with flightless birds that will not leave an area. This could be 

used for small populations of birds of critical sensitivity. However, it is very labor-intensive and usually not practical.

PROPANE EXPLODER CANNON

BIRD HAZING TACTICS

BRECO Bird Scare Buoy

CATEGORY TECHNIQUE GENERAL APPLICABILITY NORTH SLOPE APPLICABILITY

Visual Methods Floating or Stationary 

Figures

Human effigy (e.g., a scarecrow) 

has been shown to be effective in 

daylight

Scare eye balloons are available from 

ACS inventory. Preferred response. 

This is an authorized activity.

Helium-Filled 

Balloons

Can prevent birds from landing Not available on the North Slope, but 

available from Alyeska.

Mylar Tape Can prevent birds from landing Mylar tape is available from ACS 

inventory.

Auditory Methods Propane Cannons 

and Alarms

• Bird density reduction ranges 

from 50% to 100% depending on 

species and amount of human 

attendance

• Works for 2 to 3 days

• May not be effective in rough, 

open sea

Propane exploder cannons and 

pyrotechnics are available from ACS 

inventory.

Visual and Auditory 

Methods

Herding or Hazing 

with Aircraft

• Used for flying waterfowl or 

waterfowl on the ground that fly 

in response to disturbances

• Aircraft may cause diving birds to 

dive into contaminated area

• Helicopters can be used to herd 

flightless birds (e.g., young or 

molting birds)

Use of aircraft is not approved in ACS 

permits; aircraft will not be used unless 

specifically authorized by agency 

personnel for a specific spill.

Herding with Boats or 

by Personnel on Foot

• Slow and labor-intensive

• May be effective with flightless 

waterfowl

• Ineffective for diving birds

Small boats available for summer use.

BRECO Bird Scare 

Buoys

Floating scare devices Available from ACS inventory.

Other Methods Capture and 

Relocation

• For small populations of birds of 

critical sensitivity

• Labor-intensive and not practical 

in most cases

Will be used only if visual and auditory 

methods fail, and only with specific 

authorization by agency personnel for a 

specific spill.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-3 Wildlife Capture and Rehabilitation (Page 1 of 2) Wildlife Capture and Rehabilitation (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-3

CAPTURE, STABILIZATION, AND TRANSPORT OF LARGE MAMMALS

Tertiary response strategy for wildlife on the North Slope involves the capture and initial stabilization of oiled wildlife. 

When birds are captured, they will receive initial treatment at the ACS North Slope Wildlife Stabilization Center. Once 

the birds are stabilized, they will be transported to Anchorage for long-term care and rehabilitation. 

ADF&G will be responsible for the capture of brown bear, caribou, muskoxen, and moose. ACS, under the supervision of a veterinarian or in consultation with or with assistance from ADF&G, will be responsible for stabilization, 

transport, and disposition of these species. ACS will use the table below as a guide for activities. A Data Sheet for 

Collected Live, Oiled Wildlife will be completed for each animal.

Any mammal or bird with serious injuries which would require extensive treatment or which may be unable to survive 

in the wild will be euthanized. All decisions to euthanize will be reviewed and approved by a licensed veterinarian or 

an individual with veterinary and rehabilitation experience. Agency approval is required before euthanasia is utilized. 

Euthanasia drugs are not maintained on the Slope because of North Slope drug restrictions. Licensed veterinarians 

assisting with wildlife response will be required to bring sufficient quantities of euthanasia drugs. 

DATA SHEET FOR COLLECTED LIVE, OILED WILDLIFE 

(Adapted from Alaska RRT Wildlife Protection Guidelines for Alaska) 

Date: ID Number: 

Oil Spill Incident: 

Capture Location (Specific): 

Latitude: Longitude: 

Common Name: 

Genus: Species: 

Was Specimen Obviously Oiled? (circle one): Yes No 

Extent of Oiling (circle one): 

1. Completely Covered 3. Discrete Spots 

2. Ventral or Dorsal Surface Only 4. No Obvious Oil 

Field Treatment: 

1. Mouth & Nostrils cleaned of oil yes____ no____ not applicable____ 

2. Excess oil removed from body yes____ no____ not applicable____ 

3. Gavaged yes____ no____ Quantity____Liters 

4. Eyes irrigated yes____ no____ not applicable____ 

Collected by: 

Printed Name:_______________________________________________________________________ 

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________ 

Date: ______________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone Number: __________________________________________________________________ 

Affiliation: __________________________________________________________________________ 

Relinquished to: 

Printed Name: ______________________________________________________________________ 

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________ 

Date: ______________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone Number: __________________________________________________________________ 

Affiliation: __________________________________________________________________________ 

ACTIVITY BROWN BEARS POLAR BEARS CARIBOU 

(collared only) MUSKOX MOOSE (collared only)

Personnel - 

Capture

ADF&G personnel 

only

USFWS ADF&G personnel 

only

ADF&G 

personnel only

ADF&G 

personnel only

PersonnelStabilization, 

Transport, and 

Disposition

ADF&G or ACS 

under 

supervision of DVM

USFWS ADF&G or ACS 

under supervision 

of DVM

ADF&G or 

ACS under 

supervision of 

DVM

ADF&G or ACS 

under 

supervision of 

DVM

Capture 

Methods

Culvert traps or 

tranquilizer

Culvert traps or 

tranquilizer

Tranquilizer Tranquilizer Tranquilizer

Stabilization ACS facility

(5 bears maximum)

ACS facility

(5 bears maximum)

Field cleaning only Field cleaning 

only

Field cleaning 

only

Transportation By truck or helicopter By truck or helicopter N/A N/A N/A

Disposition Released back into 

wild unless can’t 

survive. Then look 

into a facility that 

might want a bear 

(zoo). Last resort 

would be euthanasia.

Released back into 

wild unless can’t 

survive. Then look 

into a facility that 

might want a bear 

(zoo). Last resort 

would be euthanasia.

Field released Field released Field released
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-4 Salvage of Dead Wildlife (Page 1 of 2) Salvage of Dead Wildlife (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-4

PURPOSE OF SALVAGING DEAD WILDLIFE

Birds and mammals killed by an oil spill must be collected as quickly as possible to prevent secondary poisoning 

of scavengers due to hydrocarbon ingestion.

“Salvage” is the collection of oiled carcasses by certified personnel. This activity requires:

• Notification and approval of state and federal agencies

• Proper recordkeeping

• Temporary storage

• Ultimate storage and disposal

Only persons certified in bird hazing or bird collection and stabilization may salvage dead, oiled birds and mammals.

Trustee agencies listed in the ACS Plan of Operations for Salvage (see ACS permit book) must be notified. If the 

agencies cannot be reached, proceed with salvage, but continue and log attempts to reach agencies.

SALVAGE PROCEDURE

The following list of salvage procedures will be included in an incident-specific plan for retrieving dead oiled wildlife. 

The plan will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate wildlife resource agency(ies), and implemented by the 

responsible party.

1. Place each animal in a plastic bag, with a copy of the record form filled out and inserted into the bag. Ensure 

the form is protected from oiling.

2. Take the plastic bags to the Wildlife Stabilization Center in BP EOA Building U-8 to be logged in and placed in 

refrigerated trailer for holding.

3. Response Center personnel will copy or record the information in the bag, assign a control number, complete 

any missing information, and file the form. Leave the original collection tag or form in the bag with the carcass.

4. Agency personnel will inspect and catalogue all collected carcasses.

5. Following inspection, carcasses are transferred to the freezer trailer for storage, until plans are made for final 

disposition.

6. The responsible party will coordinate plans for final disposition with appropriate agencies.

DATA SHEET FOR COLLECTED DEAD, OILED WILDLIFE

(Adapted from Alaska RRT Wildlife Protection Guidelines for Alaska)

Fill out one of these data sheets for each oiled carcass collected. 

Date: Control Number: 

Oil Spill Incident: 

Location Animal Found (Specific): 

Latitude/Longitude: 

Species Found: 

Is Specimen Obviously Oiled? (circle one): Yes No 

Was Specimen Scavenged? (circle one): Yes No 

Collected by: 

Printed Name: ____________________________________________________________________ 

Signature:________________________________________________________________________ 

Date: ____________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone Number:________________________________________________________________ 

Affiliation:________________________________________________________________________ 

Relinquished to: 

Printed Name: _____________________________________________________________________ 

Signature:_________________________________________________________________________ 

Date: _____________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone Number:_________________________________________________________________ 

Affiliation:_________________________________________________________________________ 

Remarks: 
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-5 Deployment of ACS Mobile Wildlife Stabilization Center (Page 1 of 2) Deployment of ACS Mobile Wildlife Stabilization Center (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC W-5 Refrigerator Washer Dryer 72 x 30 x 18 Alum. Gray Water Tank Edge of Existing Floor Deck at ARCO Bldg. U-8 Recess With 6 Each 120V GFI Protected Receptacles for Blow Dryers Booster Water Htr. 54 KW Elevated 24 x 24 Rinse Basin Elevated 24 x 24 Rinse Basin 125 Gal. Water Htr. 34 KW Water Filters 3/4" Pot. Water Supply Connect 9' 8" 14' 6" 13' 8' 3-0 L.H. 3-0 L.H. Trans- former Brine Tank 5 x 8 Work Table Plastic Tub Plastic Tub Plastic Tub Plastic Tub 1" Wastewater Drain Connection All 4 Faucets Supplied by Temperature Control Valve Set at 100 ̊F Automatic Floor Matting Wash-Down Sump Pump Locate at Low Point; Base Must Be 7" Below Surrounding Grade Sleeve for Waste Water Line to External Tank Access Hatch to Sumps (2) Water Softener Package25 ft Power Cable 3' x 8' Intake Table (stored when not in use) Power Cable Stores Within Module for Shipping Electr. Panels Formica Counter Lab Module Utility Module Micro- wave 26 cu ft Chest Type Deep Freezer Upper Cabinets Press. Reg. Set 45 PSIG

Existing Compressor Room

This drawing indicates layout for ARCO Building U-8 at Prudhoe Bay. Balance of 

floor area with bird holding cages, floor matting, sump pumps, etc. is not shown.

There is a separate 20-ft standard shipping conex that contains a 60-ft x 150-ft 

fabric pit liner and approximately 40 pre-packaged bird cages.

ALASKA CLEAN SEAS

WILDLIFE STABILIZATION CENTER

ACS maintains an initial stabilization facility consisting of air-transportable modules stored at Prudhoe Bay.

FACILITY CAPABILITIES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

• Initial stabilization of up to 500 ducks or 250 geese

• Long-term treatment of up to 10 birds

FACILITY CAPABILITIES

• Gross oil decontamination

• Take vital statistics

• Blood work

• Rehydration

• Stabilization

MOBILIZATION TIME

• 4 to 6 hours (longer if facility needs to be transported to remote site)

• 2 personnel are required for shipping or setup

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS

TRANSPORTATION MODES:

– Truck

– Hercules C-130 or C-141 aircraft

– Modules have fork pockets for lifting

• Modules will be placed on a lowboy trailer for loading into the aircraft.

MODULE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

SETUP CONSIDERATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Electrical: 480 volt, 3 phase, 125 Kw or 208 volt, single phase, 20 Kw.

Water: Potable water is required. Center has its own pressure system.

Wastewater: Facility has a 2,000-gallon portable holding tank.

Flooring: Concrete floors or liner that can be washed down to prevent the spread of disease.

Heating: Must be capable of maintaining an air temperature of 68°F to 70°F.

Building Size: A warehouse with minimum of 7,000 sq. ft.

Ventilation: A minimum of six air exchanges per hour, while maintaining 68°F to 70°F inside air temperature.

WIDTH LENGTH HEIGHT WEIGHT

Lab Module 9 ft 8 in. 13 ft 8 ft 7 in. 2,500 lbs

Utility Module 9 ft 8 in. 15 ft 8 ft 7 in. 3,800 lbs

Accessories Conex 8 ft 20 ft 8 ft 5,100 lbs
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-6 Identifying and Protecting Sensitive Areas (Page 1 of 4) Identifying and Protecting Sensitive Areas (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC W-6

SAMPLE ACS ATLAS MAP

(Continued on next page)

Volume 2 of the Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual contains a map atlas of the North Slope oil fields and vicinity. 

These maps* and their accompanying legend pages identify sensitive-area locations for priority protection in the 

event of a spill. The locations on these maps are ones that can be defended by exclusion or deflection tactics. Also 

included on the map legend pages are general statements of environmental sensitivity — e.g., presence of birds or 

marine mammals — provided by the Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT) Sensitive Areas Working Group.

It is important to remember that detailed protection strategies and incident-specific protection priorities will be developed by the Unified Command at the time of the spill. In evaluating the sites that must be protected, the Unified 

Command will apply criteria developed by the ARRT Sensitive Areas Working Group with representatives from 

State and Federal agencies and the private sector. The following relative priority listing prioritizes resources into 

designations of major, moderate, and lesser concern. Resources are not prioritized within each designation. These 

designations are for consideration in initial spill response activities; they are not applicable to extended cleanup 

activities. Specific guidance to On-Scene Coordinators for protecting cultural resources is contained in Annex M 

of the Unified Plan.

The following criteria were developed as a tool to establish levels of concern.* These criteria are not listed in a 

priority order. (This information was excerpted from the Sensitive Areas section of the Alaska Regional Response 

Team North Slope Subarea Contingency Plan. Please refer to the latest version for any revisions that may have 

occurred since publication of the ACS Technical Manual.)

• Human economic disruption — economic/social value; human food source disruption

• Mortality — wildlife, fish, other organisms (how many potentially killed in relation to abundance)

• Animal displacement and sensitivity to displacement

• Aesthetic degradation

• Habitat availability and rarity

• Sublethal effects, including sensitivity to physical or toxic effects of oil or hazardous substances and long-term 

effects to habitat, species, or both

• Threatened and endangered species, and/or other legal designation

• Persistent concentration of oil or hazardous substances

• Reproduction rate or recolonizing potential

• Relative importance to ecosystem

• Potential for physical contact with spill — pathway of oil or hazardous substance

• Resource sensitivity to response countermeasures

AREAS OF MAJOR CONCERN

• Shoreline Geomorphology - Coastal Habitat Types:

 River deltas

 Sheltered lagoons

 Open lagoons

 Salt marshes

 Mud flats

 Barrier islands

 Spit beaches 

 Protected bays

• Inland Habitat Types:

 Riparian willow 

 Connected lakes 

 Freshwater springs

• Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat

• Spotted Seal Haulout Areas (>10 animals)

• Ringed Seal Lairs and Pupping Areas

• Walrus Haulout Areas

• Beluga Whale Concentration Areas

• Bowhead Whale Nearshore Migration Routes

• Polar Bear Denning and Feeding Areas

• Caribou Calving and Insect Relief Areas

• Large Seabird Colonies (>100 birds)

• Waterfowl and Shorebird Spring and Fall Concentration and Staging Areas

• Waterfowl Molting Concentration Areas

• Anadromous Fish Spawning and/or Rearing Streams 

 (i.e., salmon, Dolly Varden, whitefish)

• Land Management Designations

 Federal: Wilderness

 Wild and Scenic Rivers

 National Natural Landmarks

 Research Natural Areas (Toolik Lake, Galbraith Lake)

*NOTE: The base maps for the atlas were provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. (BPXA). While every effort was made to 

ensure an accurate depiction of surface features, BPXA does not warrant that the data is accurate of fit for any particular 

use.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC W-6 Identifying and Protecting Sensitive Areas (Page 3 of 4) Identifying and Protecting Sensitive Areas (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC W-6

(Continued from previous page)

CULTURAL RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS

DEFINITION OF “CULTURAL RESOURCES”

Federal and state law requires protection of cultural resources in the vicinity of the spill or response.

“Cultural resources” is a broad term used to refer to ruins, structures, sites, graves, artifacts, deposits, and/or objects 

that pertain to history or prehistory. The question is not whether someone thinks a resource has value, but whether 

the resource meets the criteria of federal or state law.

There are two kinds of impacts of concern during a spill response operation:

• Direct impact from spilled substances

• Indirect impacts from ground-disturbing activities, vandalism, and theft

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cultural resource protection is primarily an agency responsibility. The duties of the responsible party in an oil spill 

are to:

• Be aware that cultural resources may exist in the response area.

• Recognize that their existence may affect how response is conducted.

• Cooperate with state and federal officials charged with cultural resource protection.

• Assure that all response personnel do not collect, remove, or disturb cultural resources encountered in a 

response in any way.

• Consider retaining a cultural resources specialist as a consultant to Planning Section in case of a signif﻿icant 

spill.

SITE LOCATIONS

Because of federal law and state policy, the exact locations of cultural resource sites are not shown on ACS or member 

company maps. Known cultural resource sites on the North Slope have been mapped. Access to this information is 

restricted. Non-site-specif﻿ic information on known cultural resources sites can found in the Area Contingency Plans. 

In a responsible party-funded response to a spill, the FOSC will consult with appropriate ARRT members regarding 

cultural resources which may be at risk from a spill or response. 

Site-specific cultural resource surveys will be required in areas the State Historic Preservation Officer believes are 

not well-surveyed for sites.

Responsible parties and response teams should be particularly attentive to the possible existence of cultural resource sites at/on:

• Coastal barrier islands

• Elevated terraces or cut-bank bluffs along rivers

• Pingos

• Most shoreline areas, particularly near embayments or promontories

• Prominent hills inland

For detailed questions, consult the ARRT Cultural Resources Protection Guidelines (Alaska Unified Plan, Tab E to 

Annex X).

• Cultural Resources/Archaeological Sites:

 National Historic Landmarks

 Burial Sites

 National Register Eligible Village Sites

 Intertidal Sites

• Subsistence Harvest Areas

• High Commercial Use Areas 

• High Recreational Use Areas

• River Floodplains

AREAS OF MODERATE CONCERN

• Shoreline Geomorphology - Coastal Habitat Types:

 Beaded tundra streams

• Upland Habitat Types:

 Drained lake basins

• Spotted Seal Haulout Areas (< 10 animals)

• Ringed Seal Shorefast Ice Concentration Areas

• Seabird Colonies (10 - 100 birds)

• Waterfowl and Shorebird Nesting Concentration Areas

• Shorebird Molting Concentration Areas

• Bear Concentration Areas (marine mammal/carcasses; salmon)

• Polar Bear General Distribution

• Walrus General Distribution

• Caribou Migration Routes

• Muskox Riparian Habitat

• Commercial Harvest Areas

• Recreational Use Areas

• Land Management Designations

 Federal: National Parks

 National Wildlife Refuges

• Cultural Resources/Archaeological Sites

 National Register Eligible Sites 

 (Other Than Village Sites)

 Sites Adjacent To Shorelines

AREAS OF LESSER CONCERN

• Upland Habitat Types:

 Mesic/dry tussock tundra

 Alpine tundra

• Bearded Seal General Distribution

• Bowhead Whale General Distribution

• Gray Whale Nearshore Migration and Feeding Areas

• Seabird Colonies (<10 birds)

• Waterfowl and Shorebird General Distribution

• General Freshwater Fish Habitat

• Land Management Designations

 Federal: Public Lands

 National Forests

 National Preserves

 State: General Public Lands
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC D-1 Processing Recovered Liquids (Page 1 of 6) Processing Recovered Liquids (Page 2 of 6) TACTIC D-1

Liquids from cleanup operations include liquid oil; mixtures of oil, water, snow, ice, and/or gravel; used engine oils 

and hydraulic fluids; contaminated fuels; bilge/ballast waters; stormwater runoff from waste storage areas; and 

washwaters from decontamination operations.

Do not mix liquids from different sources until classification is confirmed. Mixed wastes can be difficult and expensive 

to manage. Materials are classified by qualified personnel and segregated until classification is confirmed.

Spill responders must request permission from the pipeline or production facility operator in order for the pipeline or 

production facility to receive recovered liquids. Note also that users of BPXA/AAI facilities are pre-approved and may 

have specialized training in handling of wastes. Loads must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation.

Fluids and solids from spill cleanup operations are considered either:

• Reusable products, which can be recovered and returned to service, or

• Wastes, which must managed according to applicable permits, regulations and policies.

REUSABLE PRODUCT

Products that can be recovered and reused are not considered wastes, but must still be managed properly. Examples 

of reusable fluids include:

• Crude oil - returned to the production stream

• Refined hydrocarbons (fuels, lubrication oil) - returned to the production stream (note that policies on 

refined hydrocarbon recycling are not the same in all operating areas) 

• Water, seawater, other approved fluids - injected underground for enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

• Crude, diesel, methanol - reserved for well work or other field operations.

LIQUID WASTE

UNDERGROUND 

INJECTION

CLASS I DISPOSAL

REGULATED STORAGE 

AND PACKAGING

CONTINENTAL U.S.

DISPOSAL (TSD)

NO

NO

CLEANUP

OPERATION

ON-SITE PRODUCT 

RECOVERY/REUSE

LIQUIDS REUSABLE? YES

YES

EXEMPT?

NO

YES

HAZARDOUS?

FACILITIES FOR HYDROCARBON RECOVERY AND ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY1

Fluids that can be used for well work or other field operations are recovered and stored in designated locations, as 

directed by asset environmental personnel.

1. Contact the facility or asset environmental staff for detailed information, or refer to the Alaska Waste 

Disposal and Reuse Guide.

LOCATION FACILITY OFFLOADING LOCATION 

(TRUCKS)

Kuparuk River Unit CPF-1 hydrocarbon recycle 

facility

CPF-1

Kuparuk River Unit CPF-1 water recycle facility CPF-1

Greater Prudhoe Bay Area FS 1, 

GC 2

Slop oil tank, 

Dirty water tank

Milne Point Unit Production facility ORT (Oil Reserve Tank) 

Endicott Production facility Snowmelt tank

Badami Badami Class I Well B1-01 

(if recycling is not possible)

Badami Class I injection skid

Production facility Badami CPU

Alpine Production facility A1 sump

Northstar Production facility Designated sumps,

Well cleanup tank

Alyeska PS-1 PS-1 PS-1 injection skids
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC D-1 Processing Recovered Liquids (Page 3 of 6) Processing Recovered Liquids (Page 4 of 6) TACTIC D-1

CLASS I DISPOSAL FACILITIES1

WASTE FLUIDS

Wastes are subdivided into three major categories:

• RCRA-exempt (includes exemptions for oil and gas, household, and empty containers)

• Non-exempt, non-hazardous 

• Hazardous

Wastes that are managed by underground injection are further classified according to the type of permit held by 

the injection facility.

• Class II wells are generally restricted to RCRA-exempt wastes that have actually originated in, or circulated 

through, an oil and gas wellbore. Co-mingled fresh water, seawater, or process additives may also be acceptable.

• Class I wells are authorized to inject a variety of exempt or non-exempt, non-hazardous wastes. They may 

also accept Class II wastes.

Class I and Class II waste fluid disposal facilities are listed on the following tables. Note that each facility must comply 

with permits, regulations, ballot agreements, and operational constraints.

CLASS II DISPOSAL FACILITIES (LIQUIDS)1

1. Contact the facility or asset environmental staff for detailed information, or refer to the Alaska Waste 

Disposal and Reuse Guide.

1. Contact the facility or asset environmental staff for detailed information, or refer to the Alaska 

Waste Disposal and Reuse Guide.

LOCATION FACILITY OFFLOADING LOCATION 

(TRUCK)

Kuparuk River Unit None – Use Pad 3 (Prudhoe) 

or evaluate for EOR

CPF 1 (EOR) or

Pad 3

 Greater Prudhoe Bay 

Area

Pad 3 Waste Injection Facility 

(WIF)

Pad 3 Injection Skid

Milne Point Unit None – Use Pad 3 (Prudhoe) 

or evaluate for EOR

Clarifier (EOR) or 

Pad 3

Endicott None – Evaluate for EOR 

or Pad 3 (Prudhoe)

Snowmelt Tank (EOR) or 

Pad 3

Badami Badami Class I Well B1-01 

(Pad 3 as backup)

Badami G&I Plant

Alpine Alpine Class I Well WD-2 

(Pad 3 as backup)

L2 Injection Hookup

Northstar Northstar Class I Well NS-10 Northstar G&I Plant or 

Designated Sumps

Alyeska PS-1 None – Use Pad 3 (EOA) or 

evaluate for recycling at PS-1

LOCATION FACILITY OFFLOADING LOCATION 

(TRUCK)

Kuparuk River Unit CPF-1 oily waste disposal 

facility

CPF-1 oily waste injection 

skid

Pad 3 (EOA)

Greater Prudhoe Bay 

Area

G&I (Grind & Inject) Facility 

(DS-4)

DS-4 injection skid

Flow Station 1 Injection skid

Pad 3

GC 2 Dirty water tank

Milne Poine Unit None - Use G&I (Prudhoe) or 

Pad 3 (Prudhoe)

Endicott Well P-18/2-02 2-02 injection skid

Badami Badami Class 1 Well Badami G&I plant

Pad 3 (Prudhoe)

Alpine Alpine Well CD1-19A Temporary hookup, as 

needed

Northstar Northstar Class I Well NS-10 Northstar G&I plant or 

designated sumps
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC D-1 Processing Recovered Liquids (Page 5 of 6) Processing Recovered Liquids (Page 6 of 6) TACTIC D-1

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

SUPPORT

Decisions about waste management are made by the asset environmental staff and, in a major incident, 

the Environment or Waste Management Unit Leader.

Support activities may include:

• Construction and management of temporary storage areas

• Transportation (tanker trucks, dump trucks, vacuum trucks, loaders)

• Manifesting and document control

ASSET CONTACTS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Liquid processing capacity of recycling and disposal facilities is facility- and incident-specific, and the asset 

environmental staff should be contacted in the event of an incident.

• Vacuum trucks travel at 35 mph and the average storage capacity is 300 bbl.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Spills at production facilities may be collected in facility sumps and, if appropriate, hard-piped directly to the process 

location. Otherwise, fluids are generally delivered to the facilities by tanker truck and offloaded to a designated 

dirty water tank or slop oil tank. 

• In most cases, hydrocarbons are separated and routed to the production stream, while aqueous fluids are sent 

to EOR or disposal wells. Water-handling capacity is facility-specific. Alyeska ultimately determines how much 

aqueous fluid may be co-mingled with crude in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS).

• Fluid disposal or recycling rates are affected by:

– Hauling capacity (number of available tanker trucks)

– Offloading rate at facilities (limited by pump capacity, solids content)

– Storage capacity

– Facility processing/injection rates

• The most critical factors are hauling capacity and offloading rates. Receiving facilities usually have intake screens 

that become plugged by excess solids or oversized materials. Pre-screening and solids separation may be 

required.

• Each disposal/recycling facility has operational and legal restrictions that affect what can be accepted:

– Physical limitations (particle size, solids content, offloading rate, capacity)

– Safety considerations (flash point, pH)

– Permit/regulatory restrictions (waste classification, storage requirements)

– Ballot agreements or other legal stipulations (may exclude certain users)

– Operating procedures (site-specific paperwork and training requirements)

• Facility personnel have the authority to reject any material that does not meet their operational and safety criteria.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• These guidelines apply to all recovery, storage, transfer, and disposal operations.

– Maintain communications with ICS Environment Unit staff who determine how wastes will be managed. 

– Make sure all necessary permits and approvals are in place for storage, transportation, and disposal, and 

that stipulations are understood by response personnel.

– Manage recovery and storage operations as necessary to contain secondary spills, minimize contact with 

precipitation and runoff, and protect uncontaminated areas.

– Segregate wastes of different types to the extent possible.

– Do not discharge any wastes to land, tundra, or water without explicit approval.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

TOTAL STAFF 3

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

 Divert Tank or Facility 

Oil Slop Tank

 Operating fields Oil recovery or storage 1 — 0.5 hr —

 Vacuum Truck or 

Fastank

All Liquid transport 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

 Snow Melter EOA, APC, 

Alpine

 Snow melting 1 2 2 hr 2 hr

 Recycling Facility See above Liquid recycling 1 1 — —

 Disposal Facility See above Liquid disposal 1 1 — —

LOCATION CONTACT PHONE

Kuparuk River Unit Environmental Coordinator 659-7242 or 7212

Greater Prudhoe Bay Area Environmental Advisor 659-4789 or 5893

Milne Point Unit Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Endicott Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Badami Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Alpine Environmental Coordinator 670-4200

Northstar HSE Advisor 670-3507

Alyeska PS-1 Environmental Specialist 278-1611 x4185 or x4485
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC D-2 Storage and Disposal of Non-Liquid Oily Wastes (Page 1 of 4) Storage and Disposal of Non-Liquid Oily Wastes (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC D-2

NO

NO

CLEANUP

OPERATION

INCINERATION

INCINERATION LANDFILL

TEMPORARY STORAGE

CONTINENTAL U.S.

DISPOSAL (TSD)

REGULATED TEMPORARY 

STORAGE AND 

PACKAGING

OILY SOLID WASTE EXEMPT? YES

YES

HAZARDOUS?

CLASSIFICATION OF OILY SOLID WASTES

Oily solid wastes include oiled clothing and personal protective equipment, used sorbent material, discarded 

response equipment, and construction materials (liner, timbers). Oiled animal carcasses may also be present. 

Offshore recovery operations may generate mousse patties, asphalt patches, and tarballs. Contaminated gravel is 

discussed in a separate tactic.

Solid wastes must be classified by qualified personnel and segregated until classification is confirmed. Representative samples may be required for hazardous waste characterization. The environmental staff will set up the 

sampling program. Contaminated solids generally have the same classification as the material that was spilled, 

and are managed accordingly.

COLLECTION METHODS

Oily solids are typically collected in plastic bags and leakproof bulk storage containers (Fastanks, lined dumpsters, 

plastic totes, drums). A limited number of oily waste dumpsters can be provided by the North Slope Borough (NSB); 

these can be supplemented by tiger tanks, collapsible tanks, fabricated containers, or barges. 

Plastic bags and other containers are labeled or otherwise coded for sorting. Follow the labeling and coding scheme 

developed for each incident. In general:

• Use clear “oily waste” bags with yellow stripes for the NSB incinerator. NSB restrictions include: 

– No free liquid

– No hazardous waste

– No gravel

– Maximum size for cut-up pit liner and other bulky objects

• Use colored bags for heavily oiled solids that are not suitable for NSB incineration.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Temporary storage areas may be constructed of soil, snow, ice, or timbers in conjunction with liners providing adequate 

secondary containment and runoff control. This tactic is intended to be a pre-approved method of oily waste storage 

for emergency response. Confirm requirements with the Environment Unit. The following steps must be taken:

• Wastes must be stored in covered, leakproof containers that are constructed of impermeable materials or 

constructed containment fully lined with an impermeable synthetic liner.

• Before implementation of this tactic, ADEC must be notified of the storage method selected by contacting the 

State On-Scene Coordinator and the Department’s Exploration, Production and Refineries Section with the 

following information:

(a) The location of the spill, type of product involved, estimated quantity spilled, and estimated quantity of 

oily waste generated.

(b) The reason temporary storage is necessary.

(c) A description of the storage method(s) planned and the location(s) of storage.

(d) The anticipated length of time temporary storage will be necessary.

(e) A description of the method(s) planned for transportation of oily waste to an approved disposal site.

(f) The planned method(s) for ultimate disposal of recovered waste.

• Storage is pre-approved for a maximum of 60 days. This period of time may be extended with ADEC approval 

based upon a showing of good cause and absence of harm to the environment. A written request must be 

submitted two weeks prior to expiration of the 60-day period.

• Where possible, temporary storage structures must be located at least 100 feet away from water bodies.

• During periods of temporary storage, waste storage structures must be visually monitored on a routine basis 

to ensure no leakage is occurring. If leakage is detected, then ADEC’s Exploration, Production and Refineries 

Section must be notified immediately.

• No physical construction of temporary containment structures that may result in environmental damage is 

allowed under this approval, unless prior consent is obtained from appropriate federal and state authorities.

• Any environmental damage resulting from storage operations must be repaired.

TEMPORARY ABOVE-GROUND STORAGE PIT FOR NON-LIQUID OILY WASTES

(TYPICAL DESIGN)

NOTE: A cover may be required to keep precipitation out of the pit.

PLAN VIEW

NOT TO SCALE

See Detail No. 1

Detail No. 1

See Detail No. 2

Detail No. 2

48 ft

INSIDE

TIMBER DIKES

TIMBERS

12" x 12"

TUNDRA

1 ft

3 ft

1" x 4" PLATE

TIMBER

12" x 12"

SPIKE

SORBENT PADS

48 ft

A A

Impermeable Synthetic

Pit Liner

Impermeable

Synthetic

Pit Liner

TUNDRA

TEMPORARY

OILY WASTE PIT
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC D-2 Storage and Disposal of Non-Liquid Oily Wastes (Page 3 of 4) Storage and Disposal of Non-Liquid Oily Wastes (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC D-2

SUPPORT

Decisions about waste management are made by the asset environmental staff and, in a major incident, the 

Environment or Waste Management Unit Leader.

ASSET ENVIRONMENTAL CONTACTS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

Within developed operating areas, oily waste can be transported to storage areas by front-end loaders and end dumps. 

Rolligon or helicopter transport may be used for remote sites. Offshore operations require marine transportation.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

Portable pit-type incinerators burn approximately 8 to 14 tons/hr. The average end dump on the North Slope can 

hold 20 cu. yd and travels at 35 mph.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Each disposal/recycling facility has operational and legal restrictions that affect what can be accepted:

– Physical limitations (particle size, solids content, offloading rate, capacity)

– Safety considerations (flash point, pH)

– Permit/regulatory restrictions (waste classification, storage requirements)

– Ballot agreements or other legal stipulations (may exclude certain users)

– Operating procedures (site-specific paperwork and training requirements).

• Facility personnel have authority to reject any material that does not meet their operational and safety criteria.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• These guidelines apply to all recovery, storage, transfer, and disposal operations:

– Maintain communications with Environment Unit staff who determine waste management. 

– Make sure all necessary permits and approvals are in place for storage, transportation, and disposal, and 

that stipulations are understood by response personnel.

– Manage recovery and storage operations as necessary to contain secondary spills, minimize contact with 

precipitation and runoff, and protect uncontaminated areas.

– Segregate wastes of different types to the extent possible.

– Do not discharge any wastes to land, tundra, or water without explicit approval.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS (Cont’d)

Incineration is the primary disposal method for oily solid wastes other than gravel. The NSB incinerator has limited 

capacity and may not be able to handle the volumes generated during a major spill. Portable incineration units must 

be pre-approved by ADEC and must comply with applicable operating restrictions. Oily wastes are not to be burned 

by response personnel without appropriate agency approvals or permits. Open burning is approved by ADEC and 

other agencies on a case-by-case basis by permit. 

Oily solids that cannot be managed on the North Slope are shipped to approved disposal facilities in Alaska or the 

continental United States.

Oiled wildlife must be handled as directed by agency personnel. It may be necessary to store carcasses in freezers 

for future examination. Disposal will usually be by incineration at approved facilities.

TOTAL STAFF FOR SETUP >3

TOTAL STAFF TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONS 0

*Pit and bed liner 8218 LTA polyester fabric with 18 ounce per square yard finished coat weight 

and -67 degrees Fahrenheit cold crack, and compatible with crude oil.

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Front End Loader with 

Forks

All Placement of timbers 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

 Pit Liner*

(varying sizes)

 All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Storage liner 1 Sizedependent 1 hr 1 hr

Timbers

(8"x8" or 12"x12")

 All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Non-liquid storage Variable 2 for setup 1 hr 1 hr

 Tanks

(Tiger, inflatable, 

collapsible, Fast)

 All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Non-liquid storage 1 2 for setup 1 hr 1 hr

 Open-Top Drum All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Non-liquid storage 1 1 for setup 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

 Oily Waste Bags All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Non-liquid storage 

and disposal

 Variable — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

 Lined Dumpsters All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Non-liquid storage 1 2 to install 

liner

0.5 hr 0.5 hr

 RCRA Storage 

Container

 All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

 Non-liquid hazardous 

material disposal

 1 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

LOCATION CONTACT PHONE

Kuparuk River Unit Environmental Coordinator 659-7242 or 7212

Greater Prudhoe Bay Area Environmental Advisor 659-4789 or 5893

Milne Point Unit Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Endicott Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Badami Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Alpine Environmental Coordinator 670-4200

Northstar HSE Advisor 670-3507

Alyeska PS-1 Environmental Specialist 278-1611 x4185 or x4485
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC D-3 Disposal of Non-Oily Wastes (Page 1 of 4) Disposal of Non-Oily Wastes (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC D-3

SOLID WASTES

Non-oily solid waste includes garbage, paper products, Styrofoam food containers, plastics, glass, metals, and 

construction debris. General disposal guidelines are provided in the North Slope Environmental Field Handbook. 

Solid wastes must be classified by qualified personnel, and segregated accordingly. Non-oily solid wastes will generally fall into the following categories:

• Recyclable materials: Recycling stations may be established for paper, styrofoam food containers, and wood. 

(No treated or contaminated wood is accepted at these stations.)

• Scrap metal: Scrap metal bins or collection points may be set up for non-oily scrap iron, pipe, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, metal cable, plate steel, and metal valves.

• Burnable waste: Designated dumpsters or other containers will be provided for food waste and other non-oily 

trash. Loose trash must be bagged or covered to prevent dispersal by wind. All food waste must be controlled 

to avoid attracting wildlife. Material that exceeds the NSB incinerator capacity will be burned in other approved 

incinerator units or landfilled at designated facilities. 

• Non-burnable waste: Designated dumpsters or other containers will be provided for bulky non-hazardous 

waste that cannot be incinerated. Non-burnable waste may include empty cans, tires, construction debris, 

and liner material. Oversized material may have to be cut or crushed to meet landfill restrictions. 

• Hazardous waste: Temporary storage areas will be established as needed for hazardous waste and managed 

by trained personnel. Cleanup-related hazardous waste may include batteries (lithium, mercury, or ni-cad), light 

bulbs with screw-in bases, aerosol cans with product or propellant inside, various chemicals, and laboratory 

wastes. Hazardous waste determinations will be made by qualified personnel.

Wastes can be transferred to disposal facilities by truck or, as needed, Rolligons. Offshore operations require marine 

vessel support. The nearest solid waste disposal facilities are the NSB Oxbow Landfill and the NSB Deadhorse 

incinerator. However, due to the limited capacity of these facilities and potential long-term liability issues, other 

disposal options will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These options may include municipal landfills and 

incinerators elsewhere in Alaska, or approved disposal facilities in the Lower 48.

REGULATED TEMPORARY 

STORAGE AND PACKAGING

CONTINENTAL U.S.

DISPOSAL (TSD)

D-3

NON-OILY SOLID WASTE

YES

CLEANUP

OPERATION

NON-OILY SOLID WASTE HAZARDOUS? TEMPORARY STORAGE NO

INCINERATION LANDFILL

LIQUID WASTES

Domestic sewage and graywater are generated at crew support facilities. Sources include toilets, laundries, shower 

facilities, and kitchens. Treated wastewater may not be discharged to water, land, or tundra without a valid permit.

Options for disposal include:

• Existing wastewater treatment plants in each operating area (depending on available capacity)

• Class I injection (sewage and graywater are RCRA-exempt)

• EOR (currently approved for domestic wastewater at MPU and KRU; other assets require case-by-case agency 

approval)

• North Slope Borough wastewater treatment plant in Deadhorse

• Supplemental land- or barge-based treatment units (brought in for a specific incident)

Domestic wastewater plants cannot process wastewater that is heavily contaminated with oil, solvents, or other 

chemicals. Contaminated washwaters from laundries should be segregated and managed by underground injection 

or other appropriate methods.

HAZARDOUS WASTES

Hazardous waste liquids may include solvents, laboratory wastes, and unusable methanol or chemical products.

Hazardous waste, by definition, exhibits specific characteristics or is explicitly listed as hazardous waste by EPA. 

There are no facilities in Alaska for disposal of hazardous waste. Storage, packaging, transportation, and disposal 

are regulated by RCRA. 

Hazardous waste must not be mixed with other wastes, and it must remain in the operating area where it is generated 

until transported to a regulated disposal facility in the continental U.S. Locations for temporary storage of hazardous 

waste will be established and managed by the asset environmental staff.

Any potentially hazardous waste must be segregated from other wastes until classification is confirmed by qualified 

personnel. Locations for temporary storage of hazardous waste liquids will be established and managed by the asset environmental staff. Hazardous waste must remain in the operating area where it is generated until transported 

to a regulated disposal facility.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC D-3 Disposal of Non-Oily Wastes (Page 3 of 4) Disposal of Non-Oily Wastes (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC D-3

SUPPORT

Decisions about waste management are made by the asset environmental staff and, in a major incident, the Environment or Waste Management Unit Leader.

Front-end loaders and end dumps transport non-oily solid waste. Water trucks and vacuum trucks transport liquid 

waste. The North Slope Borough Landfill, North Slope Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant and the North Slope 

Borough Incinerator are final disposal sites for non-hazardous, non-oily waste. A helicopter transports the portable 

incinerator to the remote site. Plastic totes and drums assist transport of waste to a dumpster or an on-site incinerator.

ASSET ENVIRONMENTAL CONTACTS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

The average end dump on the North Slope holds 20 cubic yards and travels at 35 mph.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Each disposal/recycling facility has operational and legal restrictions that affect what can be accepted:

– Physical limitations (particle size, solids content, offloading rate, capacity)

– Safety considerations (flash point, pH)

– Permit/regulatory restrictions (waste classification, storage requirements)

– Ballot agreements or other legal stipulations (may exclude certain users)

– Operating procedures (site-specific paperwork and training requirements)

• Facility personnel have authority to reject any material that does not meet their operational and safety criteria.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• These guidelines apply to all recovery, storage, transfer, and disposal operations.

– Maintain communications with Environment Unit staff who determine waste management. 

– Make sure all necessary permits and approvals are in place for storage, transportation, and disposal, and 

that stipulations are understood by response personnel.

– Manage recovery and storage operations as necessary to contain secondary spills, minimize contact with 

precipitation and runoff, and protect uncontaminated areas.

– Segregate wastes of different types to the extent possible.

– Do not discharge any wastes to land, tundra, or water without explicit approval.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

LOCATION CONTACT PHONE

Kuparuk River Unit Environmental Coordinator 659-7242 or 7212

Greater Prudhoe Bay Area Environmental Advisor 659-4789 or 5893

Milne Point Unit Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Endicott Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Badami Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Alpine Environmental Coordinator 670-4200

Northstar HSE Advisor 670-3507

Alyeska PS-1 Environmental Specialist 278-1611 x4185 or x4485

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Front-End Loader 

and/or Bobcat

Loader: All

Bobcat: ACS, EOA, KRU

Waste transport 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Shovel All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

Waste transport >1 1 0.5 hr 0

Plastic Totes or Trash 

Bins

All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

Non-liquid storage 1 — 1 hr 0

Lined Dumpsters All operating areas, 

Deadhorse

Non-liquid storage 1 2 to install 

liner

0.5 hr 0.5 hr

RCRA Storage 

Container

WOA, EOA, MPU, KRU, 

Endicott, Deadhorse

Non-liquid 

hazardous material 

disposal

1 — 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Portable Incinerator or 

Burn Barrel

Deadhorse Incineration 1 2 12 hr 6 hr

Dump Truck WOA, EOA, KRU Waste transport 1 1 1 hr 0

Physical-Chemical 

Package Plants

Deadhorse Wastewater 

treatment

1 3 1 hr 1 hr

Extended Aeration 

Package Plants

Deadhorse Wastewater 

treatment

1 3 1 hr 1 hr

Rotating Biological 

Package Plants

Deadhorse Wastewater 

treatment

1 3 1 hr 1 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC D-4 Stockpiling Oiled Gravel (Page 1 of 4) Stockpiling Oiled Gravel (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC D-4

Contaminated gravel is excavated and stockpiled for processing, or left in place for treatment, with agency approval. 

Supplemental storage areas are constructed and maintained in accordance with applicable permits, approvals, and 

regulations. Containment areas are constructed from synthetic pit liner and timbers (see Tactic D-2). The following table 

lists existing storage areas for contaminated gravel. Pre-approval from the asset environmental staff is required. 

D-4

CONTAMINATED GRAVEL/TUNDRA/SOIL

EXCAVATION

REGULATED 90-DAY 

TANK TREATMENT

TEMPORARY

LINED STORAGE

PAD 3 AND/OR PAD A 

(MPU)

REMEDIATION

TEMPORARY

LINED STORAGE

EXCAVATION REMEDIATION

REGULATED STORAGE 

AND PACKAGING

EXCAVATION

CONTINENTAL U.S.

DISPOSAL (TSD)

ON-SITE PRODUCT

RECOVERY AND/OR 

TREATMENT

ON-SITE PRODUCT

RECOVERY AND/OR 

TREATMENT

SEGREGATE, 

CLASSIFY, STORE 

TEMPORARILY, 

CONTINENTAL U.S. 

DISPOSAL (TSD)

NO

NO

YES

CLEANUP

OPERATION

CONTAMINATED 

GRAVEL/TUNDRA/SOIL EXEMPT? YES

HAZARDOUS?

CONTAMINATED GRAVEL STORAGE AREAS

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

LOCATION FACILITY GRAVEL STORAGE CAPACITY 

(CU. YDS)

Kuparuk River Unit DS 1-H 12,230

Greater Prudhoe Bay 

Area

Pad 3, West Pit 1,500 (lightly contaminated gravel)

T Pad 13,300

Santa Fe Pad (bins) 3 each; total storage = 15

Milne Point Unit D-Pad Variable; temporary pits built as needed; 

contact MPU Environmental Technician

Endicott MPI storage pits 356

Storage bins (2 bins) 18 each; total storage = 36

Badami Badami ball mill temporary 

storage pit

1,282

Storage bins (6 bins) 18.5 each; total storage = 111. More 

storage can be constructed if needed.

Alpine Lined storage area 2 each; total storage = 400

Northstar Spot cleaning bins 6 each; total storage = 12

Alyeska PS-1 Temporary stockpiles 100,000

EQUIPMENT BASE

 LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

 Front-End Loader 

and/or Bobcat

 Loader: All

Bobcat: ACS, EOA, KRU

 Gravel transport 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

 Shovel All Gravel transport >1 1 0.5 hr 0

 D-8 Bulldozer WOA, EOA, KRU, Peak Gravel removal 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Truck WOA, EOA, KRU Waste transport 1 1 1 hr 0

 Pit Liner

(varying sizes)

 All Storage liner 1 Size-dependent 1 hr 1 hr

 Timbers All Non-liquid storage Variable 2 for setup 1 hr 1 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC D-4 Stockpiling Oiled Gravel (Page 3 of 4) Stockpiling Oiled Gravel (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC D-4

Contaminated gravel is moved at the response site by shovels, Bobcats, loaders and dozers. Front-end loaders and 

end dumps transport gravel to designated storage or treatment areas. Contaminated gravel at remote sites may 

be staged in lined areas until freeze-up, when tundra travel is permitted, then hauled overland by Rolligon or ice 

road. Contaminated gravel that has frozen will have to be broken up with a trimmer or by other means. This process 

is likely to tear up the pit liner also, and laborers will have to separate the liner fragments from the gravel. Barge 

support may be used for contaminated shoreline response.

SUPPORT

Decisions about waste management are made by the asset environmental staff and, in a major incident, the Environmental or Waste Management Unit Leader.

ASSET ENVIRONMENTAL CONTACTS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• These guidelines apply to all recovery, storage, transfer, and disposal operations.

– Maintain communications with Environment Unit staff who determine waste management. 

– Make sure all necessary permits and approvals are in place for storage, transportation, and disposal, and 

that stipulations are understood by response personnel.

– Manage recovery and storage operations as necessary to contain secondary spills, minimize contact with 

precipitation and runoff, and protect uncontaminated areas.

– Segregate wastes of different types to the extent possible.

– Do not discharge any wastes to land, tundra, or water without explicit approval.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Each disposal/recycling facility has operational and legal restrictions that affect what can be accepted:

– Physical limitations (particle size, solids content, offloading rate, capacity)

– Safety considerations (flash point, pH)

– Permit/regulatory restrictions (waste classification, storage requirements)

– Ballot agreements or other legal stipulations (may exclude certain users)

– Operating procedures (site-specific paperwork and training requirements)

• Facility personnel have authority to reject any material that does not meet their operational and safety criteria. LOCATION CONTACT PHONE

Kuparuk River Unit Environmental Coordinator 659-7242 or 7212

Greater Prudhoe Bay Area Environmental Advisor 659-4789 or 5893

Milne Point Unit Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Endicott Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Badami Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Alpine Environmental Coordinator 670-4200

Northstar HSE Advisor 670-3507

Alyeska PS-1 Environmental Specialist 278-1611 x4185 or x4485
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 12/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC D-5 Processing of Contaminated Snow/Ice (Page 1 of 2) Processing of Contaminated Snow/Ice (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC D-5

Temporary storage and stockpile areas are constructed and managed in accordance with 

applicable regulations, permits, and approvals. With asset approval, contaminated snow and ice may be brought to 

existing solid waste storage areas (see tactic on contaminated gravel).

Contaminated snow or ice is collected in bulk containers, or stockpiled in designated storage areas as directed by 

asset environmental personnel. 

Contaminated snow generally has the same classification as the spilled material (reusable product, exempt, nonexempt, non-hazardous, or hazardous), and is managed accordingly. 

Snow and ice are either allowed to thaw naturally or are processed in a snow melter. In either case, the snow is 

subsequently managed as a liquid. (See tactic on processing of recovered liquids).

REGULATED 

STORAGE

AND

PACKAGING

LINED CONTAINMENT

FOR MELTING

EXCAVATION

UNDERGROUND 

INJECTION

CLASS I

LINED CONTAINMENT

FOR MELTING

EXCAVATION

CONTINENTAL U.S.

DISPOSAL (TSD)

D-5

CONTAMINATED SNOW/ICE

NO

NO

EXEMPT? YES

YES

HAZARDOUS?

CONTAMINATED

SNOW/ICE

CLEANUP

OPERATION

SUPPORT

Decisions about waste management are made by the asset environmental staff and, in a major incident, the Environmental or Waste Management Unit Leader.

ASSET ENVIRONMENTAL CONTACTS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Assume that snow melters operate 10 hr in 12-hr shift; 2 shifts per day.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• These guidelines apply to all recovery, storage, transfer, and disposal operations.

– Maintain communications with ICS Environment Unit staff who determine waste management. 

– Make sure all necessary permits and approvals are in place for storage, transportation, and disposal, and 

that stipulations are understood by response personnel.

– Manage recovery and storage operations as necessary to contain secondary spills, minimize contact with 

precipitation and runoff, and protect uncontaminated areas.

– Segregate wastes of different types to the extent possible.

– Do not discharge any wastes to land, tundra, or water without explicit approval.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Each disposal/recycling facility has operational and legal restrictions that affect what can be accepted:

– Physical limitations (particle size, solids content, offloading rate, capacity)

– Safety considerations (flash point, pH)

– Permit/regulatory restrictions (waste classification, storage requirements)

– Ballot agreements or other legal stipulations (may exclude certain users)

– Operating procedures (site-specific paperwork and training requirements).

• Facility personnel have authority to reject any material that does not meet their operational and safety criteria.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EXAMPLES OF INTERIM STORAGE SITES 

FOR OIL-CONTAMINATED SNOW AND ICE

LOCATION FACILITY DISTANCE FROM PM2 AT WEST DOCK

STORAGE 

CAPACITY

West Dock StagingArea West Dock 2.3 miles Appx. 30 acres

Put 23 Mine Site Staging AreaSouth Put River 

boat launch

8.1 miles Appx. 200 acres

OSP Staging Area North of FS 1 9.9 miles Appx. 25 acres

Pad 3, Cell 2, West Pit Pad 3 14.0 miles Cell 2: 51,500 yd3

W. Pit: 1,500 yd3

Alpine CD-1 and CD-2 — Appx. 2 acres

LOCATION CONTACT PHONE

Kuparuk River Unit Environmental Coordinator 659-7242 or 7212

Greater Prudhoe Bay Area Environmental Advisor 659-4789 or 5893

Milne Point Unit Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Endicott Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Badami Environmental Advisor 670-3473

Alpine Environmental Coordinator 670-4200

Northstar HSE Advisor 670-3507

Alyeska PS-1 Environmental Specialist 278-1611 x4185 or x4485

TYPICAL LIQUID PROCESSING CAPACITY

 Snow Melter • 30 cu. yd/hr of lightly oiled snow and 30 bbl/hr of resulting liquids

• 30 cu. yd/hr of heavily oiled snow and 70 bbl/hr of resulting oil

EQUIPMENT BASE

 LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

 Snow Melter EOA, APC Snow melting 1 3 2 hr 2 hr
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-1 Ice Road Construction for Access to Winter Tundra Spill (Page 1 of 2) Ice Road Construction for Access to Winter Tundra Spill (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-1

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

An ice road is built by spraying water from a water truck onto the surface of a lake, the 

tundra, or the sea. The water is allowed to freeze in place, while layers are continually added. 

Thickness of the ice road depends on equipment that will be traveling over it and on the 

terrain. The water truck tank is insulated to keep the water from freezing, and truck exhaust is 

normally routed through the box containing the pump to keep the pump from freezing. An ice ramp 

is constructed to gain access off the pad or road, and requires a greater thickness than the road 

itself. An alternate source of water is accessed by drilling holes into the sea ice or a lake. 

Methods of building ice roads include the following:

• Water trucks in conjunction with either a loader pulling a drag, a Challenger pulling a drag, 

or a grader smoothing out the surface. All of these combine lifts of snow with the water.

• Rolligons may be used on sea ice for flooding purposes.

Gravel Pad

Water Truck

Challenger

Rolligon with Auger

CHALLENGER

CAT

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• When working with equipment around or near flowlines, add a spotter to each front-end loader and Challenger.

• Ice road construction around the spill allows heavy equipment, including end dumps, to access the spill, and 

protects the underlying tundra.

• An ice road provides containment of any oil melting out during breakup.

• Ice-road construction rates are temperature-dependent.

• A water withdrawal permit may be needed.

CAPACITIES FOR PLANNING

• Ice road construction around the largest tank spill on the Slope would use two 12-hr shifts, while ice ramp construction would use three 12-hr shifts, for usable ice road.

• One lift = 6 inches of ice on ice road (4 inches on sea ice).

• One lift is made in one 12-hr shift.

• It takes 48 hr to build a serviceable ice road with fresh water and air temperatures less than 0°F.

• Distance of 6-inch-lift a water truck can lay: <1,760 ft in 12 hr (for 1 water truck and 1 loader with drag).

• Distance of 4-inch-lift a Rolligon can lay: <3,000 ft in 12 hr.

• See Tactic R-1 for capacities of dump trucks available on the North Slope.

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

or

* Alpine and Western Geophysical have 1 Challenger with blade TOTAL STAFF >7

and Caribou Construction has 6. Western Geo and Caribou 

Challengers are normally out with seismic crews in winter and 

would not be available for at least 24 hours.

EQUIPMENT BASE LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. 

STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Water Truck All Ice road construction >2 >2 2 hr 0.5 hr

Challenger Dozer

with Drag

EOA, Alpine, Western 

Geophysial, 

Caribou

 Construction*

Ice road construction 1 (3 are

 available on 

the Slope)

1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Rolligon with Auger CATCO, AIC Ice road construction 6 6 6 hr 2 hr

Roto Trimmer KRU, GPB Ice mining and ice 

road thickening

1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Grader All Smoothing ice road 1 1 2 hr 0.5 hr

Dump Trucks KRU, WOA, EOA, 

Peak, AIC, Alpine

Work with roto 

trimmer

>2 >2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Front-End Loader All Load dump truck 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

SUPPORT

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, Alpine Transport Challenger 1 1 driver 1 hr 0

Hose All Spraying water 1 1 1 hr 0

Pumps All Transferring water >1 1 1 hr 1 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for initial setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally.

1 hr 0.5 hr

Fuel Truck All Fuel heavy equipment 1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Lube Truck All, except Badami Provide fluids to 

heavy equipment

1 Once per shift 1 hr 0.5 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except Badami Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-2 Staging Areas (Page 1 of 4) Staging Areas (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC L-2

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

A staging area is a location where personnel and equipment are temporarily placed for tactical 

deployment during an oil spill response. The staging area provides a system for receiving, 

tracking and documenting all personnel, equipment, and supplies coming into and out of the 

staging area from North Slope and out-of-region locations.

The staging area provides a security checkpoint, a field command post, portable toilets, 

break room, decontamination, communications, and a safety officer. The staging area may 

also include a heliport and wildlife trailer.

Equipment

Staging Area Heliport

Communications

Water

Tundra

Equipment

Staging

Area

Personnel

Warm-up

Decon

BoomBoomBoom

Access Road

Access Road

Staging Area

Office

Command

Center

Mechanics

Parking

Security

Check

In Check In/Out Station

Check In/Out Station

Main Security Checkpoint

Boat Launch

Check

Out

Main Road

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

Example of a staging area

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Additional personnel may be required: Staging Area Manager, Documentation Coordinator, Communications 

Coordinator, and Resource Coordinator.

*1 portable toilet for every 

10 people

TOTAL STAFF FOR OFFSHORE STAGING AREA 24

TOTAL STAFF FOR ONSHORE STAGING AREA 20

EQUIPMENT BASE

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Staging Area 

Manager’s Office

KRU, WOA, EOA Office duties 1 4 for setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

SRT Command Center WOA, KRU, EOA, 

ACS

SRT Lead 1 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Generator All Power 2 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

966 Loader All Misc. support 2 2 1 hr 0.5 hr

Bobcat with Forks KRU, EOA, ACS, 

Alpine

Staging area organization 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

Semi and Trailer EOA, WOA, KRU, 

Alpine

Transfer of equipment and 

supplies

1 1 driver 1 hr 0.5 hr

Pickup Trucks All Expediting & misc. support 6 6 0.5 hr 0.5 hr

Envirovac EOA, WOA, ACS Staff needs 1 — 1 hr 1 hr

Communications 

Center

ACS Communications 1 2 for setup 1 hr 1 hr

Weatherport Buildings 

(12x20)

EOA, WOA, 

Endicott, ACS, 

KRU, Alpine

Staging area 

shelter/working area

2 — 1 hr 1 hr

Port-a-Potties* KRU, WOA, EOA, 

ACS

Staff needs 2 — 1 hr 0.5 hr

Breakroom KRU, WOA, EOA, 

ACS

Staff needs 1 — 1 hr 1 hr

Wet or Dry Decon Unit KRU, WOA, EOA, 

ACS

Decontamination 1 See Tactic S-6 1 hr 1 hr

Mechanic Truck All, except 

Badami

Support equipment 1 1 1 hr 0.5 hr

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

• Additional personnel may be required: Beach Master, Heliport Manager, and Check In / Check Out Coordinator.

EQUIPMENT BASE

 LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT MOBE TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Heliport KRU, WOA, EOA Helicopter support 1 2 for setup 1 hr 1 hr

Light Plant All Illumination >1 2 for inital setup, 

and 1 to check and 

fuel occasionally

1 hr 0.5 hr

Wildlife Trailer EOA, KRU Wildlife support 1 2 1 hr 1 hr

Tioga Heaters All Heat >1 1 for intial setup 1 hr 0.5 hr

Freighter Air Boats ACS, Alpine Equipment and 

personnel transport

2 8 1 hr 0
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 05/08 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC L-2 Staging Areas (Page 3 of 4) Staging Areas (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC L-2

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Several existing gravel pads across the North Slope may be available as staging areas for major cleanup 

operations. Permission may be obtained from ConocoPhillips, BPXA, their contractors and/or others for use 

of the gravel pad space.

• For remote areas more than 1 mile off the road/pad system, rolligons may be utilized for transport and as 

work platforms.

• Approval from the Operations Section Chief is required for any vehicle tundra travel (off-road or off-pad), 

which must be in accordance with ACS’ emergency tundra travel permit (See Tactic A-3). Any excavations 

in tundra or any tundra damage must be reported to the Operations Section Chief. All on-tundra activity 

must be documented and reported to the Planning Section for reporting to ensure permit compliance. Avoid 

archeological sites and biologically sensitive habitats. Travel across tundra with tracked vehicles, heavy 

equipment, and even foot traffic can seriously damage the vegetative mat, induce thermokarst, and cause 

structure disturbance. Using sheets of plywood as a traveling surface and minimizing trips with equipment 

greatly reduce disturbance of the tundra.

• Mobimat material may be used on mud flats to create a work platform.

CHECKLIST FOR STAGING AREAS

• Purposes for Staging Areas:

– Location where incident personnel and equipment are available for tactical deployment

– Can serve as a check-in location for equipment and personnel reporting to the incident

• Guidelines for Staging Areas:

– Designated by Operations Section Chief

– Qualified staging area manager assigned to each staging area

– Resources in staging area must be ready for assignment within time specified by Operations Section Chief

– Should be in easily accessible locations within reasonable distance of incident site

• Logistical Needs for Staging Areas:

– Open area for maneuverability of equipment

– Electric power, phone and fax service

– Radio communication with Operations Section Chief and ICP Communications Center

– Office trailer or building on site or nearby

– Supplies and consumables for personnel and equipment (food, fuel, water, sanitation)

– Medical plan and appropriate emergency medical supplies for personnel

– Security needs, depending upon location and other available security control

• Number and Type of Resources Assembled at a Staging Area:

– Determined by Operations Section Chief based on what is considered an appropriate reserve to meet expected 

contingencies

– Can change based on existing or changing operational or other conditions

– Must be evaluated based on comparison of cost and operational benefits of maintaining equipment at staging 

area versus at more central warehousing facility

– May depend upon main purpose of staging area (i.e., whether to serve as resource pool for available equipment or as check-in area for incoming resources)

• Staging Area Manager Should be Assigned Whenever a Staging Area is Established, Especially When:

– Staging area becomes “permanent” for duration of incident response

– Staging area is large, with numerous equipment items assigned

• Staging Area Manager’s Duties Include:

– Obtain a briefing from Operations Section Chief

– Proceed to staging area and establish staging area layout

– Determine support needs for equipment, feeding, sanitation and security

– Establish check-in process as appropriate, including communications to ICP

– Post areas for identification and traffic control

– Request maintenance service for equipment at staging area as appropriate

– Respond to requests for resource assignments

– Obtain and issue receipts for supplies distributed and received

– Report resource status changes as required

– Maintain staging area in an orderly condition

– Demobilize staging area in accordance with incident demobilization plan

– Maintain Unit Log
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-3 Deployment Strategies (Page 1 of 6) Deployment Strategies (Page 2 of 6) TACTIC L-3

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

The transport of equipment and personnel to a spill site will be primarily by vehicle or vessel. Rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft 

may also be used depending on the circumstances of the spill. The following tables provide travel times for the various modes 

of transport. The individual tactics in this manual provide the times to mobilize equipment so that it is ready for transport and the 

times deploy specific pieces of equipment once they arrive on scene.

TABLE 1

TRAVEL TIME FOR LIGHT-TRANSPORT FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT 

AT A PLANNING SPEED OF 150 MPH (HOURS)

TABLE 2

TRAVEL TIME FOR HEAVY TRANSPORT FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT 

AT PLANNING SPEED OF 300 MPH (HOURS)

Dimensions of Major North Slope Airstrips:

• Alpine 5,000 ft x 100 ft

• Badami 5,100 ft x 85 ft

• Barrow 6,500 ft x 150 ft

• Barter Island 4,800 ft x 100 ft

• Bullen Point 3,500 ft x 70 ft

• CD-3 (Alpine) 3,000 ft x 75 ft

• Deadhorse 6,500 ft x 150 ft

• Kuparuk 6,000 ft x 130 ft

• Nuiqsut 4,343 ft x 90 ft

• Point Hope 4,000 ft x 75 ft

• Point Lay 3,519 ft x 80 ft

• Umiat 5,400 ft x 75 ft

• Wainwright 4,494 ft x 90 ft

AnchorageBadamiBarrowBarter IslandBullen PointDeadhorse/Prudhoe BayFairbanksKenaiKuparukNuiqsut/AlpinePoint HopePoint LayPt. ThomsonSeattleUmiatValdezWainwright

Anchorage 2.2 2.4 2.1 2.3 2.1 0.9 0.3 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.2 4.8 1.9 0.4 2.4

Badami 2.2 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.1 1.2 2.5 0.2 0.3 1.7 1.3 0.1 7.0 0.5 2.1 1.0

Barrow 2.4 0.8 1.1 0.8 0.7 1.7 2.5 0.7 0.5 1.1 0.6 0.8 7.2 0.6 2.7 0.3

Barter Island 2.1 0.3 1.1 0.3 0.4 1.3 2.8 0.5 0.6 2.0 1.6 0.2 7.0 0.7 2.1 1.3

Bullen Point 2.3 0.0 0.8 0.3 0.1 1.2 2.5 0.2 0.3 1.7 1.3 0.1 7.1 0.5 2.3 1.0

Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay 2.1 0.1 0.7 0.4 0.1 1.3 2.4 0.1 0.2 1.6 1.2 0.2 7.0 0.4 2.2 0.9

Fairbanks 0.9 1.2 1.7 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.9 1.8 1.2 4.9 1.1 0.8 1.7

Kenai 0.3 2.5 2.5 2.8 2.5 2.4 1.2 2.5 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.5 4.8 2.0 0.6 2.5

Kuparuk 2.2 0.2 0.7 0.5 0.2 0.1 1.4 2.5 0.1 1.5 1.1 0.3 7.0 0.3 2.3 0.8

Nuiqsut/Alpine 2.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.2 1.4 2.6 0.1 1.4 1.0 0.4 7.2 0.2 2.3 0.7

Point Hope 2.3 1.7 1.1 2.0 1.7 1.6 1.9 2.4 1.5 1.4 0.5 1.8 7.0 1.3 2.6 0.8

Point Lay 2.3 1.3 0.6 1.6 1.3 1.2 1.8 2.4 1.1 1.0 0.5 1.4 6.9 0.9 2.5 0.3

Pt. Thomson 2.2 0.1 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.2 1.2 2.5 0.3 0.4 1.8 1.4 7.0 0.5 2.1 1.1

Seattle 4.8 7.0 7.2 7.0 7.1 7.0 4.9 4.8 7.0 7.2 7.0 6.9 7.0 6.1 4.4 6.7

Umiat 1.9 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.4 1.1 2.0 0.3 0.2 1.3 0.9 0.5 6.1 2.0 0.7

Valdez 0.4 2.1 2.7 2.1 2.3 2.2 0.8 0.6 2.3 2.3 2.6 2.5 2.1 4.4 2.0 2.5

Wainwright 2.4 1.0 0.3 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.7 2.5 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.3 1.1 6.7 0.7 2.5

Transit time may be greater during winter whiteouts, break-up, foggy conditions, or other adverse weather.

AnchorageBadamiBarrowBarter IslandBullen PointDeadhorse/Prudhoe BayFairbanksKenaiKuparukNuiqsut/AlpinePoint HopePoint LayPt. ThomsonSeattleUmiatValdezWainwright

Anchorage 4.3 4.8 4.3 4.5 4.3 1.9 0.5 4.3 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.4 9.7 3.8 0.8 4.7

Badami 4.3 1.6 0.6 0.0 0.2 2.4 5.0 0.4 0.6 3.4 2.6 0.1 14.0 0.9 4.2 2.1

Barrow 4.8 1.6 2.1 1.6 1.3 3.5 5.1 1.3 1.1 2.1 1.2 1.7 14.5 1.1 5.3 0.6

Barter Island 4.3 0.6 2.1 0.6 0.8 2.7 5.6 1.0 1.2 3.9 3.1 0.3 14.0 1.4 4.3 2.6

Bullen Point 4.5 0.0 1.6 0.6 0.2 2.4 5.0 0.4 0.7 3.4 2.6 0.1 14.2 0.9 4.6 2.1

Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay 4.3 0.2 1.3 0.8 0.2 2.7 4.8 0.2 0.4 3.1 2.3 0.3 14.0 0.7 4.3 1.8

Fairbanks 1.9 2.4 3.5 2.7 2.4 2.7 2.4 2.8 2.8 3.8 3.5 2.4 9.9 2.2 1.6 3.4

Kenai 0.5 5.0 5.1 5.6 5.0 4.8 2.4 5.0 5.2 4.7 4.8 5.0 9.6 4.1 1.2 4.9

Kuparuk 4.3 0.4 1.3 1.0 0.4 0.2 2.8 5.0 0.2 3.0 2.2 0.5 14.1 0.6 4.5 1.6

Nuiqsut/Alpine 4.4 0.6 1.1 1.2 0.7 0.4 2.8 5.2 0.2 2.8 1.9 0.6 14.4 0.5 4.5 1.4

Point Hope 4.6 3.4 2.1 3.9 3.4 3.1 3.8 4.7 3.0 2.8 0.9 3.5 14.0 2.5 5.2 1.5

Point Lay 4.6 2.6 1.2 3.1 2.6 2.3 3.5 4.8 2.2 1.9 0.9 2.7 13.7 1.8 5.1 0.6

Pt. Thomson 4.4 0.1 1.7 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.4 5.0 0.5 0.6 3.5 2.7 14.0 1.0 4.2 2.2

Seattle 9.7 14.0 14.5 14.0 14.2 14.0 9.9 9.6 14.1 14.4 14.0 13.7 14.0 12.1 8.9 13.5

Umiat 3.8 0.9 1.1 1.4 0.9 0.7 2.2 4.1 0.6 0.5 2.5 1.8 1.0 12.1 4.0 1.4

Valdez 0.8 4.2 5.3 4.3 4.6 4.3 1.6 1.2 4.5 4.5 5.2 5.1 4.2 8.9 4.0 5.1

Wainwright 4.7 2.1 0.6 2.6 2.1 1.8 3.4 4.9 1.6 1.4 1.5 0.6 2.2 13.5 1.4 5.1

Transit time may be greater during winter whiteouts, break-up, foggy conditions, or other adverse weather.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-3 Deployment Strategies (Page 3 of 6) Deployment Strategies (Page 4 of 6) TACTIC L-3

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TABLE 3

TRAVEL TIME FOR HELICOPTERS

AT PLANNING SPEED OF 100 MPH (HOURS)

TABLE 4

TRAVEL TIME FOR VESSELS AT PLANNING SPEED OF 5 KNOTS (HOURS)

AnchorageBadamiBarrowBarter IslandBullen PointDeadhorseEndicott Main Production IslandFairbanksKenaiKuparuk Central Production Facilities #1Kuparuk River Staging Area WestLiberty Production IslandMilne Point Central Faclities PadNorthstar Production IslandNuiqsut/AlpineOliktok PointOooguruk Production IslandPoint HopePoint LayPt. Thomson (Pad)Pump Station #4UmiatWainwrightWest Dock

Anchorage 6.6 7.2 6.4 6.8 6.4 6.5 2.8 0.8 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.8 6.5 7.0 6.7 6.9 5.0 5.7 7.1 6.5

Badami 6.6 2.4 0.9 0.1 0.3 0.2 3.6 7.5 0.6 0.5 0.1 0.6 0.4 1.0 0.6 0.8 5.1 3.4 0.3 1.4 1.4 3.1 0.3

Barrow 7.2 2.4 3.2 0.9 2.0 2.1 5.2 7.6 2.0 2.1 2.2 1.8 2.0 1.6 1.7 1.6 3.2 1.8 2.7 2.5 1.7 0.9 2.0

Barter Island 6.4 0.9 3.2 0.9 1.2 1.1 4.0 8.4 1.5 1.4 1.0 1.4 1.3 1.9 1.5 1.6 5.9 4.7 0.6 1.9 2.2 3.9 1.2

Bullen Point 6.8 0.1 0.9 0.9 0.4 0.3 3.7 7.6 0.7 0.5 0.2 0.6 0.4 1.0 0.7 0.8 5.1 3.9 0.2 1.5 1.4 3.1 0.4

Deadhorse 6.4 0.3 2.0 1.2 0.4 0.1 4.0 7.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.7 0.4 0.5 4.7 3.5 0.6 1.4 1.1 2.7 0.1

Endicott

Main Production Island 6.5 0.2 2.1 1.1 0.3 0.1 4.1 7.3 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.7 0.4 0.5 4.8 3.6 0.4 1.5 1.2 2.8 0.1

Fairbanks 2.8 3.6 5.2 4.0 3.7 4.0 4.1 3.6 4.3 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.0 5.7 5.3 3.9 2.6 3.4 5.1 4.1

Kenai 0.8 7.5 7.6 8.4 7.6 7.2 7.3 3.6 7.5 7.4 7.4 7.6 7.4 7.9 7.5 6.9 7.1 7.2 7.8 5.8 6.1 7.4 7.3

Kuparuk Central

Production Facilities #1 6.5 0.6 2.0 1.5 0.7 0.3 0.4 4.3 7.5 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.2 4.4 3.2 0.9 1.5 0.9 2.4 0.3

Kuparuk River

Staging Area West 6.5 0.5 2.1 1.4 0.5 0.2 0.2 4.2 7.4 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.3 4.6 3.4 0.8 1.4 1.0 2.6 0.1

Liberty Production Island 6.6 0.1 2.2 1.0 0.2 0.2 0.1 4.2 7.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.8 0.5 0.6 4.9 3.7 0.3 1.6 1.2 2.9 0.2

Milne Point

Central Faclities Pad 6.6 0.6 1.8 1.4 0.6 0.2 0.3 4.3 7.6 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.2 4.5 3.2 0.9 1.5 1.0 2.4 0.2

Northstar

Production Island 6.6 0.4 2.0 1.3 0.4 0.2 0.2 4.2 7.4 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.4 4.6 3.4 0.7 1.6 1.1 2.6 0.1

Nuiqsut/Alpine 6.6 1.0 1.6 1.9 1.0 0.7 0.7 4.3 7.9 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 4.1 2.9 1.3 1.6 0.4 2.1 0.6

Oliktok Point 6.8 0.6 1.7 1.5 0.7 0.4 0.4 4.4 7.5 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.1 4.4 3.2 0.9 1.6 1.0 2.4 0.3

Oooguruk

Production Island 6.5 0.8 1.6 1.6 0.8 0.5 0.5 4.0 6.9 0.2 0.3 0.6 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.1 4.3 3.1 0.8 1.5 0.9 2.9 0.4

Point Hope 7.0 5.1 3.2 5.9 5.1 4.7 4.8 5.7 7.1 4.4 4.6 4.9 4.5 4.6 4.1 4.4 4.3 1.4 5.3 4.4 3.8 2.3 4.7

Point Lay 6.7 3.4 1.8 4.7 3.9 3.5 3.6 5.3 7.2 3.2 3.4 3.7 3.2 3.4 2.9 3.2 3.1 1.4 4.1 3.5 2.7 0.9 3.4

Pt. Thomson (Pad) 6.9 0.3 2.7 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.4 3.9 7.8 0.9 0.8 0.3 0.9 0.7 1.3 0.9 0.8 5.3 4.1 1.7 1.5 3.3 0.6

Pump Station #4 5.0 1.4 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.4 1.5 2.6 5.8 1.5 1.4 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 4.4 3.5 1.7 1.0 3.0 1.5

Umiat 5.7 1.4 1.7 2.2 1.4 1.1 1.2 3.4 6.1 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.0 1.1 0.4 1.0 0.9 3.8 2.7 1.5 1.0 2.1 1.1

Wainwright 7.1 3.1 0.9 3.9 3.1 2.7 2.8 5.1 7.4 2.4 2.6 2.9 2.4 2.6 2.1 2.4 2.9 2.3 0.9 3.3 3.0 2.1 2.7

West Dock 6.5 0.3 2.0 1.2 0.4 0.1 0.1 4.1 7.3 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.6 0.3 0.4 4.7 3.4 0.6 1.5 1.1 2.7

Transit time may be greater during winter whiteouts, break-up, foggy conditions, or other adverse weather.

Transit time may be greater during winter whiteouts, break-up, foggy conditions, or other adverse weather.

North Border CAN/US

Thompson Point

Badami

Delta River Kadleroshilik

SDI Endicott

Island Production Main Endcott

Launch River Sagavanirktok BP

Dock East

Access River Deadhorse

West Launch River Putuligayuk

2 Launch Dock West

(STP) Dock West

Island Production Northstar

Delta River Kuparuk

Launch River Kuparuk

Mouth Creek Central

North) Isl (Spy ENI

Point Oliktok

Island Production Oooguruk

Delta River Colville

Simpson Cape

Barrow

Wainwright

Lay Point

Hope Point

CAN/US Border North 23.8 28.1 31.0 32.7 33.4 35.0 35.1 36.3 35.7 35.7 36.3 37.5 37.8 39.2 40.4 42.1 42.2 43.9 44.1 53.4 74.6 90.7 108.0 134.1

Point Thompson 23.8 4.3 7.2 7.7 8.4 11.3 11.3 12.5 10.7 10.7 11.3 12.5 12.8 14.2 15.4 17.1 17.2 18.8 19.1 28.3 49.5 65.6 82.9 109.0

Badami 28.1 4.3 2.9 4.7 5.3 7.0 7.1 8.3 6.5 7.6 7.8 9.0 10.5 11.9 13.1 13.6 13.7 15.3 15.6 24.8 46.0 62.0 79.4 105.5

Kadleroshilik River Delta 31.0 7.2 2.9 1.7 2.4 4.0 4.1 5.3 3.5 4.7 4.9 6.1 6.3 7.8 8.9 10.7 10.7 12.1 12.7 20.3 41.5 57.6 74.9 101.0

Endicott SDI 32.7 7.7 4.7 1.7 0.7 2.3 2.4 3.6 3.0 3.0 3.1 4.4 4.6 6.1 7.2 8.9 8.8 10.4 10.9 18.6 39.8 55.9 73.2 99.3

Endcott Main Production Island 33.4 8.4 5.3 2.4 0.7 1.7 1.7 2.9 2.3 2.3 2.5 3.7 3.9 5.4 6.5 8.2 8.1 9.7 10.3 17.9 39.1 55.2 72.5 98.6

BP Sagavanirktok River Launch 35.0 11.3 7.0 4.0 2.3 1.7 2.6 1.3 3.3 2.9 3.1 4.1 4.5 6.0 6.9 8.9 8.7 9.0 9.6 18.6 39.7 55.8 73.1 99.3

East Dock 35.1 11.3 7.1 4.1 2.4 1.7 2.6 3.8 0.7 1.2 1.5 2.6 2.9 4.4 5.8 7.3 7.2 8.9 9.5 19.0 40.2 56.3 73.6 99.7

Deadhorse River Access 36.3 12.5 8.3 5.3 3.6 2.9 1.3 3.8 4.5 4.1 3.0 4.2 4.5 5.9 7.1 8.7 8.7 10.3 10.9 19.8 41.0 57.1 74.4 100.5

Putuligayuk River Launch West 35.7 10.7 6.5 3.5 3.0 2.3 3.3 0.7 4.5 1.1 1.7 2.9 3.2 4.6 5.8 7.5 7.6 9.3 9.9 17.4 38.5 54.6 71.9 98.1

West Dock Launch 2 35.7 10.7 7.6 4.7 3.0 2.3 2.9 1.2 4.1 1.1 0.6 1.8 2.1 3.5 4.7 6.4 6.5 8.2 8.8 16.2 37.4 53.5 70.8 97.0

West Dock (STP) 36.3 11.3 7.8 4.9 3.1 2.5 3.1 1.5 3.0 1.7 0.6 1.2 1.5 2.9 4.3 5.8 5.9 7.6 8.1 15.6 36.8 52.9 70.2 96.4

Northstar Production Island 37.5 12.5 9.0 6.1 4.4 3.7 4.1 2.6 4.2 2.9 1.8 1.2 1.0 2.5 3.3 4.8 4.8 6.4 6.9 14.5 35.7 51.8 69.1 95.3

Kuparuk River Delta 37.8 12.8 10.5 6.3 4.6 3.9 4.5 2.9 4.5 3.2 2.1 1.5 1.0 1.4 2.6 4.4 4.3 5.9 6.5 15.5 36.7 52.7 70.0 96.2

Kuparuk River Launch 39.2 14.2 11.9 7.8 6.1 5.4 6.0 4.4 5.9 4.6 3.5 2.9 2.5 1.4 4.0 5.8 5.8 7.4 7.9 16.9 38.1 54.2 71.5 97.6

Central Creek Mouth 40.4 15.4 13.1 8.9 7.2 6.5 6.9 5.8 7.1 5.8 4.7 4.3 3.3 2.6 4.0 2.0 2.0 3.6 4.2 13.1 34.3 50.4 67.7 93.8

ENI (Spy Isl North) 42.1 17.1 13.6 10.7 8.9 8.2 8.9 7.3 8.7 7.5 6.4 5.8 4.8 4.4 5.8 2.0 0.6 1.8 2.4 9.8 31.0 47.1 64.4 90.6

Oliktok Point 42.2 17.2 13.7 10.7 8.8 8.1 8.7 7.2 8.7 7.6 6.5 5.9 4.8 4.3 5.8 2.0 0.6 1.6 2.2 10.2 31.4 47.4 64.8 90.9

Oooguruk Production Island 43.9 18.8 15.3 12.1 10.4 9.7 9.0 8.9 10.3 9.3 8.2 7.6 6.4 5.9 7.4 3.6 1.8 1.6 0.8 8.5 29.6 45.7 63.0 89.2

Colville River Delta 44.1 19.1 15.6 12.7 10.9 10.3 9.6 9.5 10.9 9.9 8.8 8.1 6.9 6.5 7.9 4.2 2.4 2.2 0.8 9.1 30.3 48.8 66.1 92.2

Cape Simpson 53.4 28.3 24.8 20.3 18.6 17.9 18.6 19.0 19.8 17.4 16.2 15.6 14.5 15.5 16.9 13.1 9.8 10.2 8.5 9.1 21.2 37.3 54.6 80.7

Barrow 74.6 49.5 46.0 41.5 39.8 39.1 39.7 40.2 41.0 38.5 37.4 36.8 35.7 36.7 38.1 34.3 31.0 31.4 29.6 30.3 21.2 16.1 33.4 59.5

Wainwright 90.7 65.6 62.0 57.6 55.9 55.2 55.8 56.3 57.1 54.6 53.5 52.9 51.8 52.7 54.2 50.4 47.1 47.4 45.7 48.8 37.3 16.1 17.3 43.4

Point Lay 108.0 82.9 79.4 74.9 73.2 72.5 73.1 73.6 74.4 71.9 70.8 70.2 69.1 70.0 71.5 67.7 64.4 64.8 63.0 66.1 54.6 33.4 17.3 26.1

Point Hope 134.1 109.0 105.5 101.0 99.3 98.6 99.3 99.7 100.5 98.1 97.0 96.4 95.3 96.2 97.6 93.8 90.6 90.9 89.2 92.2 80.7 59.5 43.4 26.1
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC L-3 Deployment Strategies (Page 5 of 6) Deployment Strategies (Page 6 of 6) TACTIC L-3

TABLE 5

TRAVEL TIME FOR VEHICLES

AT PLANNING SPEED OF 35 MPH (HOURS)

THIS PAGE DELIBERATELY LEFT BLANK

Dalton Highway legal weight limits:

• 2 axle 38,000 lb

• 3 axle 42,000 lb

• 4 axle 50,000 lb

Endicott Causeway legal weight limit: 80 tons gross, 40 tons per axle

West Dock Causeway legal weight limit: 130 tons gross Alpine1 Anchorage Badami1 Badami Pipeline tie-in at Endicott Causeway BPX Base Operations Camp Deadhorse Endicott Main Production Island Fairbanks

Heald Pt.Kuparuk CentralProduction Facilities #1Kuparuk CentralProduction Facilities #2Kuparuk River StagingAreaMilne Point CentralProduction FacilityNikiskiNorthstar ProductionIsland1Oliktok Pt.Oooguruk ProductionIsland1PBOCPoint Thomson (Pad)1Pump Station #1ValdezWest Dock

Alpine1 25.8 2.8 2.2 1.6 1.9 2.5 15.6 2.1 1.0 0.8 1.4 1.4 30.1 2.0 1.3 1.4 1.9 3.2 1.7 26.0 1.8

Anchorage 25.8 25.0 24.4 24.2 23.9 24.5 10.2 24.2 24.8 25.0 24.4 25.0 4.3 24.6 25.3 25.4 24.0 25.5 24.1 8.7 24.4

Badami1 2.8 25.0 0.6 1.2 1.0 0.8 14.7 1.0 1.9 2.0 1.4 2.0 29.2 1.4 2.3 2.4 0.9 0.5 1.1 25.1 1.2

Badami Pipeline tie-in at

Endicott Causeway 2.2 24.4 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.2 14.1 0.4 1.3 1.4 0.8 1.4 28.6 0.8 1.7 1.8 0.3 1.1 0.5 24.5 0.6

BPX Base Operations Camp 1.6 24.2 1.2 0.6 0.3 0.9 14.0 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.8 28.5 0.5 1.1 1.2 0.3 1.7 0.1 24.4 0.3

Deadhorse 1.9 23.9 1.0 0.4 0.3 0.6 13.7 0.3 0.9 1.1 0.5 1.0 28.2 0.6 1.3 1.4 0.1 1.5 0.1 24.1 0.4

Endicott Main Production

Island 2.5 24.5 0.8 0.2 0.9 0.6 14.3 0.7 1.5 1.7 1.1 1.6 28.8 1.2 1.9 2.0 0.5 1.3 0.7 24.7 1.0

Fairbanks 15.6 10.2 14.7 14.1 14.0 13.7 14.3 14.0 14.6 14.8 14.2 14.7 14.5 14.3 15.1 15.2 13.8 15.2 13.9 10.4 14.1

Heald Pt. 2.1 24.2 1.0 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.7 14.0 1.2 1.3 0.7 1.3 28.5 0.7 1.6 1.7 0.2 1.5 0.4 24.4 0.5

Kuparuk Central Production

Facilities #1 1.0 24.8 1.9 1.3 0.6 0.9 1.5 14.6 1.2 0.2 0.4 0.4 29.1 1.0 0.5 0.6 1.0 2.4 0.7 25.0 0.8

Kuparuk Central Production

Facilities #2 0.8 25.0 2.0 1.4 0.8 1.1 1.7 14.8 1.3 0.2 0.6 0.6 29.3 1.2 0.5 0.6 1.1 2.5 0.9 25.2 1.0

Kuparuk River Staging Area 1.4 24.4 1.4 0.8 0.2 0.5 1.1 14.2 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.6 28.7 0.6 0.9 1.0 0.5 1.9 0.3 24.6 0.4

Milne Point Central

Production Facility 1.4 25.0 2.0 1.4 0.8 1.0 1.6 14.7 1.3 0.4 0.6 0.6 29.3 1.1 0.9 1.0 1.1 2.5 0.9 25.1 0.9

Nikiski 30.1 4.3 29.2 28.6 28.5 28.2 28.8 14.5 28.5 29.1 29.3 28.7 29.3 28.9 29.6 29.7 28.3 29.7 28.4 13.0 28.7

Northstar Production Island1 2.0 24.6 1.4 0.8 0.5 0.6 1.2 14.3 0.7 1.0 1.2 0.6 1.1 28.9 1.5 1.6 0.5 1.9 0.5 24.7 0.2

Oliktok Pt. 1.3 25.3 2.3 1.7 1.1 1.3 1.9 15.1 1.6 0.5 0.5 0.9 0.9 29.6 1.5 0.5 1.4 2.8 1.2 25.5 1.3

Oooguruk Production Island1 1.4 25.4 2.4 1.8 1.2 1.4 2.0 15.2 1.7 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.0 29.7 1.6 0.5 1.5 2.9 1.3 25.6 1.4

PBOC 1.9 24.0 0.9 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.5 13.8 0.2 1.0 1.1 0.5 1.1 28.3 0.5 1.4 1.5 1.4 0.2 24.2 0.3

Point Thomson (Pad)1 3.2 25.5 0.5 1.1 1.7 1.5 1.3 15.2 1.5 2.4 2.5 1.9 2.5 29.7 1.9 2.8 2.9 1.4 1.6 25.6 1.7

Pump Station #1 1.7 24.1 1.1 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.7 13.9 0.4 0.7 0.9 0.3 0.9 28.4 0.5 1.2 1.3 0.2 1.6 24.3 0.3

Valdez 26.0 8.7 25.1 24.5 24.4 24.1 24.7 10.4 24.4 25.0 25.2 24.6 25.1 13.0 24.7 25.5 25.6 24.2 25.6 24.3 24.5

West Dock 1.8 24.4 1.2 0.6 0.3 0.4 1.0 14.1 0.5 0.8 1.0 0.4 0.9 28.7 0.2 1.3 1.4 0.3 1.7 0.3 24.5

Transit time may be greater during winter whiteouts, break-up, foggy conditions, or other adverse weather. 1

Accessible by vehicle only in winter months via ice road. Expect travel times listed to vary due to ice road conditions and

speed limits.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-4 Logistical Support (Page 1 of 2) Logistical Support (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-4

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

TYPE NO.

(L x W x 

Depth, ft)

LIQUID 

CAP.

(bbl)

DECK 

CAP.

LIGHT 

DRAFT

LOADED 

DRAFT OWNER AVAILABILITY OBLIGATION

200 Series Barges

( A1 classification)

2 200x60x12 5,500 2,750 

s/t

1' 8" 12' 5" Crowley Stationed at 

Prudhoe Bay

ACS Master 

Services 

Agreement

River Class Tug

(1,100 hp)

2 — — — — 3' Crowley Stationed at 

Prudhoe Bay

ACS Master 

Services 

Agreement

IDENTIFICATION OF AIRCRAFT, VESSELS, AND OTHER MEANS TO 

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

This is a suggested list of resources. Inventory and availability vary.

In addition, ACS and the North Slope operators own approximately 85 vessels in a variety of sizes and types that can be used 

for transport of personnel and equipment (see Tactic L-6).

MSA = Master Services Agreement; CPAI = ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.

Evergreen = Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska; Air Logistics = Air Logistics of Alaska

Additional aircraft are available through contracts maintained by ACS with major Alaskan air carriers.

AIRCRAFT VESSELS

ROAD TRANSPORTATION

AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES

TYPE QUANTITY OWNERSHIP AVAILABILITY OBLIGATION

Buses Minimum of 

20

BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska, Peak, APC

Used on a daily basis throughout 

the North Slope oil fields

Owned by BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska or available through ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Lowboys Minimum of 

20

BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska, VECO, H.C. 

Price, APC, Peak

Used on a daily basis throughout 

the North Slope oil fields

Owned by BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska or available through ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Hi-deck 

Trailers

Minimum of 

20

BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska, VECO, H.C. 

Price, APC, Peak

Used on a daily basis throughout 

the North Slope oil fields

Owned by BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska or available through ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Tractors Minimum of 

20

BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska, VECO, H.C. 

Price, APC, Peak

Used on a daily basis throughout 

the North Slope oil fields

Owned by BP, ConocoPhillips, 

Alyeska or available through ACS 

Master Services Agreement

TYPE QUANTITY OWNERSHIP CAPACITY MOBE TIME

LACV 30 2 at 

Deadhorse

Alaska 

Hovercraft 30-ton payload 72 hr from cold standby

TYPE

QUANTITY OWNERSHIP

PAYLOAD W/O 

PASSENGERS (LBS)RANGE 

(MILES)

PASSENGERSSPEED 

(MPH)

RUNWAY 

NEEDS

STATION 

LOCATION OBLIGATION

S-64 E/F 

Aircrane

18 Erikson 

Air-Crane Inc.

Sling 18,000 to 

21,000 

6 with 

sling load

0 115-

125 

None Central Point, OR ACS MSA

Bell 206B 2 Air Logistics Sling 350 245 4 115 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Bell 206L 6 Air Logistics Sling 500 280 6 120 None Various AK locations; one at PS4 

(long-term contract 

to Alyeska)

ACS MSA and 

Mutual Aid 

Agreement

Bell 407 2 Air Logistics Sling 1500 308 6 155 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

BO105CBS 

BOELKOW

2 Air Logistics Sling 1000 260 5 125 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Bell 212 1 Air Logistics Sling 2000 390 13 115 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Twin Otter 1 ConocoPhillips3000 on short 

VFR flights

560 15 155 2000 ft paved 

or gravel with 

heavy load

North Slope Mutual Aid 

Agreement

Casa 212 1 Yute Air 5000 on short 

VFR flights

1000 18 175 3000 ft paved 

or gravel with 

heavy load

North Slope Mutual Aid 

Agreement and 

CPAI contract

L-382 

Hercules 

(C-130)

2 Lynden Air 

Cargo

48,000 3000 N/A 400 5000 ft paved 

or gravel with 

heavy load

Anchorage Mutual Aid 

Agreement and 

Alyeska contract 

(4-hr standby)

B-737 3 BP/CPAI 

Shared 

Services

12,000 in 

cargo area

(limited space 

available) 

2400 111 440 6000 ft paved; 

two aircraft fitted for gravel 

Anchorage to 

conduct regular crew 

changes to/from the 

North Slope

Mutual Aid 

Agreement

DC6 5 Northern Air 

Cargo

28,000 2700 0 220 4000 ft paved 

or gravel

Various AK locations ACS MSA

B-727 2 Northern Air 

Cargo

41,000 1800 0 450 5000 ft paved 

or gravel

Various AK locations ACS MSA

ATR-42 1 Northern Air 

Cargo

12,000 1800 0 270 3500 ft paved 

or gravel

Various AK locations ACS MSA

Bell 214ST 1 Evergreen Sling 8000 400 17 150 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Sikorsky 

S61R

1 Evergreen Sling 6000 250 0 110 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Bell 212 with 

pop-out floats

4 Evergreen Sling 2500 250 9 105 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Bell 205A1 1 Evergreen Sling 3500 250 9 105 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

AS350B3 

“ASTAR” with 

pop-out floats

2 Evergreen 2000 400 5 130 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

AS350B2 with 

pop-out floats

3 Evergreen 2000 350 5 120 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Bell 206L3 

“Long Ranger”

2 Evergreen 1075 210 6 100 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

B206B3 

“Jet Ranger”

2 Evergreen 650 210 4 100 None Various AK locations ACS MSA

Beech King 

Air 200C

2 Evergreen N/A 950 9 250 3000 ft paved 

or gravel 

Various AK locations ACS MSA
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-5 Communications (Page 1 of 8) Communications (Page 2 of 8) TACTIC L-5

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

ACS communications capabilities consists of the Deadhorse telecommunications center and transportable remotearea communications systems. The following describes these systems, their coverage, how they are used, and how 

they are deployed.

DEADHORSE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Alaska Clean Seas Internal Radio and Telephone Communication

The telecommunication center houses equipment that supports day-to-day ACS operations and spill response 

management. A PABX telephone switch supports 90 internal extensions in the ACS offices, telecommunications 

center, and warehouse; nine local telephone utility trunks; and six trunks directly connected to ConocoPhillips, BPXA 

and Alyeska Pipeline extensions via the private digital microwave system. A VHF repeater system at the center 

provides ACS with a wide-area radio system for day-to-day operations, as well as for Slope-wide logistical support. 

A radio dispatch center is located in the administrative office. Additional dispatchers can be located elsewhere in 

the ACS facility. The radio dispatchers can access 17 oil spill radios located in the production and pipeline corridor 

and operated by ACS and its member companies. Antennas for those radios located at the center are mounted on 

a 120-foot tower. Uninterruptible power supplies in the communication center power all critical equipment for up to 

one hour during AC power failures. A manual-start backup generator then takes over from the UPS for extended 

utility power failures.

Common Remote Control System for Permanent VHF Oil Spill Repeaters

A remote radio control system is installed in the telecommunications center. Remote control circuits for 14 permanent 

VHF repeaters and marine coast stations, installed at strategic locations in the production and pipeline corridor, are 

routed via private microwave circuits into the system. Additional HF, VHF and UHF radios located at the center are 

also wired into the system. Additional dispatch consoles are installed at Alyeska Pump Station 1, ConocoPhillips GKA, 

BPXA BOC, and BPXA PBOC, giving these companies access to all of the oil spill emergency radio systems. Other 

connections to specific radios in this network can be made using individual remote control stations. This network is 

the only wide area emergency communication system shared by operating companies on the North Slope.

Storage and Maintenance Facility

The telecommunication center serves as a storage and maintenance facility for all fixed and transportable communication assets owned by ACS. Test equipment, maintenance tools, documentation, and spare installation and 

maintenance parts are maintained at the center.

TRANSPORTABLE REMOTE AREA COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

ACS maintains the following transportable communication systems at the Deadhorse Spill Response Center. 

These systems can be used to increase communication channel capacity in the production and pipeline corridor, 

or to extend communication links to remote areas of the North Slope extending between the Canadian Border and 

Barrow.

Portable Radios, Dial Radiotelephone Links, and Satellite Telephone Links

ACS owns approximately 200 VHF and UHF handheld radios, 10 base and mobile stations, 13 VHF and UHF portable 

repeaters, and seven portable UHF dial-radiotelephone links. Two portable towers and two winterized communication 

shelters with integral DC power and AC generators are available when deploying repeaters to remote sites. Iridium

satellite telephones with data capabilities are installed on certain ACS vessels, and portable satellite phones are 

available at ACS in Deadhorse.

Mobile Response Center (MRC)

ACS has constructed an MRC consisting of two shelters (20 ft x 8 ft). Shelter One contains a variety of phone and 

radio communication links, and Shelter Two contains an office work area. The shelters can be deployed together or 

independently anywhere in Alaska to be used as a forward command center at the site of a remote emergency. The 

communication systems consist of Iridium satellite telephones with data capability, two dial-radiotelephone phone 

lines, and a variety of HF, VHF, and UHF two-way radios and repeaters.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• The existing permanently installed Slope-wide systems should be all that is needed to respond to smaller spills. 

When a spill of a magnitude requiring the activation of the IMT occurs, the Communications Unit Leader will 

determine the most effective portable systems to be deployed and will develop a communications plan to suit the 

response.

• Proper communications procedures will optimize communications and must be maintained. 

• Due to deployment/transit times, less effective but quickly deployed systems should be considered until more 

functional systems arrive on scene and are operational.

• Communications equipment operators must be properly trained if communications are going to be successful. 

• Member company communications personnel should be fully utilized to speed deployment of portable systems.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-5 Communications (Page 3 of 8) Communications (Page 4 of 8) TACTIC L-5

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 11/04

ACS MOBILE RESPONSE CENTER BLOCK DIAGRAM

Optional

External Trunks

Via DRTs, Cable Plant

Optional

External Stations

Via DRTs, Cable Plant

HF

Radio

Facsimile

Machine

UPS

AC Power

Tone Remote Control Point

Mobile Response Center

Iridium Satellite 

Phone w/Data 

Capability 

Iridium Satellite 

Phone w/Data 

Capability 

GroundAir

Radio

VHF

Marine

Radio

UHF

Control

Station

VHF

Control

Station

UHF Link VHF

Repeater

This station can be located at 

ACS, in a member company 

ICP, in the Mobile Response 

Center, or at any other fixed or 

mobile facility.

The translator can be located 

at intermediate commercial 

sites, on mountaintop sites, or 

on offshore vessels.

The repeater can be located 

near a spill site onshore or 

offshore.

VHF

Control

Station

UHF Link

ACS BLOCK DIAGRAM SHOWING EXTENDED AREA COVERAGE 

USING UHF LINKS AND TRANSLATORS
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-5 Communications (Page 5 of 8) Communications (Page 6 of 8) TACTIC L-5

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 11/04 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

ACS BLOCK DIAGRAM OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EmOC) 

COMMUNICATIONS CHANNELS 

FOR SPILLS IN DEADHORSE PRODUCTION CORRIDOR

Onshore and River Cleanup Activities Coastal Water Cleanup Activities

Squad 

Leader

Aircraft Aircraft

UNIT LEADER

SHORE 

OPERATIONS

UNIT LEADER

WILDLIFE 

OPERATIONS

Any number of Unit Leaders

Five Squads/Unit Leader

Any number of Squads Leaders/Vessels

Squad 

Leader

MEMBER COMPANY

EMERGENCY 

OPERATIONS 

CENTER (EmOC)

Sector Marine 

Private Coast 

Station

Sector VHF

Oil Spill 

Repeater

ICP

Ground-Air

Radio

Squad 

Leader

Squad 

Leader

Squad 

Leader VHF* VHF* VHF* VHF*

VHF* VHF* VHF* VHF* VHF*

VHF*

VHF*

VHF*

VHF* VHF*

VHF*

VHF*

VHF GA VHF GA

VHF*

VHF*

VHF*

NOTES:

1. "VHF*" channel assignments are dependent on location of the spill.

2. "VHF GA" denotes use of 122.85 ground-air frequency (a backup channel).

UNIT LEADER

OFFSHORE 

OPERATIONS

Squad 

Leader

ACS BLOCK DIAGRAM OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EmOC)

COMMUNICATIONS CHANNELS 

FOR REMOTE OFFSHORE EXPLORATION SPILLS

REMOTE

OFFSHORE

WATERS

COASTAL

WATERS

ONSHORE

FACILITIES

AND 

SHORELINE

CLEANUP

ACTIVITIES

This is one of many possible configurations to support offshore or coastal spills.

ICP

Air-Ground

UHF

Link Station

VHF

Marine

Base

SATELLITE 

TELEPHONES

MOBILE RESPONSE 

CENTER

UNIT LEADER(S)

OFFSHORE OPERATIONS

EMERGENCY 

OPERATIONS 

CENTER (EmOC)

Group

Leaders

VHF

Oil Spill

Repeater

Aircraft

UHF/VHF

Translator

Unit

Leader

Group

Leaders

Unit

Leader

NOTES:

1. "VHF*" channel assignments are dependent on location of the spill.

2. "VHF AG" denotes use of 122.85 ground-air frequency.

VHF* VHF*

VHF*

UHF Link Channel

VHF AG

VHF*

VHF*

VHF*

Telephone Service

Via Satellite Phone

Telephone Service and

Radio Control Circuits

Via Satellite Phone

VHF*
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-5 Communications (Page 7 of 8) Communications (Page 8 of 8) TACTIC L-5

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

NORTH SLOPE HAND-HELD RADIO COVERAGE

NORTH SLOPE RADIO CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS

CHANNEL 

DESIGNATOR

LOCATION/

AREA

USE TRANSMIT

(MHZ)

RECEIVE

(MHZ)

Tactical Channels Statewide

OS-29 Tactical Net 173.225 173.225

OS-30 Tactical Net 173.275 173.275

OS-31 Tactical Net 173.325 173.325

OS-32 Tactical Net 173.375 173.375

ACS Fixed VHF Repeater/Talk Around Channels North Slope

OS-33 ConocoPhillips/Alpine Oil Spill Repeater 159.585 161.235

OS-34 Talk Around (33) Tactical 159.585 159.585

OS-35 ConocoPhillips/Kuparuk Oil Spill Repeater 154.585 150.980

OS-36 Talk Around (35) Tactical 150.980 150.980

OS-37 BP/WOA Oil Spill Repeater 158.445 159.480

OS-38 Talk Around (37) Tactical 159.480 159.480

OS-39 ConocoPhillips/Lisburne Oil Spill Repeater 158.325 153.485

OS-40 Talk Around (39) Tactical 153.185 153.185

OS-41 BP/Endicott Oil Spill Repeater 161.235 159.586

OS-42 Talk Around (41) Tactical 159.585 159.585

OS-43 BP/Badami Oil Spill Repeater 154.585 15.980

OS-44 Talk Around (43) Tactical 150.983 150.980

OS-45 Point Thomson Oil Spill Repeater 161.325 159.705

OS-46 Talk Around (45) Tactical 159.705 159.705

OS-47 Pump #2 Alyeska Oil Spill Repeater 161.325 159.705

OS-48 Talk Around (47) Tactical 159.705 159.705

OS-49 Pump #3 Alyeska Oil Spill Repeater 161.235 159.585

OS-50 Talk Around (49) Tactical 159.585 159.585

OS-51 Pump #4 Alyeska Oil Spill Repeater 154.585 150.980

OS-52 Talk Around (51) Tactical 150.980 150.980

Portable VHF Repeater/Talk Around Channels Statewide

OS-53 Portable # 1 Oil Spill Repeater 160.530 150.815

OS-54 Talk Around (53) Tactical 150.815 150.815

OS-55 Portable # 2 Oil Spill Repeater 160.590 150.830

OS-56 Talk Around (55) Tactical 150.830 150.830

OS-57 Portable # 3 Oil Spill Repeater 160.650 150.950

OS-58 Talk Around (57) Tactical 150.950 150.950

OS-59 Portable # 4 Oil Spill Repeater 160.725 150.965

OS-60 Talk Around (59) Tactical 150.965 150.965

OS-61 Portable # 5 Oil Spill Repeater 160.785 159.525

OS-62 Talk Around (61) Tactical 159.525 159.525

OS-63 Portable # 6 Oil Spill Repeater 160.860 159.795

OS-64 Talk Around (63) Tactical 159.795 159.795

ACS Logistics VHF Repeater/Talk Around Channels North Slope

OS-65 (ACS) DH Spill Response Ctr Logistics Repeater (DH) 161.160 159.630

OS-66 Talk Around (65) Tactical 159.630 159.630

OS-67 ConocoPhillips/Kuparuk (CPF3) Logistics Repeater (Kuparuk) 161.160 159.750

OS-68 Talk Around (67) Tactical 159.750 159.750

Emergency Chanel Statewide

OS-69 North Slope Emergency Tactical 152.420 152.420

Marine Channels Statewide

OS-70 BP (GC2) (Gwydyr Bay) Coast Station - Ch 09 156.450 156.450

OS-71 BP/Endicott Coast Station - Ch 10 156.500 156.500

OS-72 (ACS) DH Spill Response Ctr Coast Station - Ch 11 156.550 156.550

OS-73 Calling and Safety Coast Station - Ch 16 156.800 156.800

OS-74 ConocoPhillips/KRU 

(Harrison Bay)

Coast Station - Ch 18 156.900 156.900

OS-75 Spare Coast Station Coast Station - Ch 80A 157.025 157.025

OS-76 Portable Coast Stn Repeater - Ch 85 157.275 161.875
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-6 ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 1 of 8) ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 2 of 8) TACTIC L-6

This tactic describes ACS’s and the North Slope Operator’s owned and contracted oil discharge containment, control, 

cleanup, storage, and transfer equipment. The objective is to fulfill for existing facilities the regulatory contingency 

planning requirements in 18 AAC 75.425 (e)(3)(F) Response Equipment and 18 AAC 75.445 (g) Response Equipment.

Other Technical Manual tactics descriptions outline the operational characteristics of the response equipment and mobilization and deployment planning times. For example, Tactic L-7, Realistic Maximum Response Operating Limitations identifies equipment operating limitations. Specific response tactics identify critical information on mobilization and deployment times, as well as key planning parameters for specific 

equipment.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Dedicated spill response equipment for both ACS and the North Slope Operators (except Alyeska) is maintained 

on a planned preventive maintenance schedule maintained by ACS. The exact maintenance conducted and the 

frequency interval vary based on the type of equipment, seasonal applicability, manufacturers’ recommendations, 

and the amount of use the equipment receives. Preventive maintenance requirements and scheduling are managed 

through a computerized database called “Response Program.TM” This database also captures the maintenance history of all dedicated oil spill response equipment. ACS has the ability to print out the maintenance records of any 

piece of equipment maintained in the database. This information is available upon request. 

 Non-dedicated equipment available from contractors is maintained by the contractors.

EQUIPMENT INVENTORY LIST

All dedicated North Slope oil spill response equipment (ACS and the North Slope Operators) is tagged with a unique 

identifier number and tracked as to its location, ownership, and maintenance history in Response Program.TM A 

comprehensive inventory of response-dedicated equipment is listed in ACS’s Master Equipment List (MEL), which 

is generated by Response Program.TM

ACS updates the Response ProgramTM daily. Response ProgramTM is updated as equipment is moved from one 

location to another, purchases are made, equipment is surplused or equipment goes in or out of service. The MEL 

can be sorted to provide a variety of reports including by equipment type, tag number, location, owner, and in/out 

of service. Copies of the MEL are available from ACS upon request. 

A summary of the dedicated oil spill response equipment available on the North Slope is provided in the tables on 

the next pages.

OUT-OF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT

ACS provides written notification to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) when a major 

piece of equipment goes out of service and a planholder’s response planning standard (RPS) cannot be met The 

equipment may become out of service for a planned or an unplanned event. A notice is submitted to ADEC at least 

10 days in advance before the equipment goes out of service for scheduled maintenance of greater than 24 hours 

duration. A notice is submitted within 24 hours following the identification of equipment going out of service on an 

unscheduled basis. This notification protocol fulfills the regulatory requirement in 18 AAC 75.475, Notification of 

Nonreadiness. 

NON-DEDICATED EQUIPMENT

ACS and the North Slope Operators have access to additional equipment to meet the RPS for each planholder. The 

additional equipment is listed in Tables 10 and 10A. North Slope equipment is available from contractors through 

written agreements held by ACS and the planholders. The equipment is not dedicated to spill response, but provides 

spill response services when called on. Vessels- and barges-of-opportunity are deployed on spill responses with 

their typical staff and equipment. 

TABLE 1 -- BOOM SUMMARY

TYPE NOTE QUANTITY (ft)

Open Water (36" or greater) Ro-Boom and Nordan boom require blower 

units that are prepackaged with the boom 23,003

Light Ocean (27"-35") — 15,950

Harbor (20"-26") — 24,308

Protected Water (10"-16") — 47,575

Fast Water (14") — 128,750

Shore Seal Requires air blower and pumps that are 

prepackaged with the boom 19,250

Fire (20") — 7,914

Fire (30") — 6,000

Fire (42") — 3,650

NOFI Boom Bag (24"-34") — 5,428

TABLE 2 -- VESSEL SUMMARY

Workboats D and E can deploy the Desmi 250 and Lori LSC-3 skimmers. Lori LSC-3 availability for the workboats is:

 Workboat D — 1 skimmer for a 32’ workboat and 1 skimmer for a 42’ workboat.

 Workboat E — 2 skimmers; skimmers can be deployed off each side of a workboat or one skimmer per workboat.

TYPE LENGTH 

(ft)

WORKING 

DRAFT (ft)

WORKING 

ENVIRONMENT CAPABILITIES QUANTITY

Skiffs 12-18 0.5-1.5 Inland Transport 24

Airboat 19-30 0.5 Inland, nearshore Transport, boom deployment 30

Workboat (A) 18-22 0.5-2 Inland, nearshore Transport, boom deployment 15

Workboat (B) 24-26 1-3 Nearshore Transport, boom towing 8

Workboat (C) 25-29 1-3 Offshore Transport, boom towing 8

Workboat (D) 32-42 2.5-3 Offshore Transport, boom towing, skimmer 

deployment, minibarge towing 7

Workboat (E) 45-55 2-3.5 Offshore Transport, skimmer deployment 2

TABLE 3 -- PUMP SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION SIZE QUANTITY NAMEPLATE PUMPING CAPACITY (gpm)

Diaphragm, Air 3"-4" 17 260

Diaphragm, Diesel 2" 3 86

Diaphragm, Diesel 3" 32 100-250, depending upon manufacturer

Diaphragm, Gas 3" 12 80

Submersible, Hydraulic 3" 8 110-132

Submersible, Hydraulic 6" 17 628

Submersible, Air 3" 7 100

Trash, Diesel 2" 18 220

Trash, Diesel 3" 43 330-400, depending upon manufacturer

Trash, Diesel 4" 20 370-750, depending upon manufacturer

Trash, Gas 2"-3" 1 92-340

Peristaltic 2" 9 115
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC L-6 ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 3 of 8) ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 4 of 8) TACTIC L-6

TABLE 5B -- OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND LIMITATIONS OF SKIMMERS

SOURCE: Schulze, R. (ed.). 1991. World Catalog of Oil Spill Response Products, Third Edition, pp. 217-223 (weir skimmers), 225-227 

(rope mop skimmers), 228-229 (disc skimmers), 229-230 (drum skimmers), 238-240 (brush skimmers).

TABLE 4 -- HOSE SUMMARY

HOSE SIZE QUANTITY (ft) OF DISCHARGE HOSE QUANTITY (ft) OF SUCTION HOSE

2” 2,200 2,512

3” 9,035 6,012

4” 2,425 1,470

5” 2,500 0

6” 2,118 0

Skimmer 

Type Operational Characteristics Limitations

Weir • Use in calm water and a thick layer of oil where the 

edge of the weir is at the water/oil interface. 

• Small floating weir skimmers most stable in calm 

water or a gentle swell. 

• Generally good for recovery of light- and mediumviscosity oils; not effective with heavy lubricating 

oils, highly weathered crudes, water-in-oil 

emulsion, or Bunker C.

• Small floating weirs are easily transported. 

Maintenance for most is limited to debris removal 

during operation and post-cleanup cleaning.

• On some models, skimming, or “cut,” depth is 

manually pre-set and adjusted for slick thickness; 

continual adjustment of cut depth and pumping 

rate can result in large amounts of water being 

collected with the oil. 

• Are likely to be clogged by highly viscous oils. 

• Conventional floating weir skimmers may become 

obstructed by debris. 

• Floating weir skimmers affected by waves.

• Recovery rates limited only by pumping rate in a 

thick layer of oil. 

• For most small weir skimmers, pumping rate is 

decreased to increase oil/water collection ratio. 

• Transportability of larger devices mounted to boats 

may be limited by size and characteristics of 

boat. 

Rope 

mops

• Versatility allows effective use in a variety of wave 

conditions. 

• Generally have high recovery efficiency.

• Generally most effective in light- to mediumviscosity oils. 

• Can recover heavy oils, but not non-flowing 

products. 

• Can operate in very shallow water, amid debris or 

mixed ice. 

• Can be used in swift rivers or under ice. 

• Recover a wide range of products, are not fouled 

by debris, and can be maneuvered easily by 

adjusting the pulley system.

• Viscous oil tends to gum up the rope mop and 

slow down oil wringers. 

• Smaller diameter mops work well on viscous oil.

• Effective on small amounts of oil, but slow for 

large quantities. 

• Generally work better in warmer temperatures 

(60° F and above). 

• Setups may be more difficult to construct and 

require more operator attention than some other 

mechanisms.

• Oil may drip on shore as rope is drawn from water.

• Rope wears quickly when used in rough areas.

• Rope may twist in rough currents.

Disc • Larger disc skimmers equipped with vanes to 

protect collection mechanism from debris.

• Vanes also permit collection in light ice conditions. 

• Smaller disc skimmers can be used as floating 

skimmers for spills inland or at industrial sites. 

• Can recover slicks as thin as 1 mm while 

maintaining efficiency up to 97%. 

• Recovery rate depends on slick thickness and 

disc-rotation rate. 

• Generally most effective with medium-viscosity 

oils. 

• Maintenance needs are generally low and involve 

periodic cleaning and/or replacement of scrapers.

• Often expensive, complicated, vulnerable to 

obstruction by debris, and more likely to break 

down than other recovery devices. 

• Do not work well on viscous oil or oil laden with 

debris. 

• Large skimmers may be difficult to transport.

• Heavy oils adhere readily and may cause 

clogging.

• Light oils do not adhere to the discs well, but can 

be recovered.

Drum • Perform in a broad range of oil viscosities.

• Are likely to handle debris better than disc 

skimmers. 

• Recovery rates generally high, especially for larger 

drum skimmers.

• Small drum skimmers are not effective in rough 

seas. 

• Recovery efficiency may decrease in slicks less 

than a few millimeters thick.

Brush • Recovery rates likely to be very high.

• For drum brush skimmers, tolerance to debris and 

broken ice is good.

• Range of oil recovery is broad for drum brush 

skimmers, with brushes working well on any 

viscosity oil that can be transported out of the 

water on the brush heads.

• Standard chain brush size allows effective 

recovery of products ranging from #2 fuel oil to 

weathered crude and #6 fuel oil. 

• Chain brush systems are not readily affected by 

debris.

• Transport of large drum brushes may be 

cumbersome.

TABLE 5A -- SKIMMER SUMMARY

A. These skimmers come in packages that include the skimmer head, power pack, hoses (hydraulic, discharge, suction), fittings, 

and spare parts.

*Lori skimmers can be run with vessel hydraulics or with an independent system.

B. A variety of pumps can be used to operate these skimmers.

TYPE AND MODEL QTY.

NAMEPLATE 

CAPACITY (bph)

DERATED 

CAPACITY (bph)

DAY RATE CAPACITY

@20 hrs/day (bpd) PACKAGE

Rope Mop, Z14-E 16 14 11 3,520 A

Rope Mop, Mark 2-3E 3 14 11 660 A

Rope Mop, MW-41 10 14 11 2,200 A

Rope Mop, MW-62 2 29 3 120 A

Rope Mop, Foxden 2-9 1 114 91 1,820 A

Rope Mop, Foxtail 4-9 1 249 199 3,980 A

Drum Skimmer, TDS-118 5 33 26 2,080 A

Drum Skimmer, TDS-136 7 100 80 11,200 A

Drum Skimmer, Mini 2 2 2 80 A

Drum/Brush Combination 24MD 14 100 80 22,400 A

Drum/Brush Combination RBS10/1D 3 138 110 6,600 A

Brush Skimmer, Advancing Minimax 10 1 2 2 40 A

Brush Skimmer, Advancing Minimax 20 8 168 134 21,440 A

Brush Skimmer, Advancing Minimax 30 1 252 202 4,040 A

Brush, Rock Cleaner 2 75 60 2,400 A

LBH Quattro Conversion for Desmi 250 1 298 238 4,760 A

Manta Ray Rigid 37 34 7 5,180 B

Manta Ray Flexible 13 34 7 1,820 B

Slurp Skimmer 10 63 13 2,600 B

MI-11/24 Disc Skimmer 7 29 10 1,400 A

MI-30 Disc Skimmer 6 143 10 1,200 A

12K Disc Skimmer 9 100 10 1,800 A

30K Disc Skimmer 10 189 10 2,000 A

T-54 Disc Skimmer 3 340 68 2,720 A

Desmi 250 Harbor Weir Skimmer 3 440 88 5,280 A

Desmi 250 Ocean Weir Skimmer 1 628 125 2,500 A

Walosep W-1 Weir Skimmer 1 250 50 1,000 A

Walosep W-4 Weir Skimmer 1 566 113 2,260 A

Transrec 250 Weir Skimmer 1 1570 314 6,280 A

Fasflow Weir Skimmer 1 486 97 1,940 A

Mini Fasflow Weir Skimmer 4 143 29 2,320 A

Sea-Vac Heli Skimmer 1 944 189 3,780 A

Mini Vac II 3 252 252 15,120 A

LORI Side Collector (LSC-3) 7 271 217 17,360 A*

LORI Floating Pontoon (LFS-3) 1 271 217 17,360 A*
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-6 ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 5 of 8) ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 6 of 8) TACTIC L-6

Tactic L-5 describes the communication equipment inventory.

Tactic L-4 describes equipment available to transport equipment and personnel.

TABLE 6 -- STORAGE

*The maximum draft of the mini-barges is 4 ft.

TYPE VOLUME (gal) QUANTITY TOTAL CAPACITY (gal)

650 Barge 27,300 1 27,950

Mini-barge* 5,376 2 10,752

MIni-barge* 10,458 12 125,496

Tank bladder 250 2 500

Tank bladder 500 3 1,500

Tank bladder 2,500 8 20,000

Tank bladder 5,000 5 25,000

Tank bladder (liftable) 500 7 3,000

Tank bladder (liftable) 1,320 8 10,560

Tank bladder (liftable) 2,640 6 15,840

Tank (fast) 400 1 400

Tank (fast) 500 8 3,500

Tank (fast) 1,500 2 3,000

Tank (fast) 2,000 4 8,000

Tank (fast) 2,400 48 115,200

Tank (fast in satchel) 2,500 50 125,000

Tank (folding) 360 1 360

Tank (folding) 400 2 800

Tank (folding) 600 38 19,800

Tank (folding) 1,000 5 4,000

Tank (folding) 1,500 32 49,500

Tank (folding) 3,000 26 78,000

Tank (open-top) 3,000 1 3,000

Tank (upright) 16,800 1 16,800

TABLE 7 -- BURNING EQUIPMENT

TYPE QUANTITY

Heli-Torch (55 gal) 6

Heli-Torch Liquid 600 gals

Air Deployable Igniters 1417

Heli-Torch Batch Gel Mixers 2

TABLE 8 -- LOGISTICS EQUIPMENT

TYPE QUANTITY

4x4 all-terrain vehicles 18

6-wheel all-terrain vehicles 3

Kubota ATV with Tracks 9

Snow machines 39

Skid Steer Loaders 5

Dozers (350 Case) 2

Front-End Loaders w/Attachments 5

Chainsaws 47

Ice Augers 38

TABLE 9 -- TRACKING & SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT

TYPE QUANTITY

METOCEAN I-Sphere satellite tracking buoys 24
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-6 ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 7 of 8) ACS Response Equipment Specifications (Page 8 of 8) TACTIC L-6

See Tactic L-9 for a list of contact names and phone numbers for the referenced contractors.

TABLE 10 -- EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE VIA AGREEMENTS WITH CONTRACTORS

EQUIPMENT TYPE QUANTITY OR CAPACITY OWNERSHIP OBLIGATION

Vac Trucks 65 available on the Slope; 

Variable capacity, maximum 

of 300 bbl.

AES, APSC, BP, CH2M Hill,

Houston, Peak

Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Rolligons 2 @ 50 tons

10 @ 35 tons

1 @ 25 tons

20 @ 15 tons

Peak Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Cat Track Trailers 4 @ 30 tons CATCO Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Geophone Trailers 19 each CATCO Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

International Case 

Tractors

1 each ConocoPhillips Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Dump Trucks (see Table 9A) (see Table 9A) Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Loaders 179 each AES, AIC, Airport Rentals, APSC, 

BP, CATCO, CH2M Hill, Houston, 

Peak

Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Trimmers 18 each AES, Airport Rentals, BP, 

CH2M Hill, Peak

Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Ice Miners 1 each BP Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Backhoes 24 each AES, Airport Rentals, APSC, BP, 

CH2M Hill, Houston, Peak

Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Graders 30 each AES, AIC, Airport Rentals, BP, 

CATCO, Houston, Peak

Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Challenger w/blade 3 each Airport Rentals, BP —

Vessels and Barges — — See Tactic L-4

Tracked Amphibian 

(e.g., Marsh Buggy) 

with Backhoe

1 each AIC ACS Master Services Agreement

Tracked Amphibian 

Personnel Carrier 

(e.g., Haaglund)

2 each AIC ACS Master Services Agreement

Sno-Cat

w/ or w/o blade

21 each AES, AIC, APSC, Peak Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Ditch Witch 4 each AIC, Peak Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Dozer 21 each AIC, APSC, BP, CATCO Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Snow Melter 2 each BP Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Snow Blower 11 each BP, CATCO Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Tracked Amphibian 

Freight Carrier

2 each AIC Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Excavator 3 each AIC Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Bus ( < 30 pax) 12 each AIC, BP Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

Bus ( > 30 pax) 12 each AIC, BP Mutual Aid Agreement or ACS 

Master Services Agreement

TABLE 10A -- DUMP TRUCKS AVAILABLE VIA AGREEMENTS WITH CONTRACTORS

TRUCK TYPE QUANTITY AND CAPACITY OWNERSHIP

Maxi-haul 39 @ 25 to 30 cu yd AES, AIC, CH2M Hill, Peak

End Dump 5 @ 14 to 20 cu yd APSC, Peak

Belly Dump 2 @ 20 cu yd AES

Volvo Dump Truck 5 @ 30 cu yd Houston, Peak

Dump Truck 10 @ 12 cu yd AES, Airport Rentals, APSC, BP

Euclid B-70 6 @ 48 cu yd AIC

Cat 735 Rock Truck 4 @ 35 cu yd Airport Rentals
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-6A Shell Response Equipment Specifications (Page 1 of 2) Shell Response Equipment Specifications (Page 1 of 2) TACTIC L-6A

This tactic describes Shell Oil Company-owned and contracted oil discharge containment, control, cleanup, storage, 

and transfer equipment. It is intended to fulfill Shell's C-Plan requirements for offshore drilling in the Arctic. This 

vessel-based equipment package is deployed to the Chukchi Sea only during actual offshore drilling operations 

(typically summer months), and remains on station only until drilling operations are completed.

TABLE 1 -- BOOMS

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

40 Sections Ocean Oil Boom; 164 ft sections (50m) x 48 inches; 20 inch free board + 28 inch 

skirt.

80 Sections Intertidal Oil Boom; 50 ft (15 m) sections.

10 Sections Coastal Oil Boom; 1000 ft (305 m) sections; 12 inch x18 inch; inflatable.

200 Sections Conventional Oil Boom; 50 ft (15 m) sections x up to 20 inches.

2 Systems Hydro-Fire Boom system; 5 x 100 ft (30 m), two water pumps, suction strainers with 

manifolds, boom reel, hydraulic power pack.

TABLE 2 -- POWERPACKS AND BOOM REELS

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

8 Each Hydraulic Reels with Control Stands (48 inches x 164 ft boom).

4 Each Diesel/Hydraulic Power Packs with Air Blowers.

1 Each Integrated Power Pack, 300 kW Hydraulic Power Unit. 

2 Each Containerized 150 kW Hydraulic Power Unit.

2 Each Portable 80 kW Hydraulic Power Unit.

6 Each Diesel/Portable Power Pack, 7.4 kW Hydraulic Power Unit.

TABLE 3 -- RESPONSE VESSELS

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

1 Each OSRV 300 ft vessel under charter to Shell.

1 Each OSRB 205 ft tank barge under charter to Shell.

1 Each Tanker Arctic tanker under charter to Shell.

6 Each Work Boat 34 ft, 300-gallon fuel, 500# Davit, 8 kW generator.

1 Each Integrated Skimmer Vessel 47 ft, 800 gallons fuel, 9 kW generator, two brush pack skimmers (164 bbl/hr).

2 Each Landing Craft 24 to 36 ft Nearshore and shoreline support vessel.

2 Each Support Boat 24 ft open-hull skiff.

TABLE 4 -- SKIMMERS

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

4 Each Lamor Lamor side collector system, 1,289 bbl/hr, jib arm and sweep boom.

2 Each Crucial Vertical rope mop, 8 rope system, 503 bbl/hr. 

6 Each Multi-functional Brush/Disc, 96 bbl/hr.

2 Each Weir Transrec 150 Skimmer, 2516 bbl/hr

TABLE 5 -- PUMPS

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

28 Each Positive Displacement ≥ 723 bbl/hr, annular injection ring. 

3 Each Positive Displacement ≥ 315 bbl/hr, annular injection ring. 

6 Each Positive Displacement ≥ 94 bbl/hr Transfer Pump.

TABLE 6 -- ADDITIONAL STORAGE

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

3 Each Bladder 100 bbl towable storage.

4 Each Mini-barge 249 bbl, two tanks.

1 Each Tank ISO Tank, 6000 gallon capacity.

TABLE 7 -- DISPERSANT

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

25,000 Gallon 9500 Dispersant, 350-gallon stainless steel totes.

1 Each Application System Heli-Spray bucket.

1 Each Application System Vessel-mounted Spray Arm System. 

TABLE 9 -- HOT WATER GENERATOR

QTY UNIT OF MEASURE TYPE DESCRIPTION

1 Each Containerized Diesel oil-powered water heater.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-7 Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 1 of 10) Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 2 of 10) TACTIC L-7

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

Environmental conditions can sometimes limit response work. Some limitations are based 

on safety, while others concern equipment effectiveness. Tables 1A and 1B list the percentages of time that some variables reduce effectiveness of response for planning purposes.

TABLE 1A

EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS THAT COULD REDUCE EFFECTIVENESS OF 

MECHANICAL RESPONSE ARRANGED BY THE LIMITING VARIABLE

Table lists percentage of time that response effectiveness may be reduced.

TABLE 1A (CONT’D)

1 Based on Deadhorse records for 1995, 1996 and 1997 from NOAA Global Summary of the Day Web Page, www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/gsod_xmgr

2 D.F. Dickins and Associates Ltd., Vaudrey and Associates, S.L. Ross Environmental Research Ltd., December 2000. Oil Spills in Ice Discussion Paper. 

Prepared for Alaska Clean Seas.

3 Baldwin, R.G., Brower, W.A. Jr., Leslie, L.D., Williams, C.N. Jr., Wise, J.L. 1988. Climatic Atlas of the Outer Continental Shelf Waters and Coastal 

Regions of Alaska; Volume III; Chukchi-Beaufort Sea. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Minerals Management Service, Naval 

Oceanography Command.

4 Personal conversation with Peter Gadd August 20, 1998 and 1

5 Personal conversation with Robert Glover, Era Helicopters, Deadhorse, Alaska

6 Personal communication, Prudhoe Bay Airport, 1997

7 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District. 1989. Endicott Environmental Monitoring Program Final Report, Ice Breakup/Freezeup.

OPERATING 

LIMIT

WINTER

November 1 to May 15

BREAKUP

May 15 to June 30

SUMMER AND FALL

June 30 to September 30

FREEZE-UP, MEDIAN 

PERIOD

October 1 to October 31

Daily Mean 

Temperature 

<-35°F1

4% Avg. 3.3 

occurrences; 

avg. 2.6 days 

duration 

– – – – – –

Daily Mean 

Winds 15kt1

(Typically with 

gusts >20 kt)

20% Avg. 21 

occurrences; 

avg. 2 days 

duration.

8% Avg. 2.5 

occurrences; avg 

1.4 days duration

16% Avg. 7 

occurrences;

avg. 2.4 days 

duration

14% Avg. 1 occurrence;

avg. 4.6 days 

duration

Daily Mean 

Visibility

<1 mi.1

3% 6 occurrences; 

avg. <1 day; up 

to 2 days5

0% NOAA’s summary 

charts for 

Deadhorse report 

zero occurrences 

in 1995, 1996, 

and 1997.

4% Avg. 4 

occurrences; avg. 

1 day duration1,5

July shoreline 

sites records 

show percentages 

of time: 18%, 

some fog; <5%, 

fog with visibility 

<.5 nm; 10%, 

visibility <.5 nm; 

20%, low cloud 

ceiling <300 ft and 

visibility <1 nm.3

July offshore 

records show 

22% of time 

visibility <.5 nm3

.

– –

Daily Mean 

Wind Chill 

<-35°F1

37% Avg. 11 

ccurrences; avg. 

7 days duration

<1% None in last 5 

years

– – – –

Flight 

Cancellations6

5% Some on 2 days 

per mo. avg.

5% Some on 1 day 

per mo. avg.

5% Some on 3 days 

per mo. avg.

5% Some on 2 days 

per mo. avg.

White-out 5% – – – – – – –

Broken ice 

coverage >10% 

and <100% 

0% – 100% Depends on 

location2

; when 

encountered by 

containment 

boom, limits 

recovery – Tactics 

R-16 to R-20

10% Depends on 

location2; when 

encountered by 

containment 

boom, limits 

recovery – Tactics 

R-16 to R-20

80% When encountered 

by containment 

boom, limits 

recovery – Tactics 

R-16 to R-20

Bottom Fast 

River Ice 

Lagoon Ice and 

Moving Floes

– – 20%

to 

40%

Sag. River: July 7 

for 9 days; 

Kuparuk River: 

July 7 for 19 days; 

Colville River: 

July 1 for 13 days7

– – – –

OPERATING 

LIMIT

WINTER

November 1 to May 15

BREAKUP

May 15 to June 30

SUMMER AND FALL

June 30 to September 30

FREEZE-UP, MEDIAN 

PERIOD

October 1 to October 31

Over-Ice Flow – – 30% Sag. River: May 

29 for 7 days; 

Kuparuk River: 

May 31 for 13 

days; Colville 

River: May 30 for 

12 days7

– – – –

High Water 

Flows

– – 30% Sag. River: May 

23 for 12 days; 

Kuparuk River: 

May 29 for 14 

days; Colville 

River: May 27 for 

15 days7

– – – –

Shallow 

Coastal Water

– – 0% – 0% – – –

Storm Surges 

Flooding Roads 

and Stranding 

Vessels

– – <1% – <1% – – –

Wave Height 

>3 feet

– – – – <5% Up to 2 

occurrences per 

mo.; 8 hour 

median1,4

– –

Atmospheric 

Icing

20% Up to 5 days per 

mo. no 

flying;Avg. 3 

additional days 

partial flight 

restrictions5

– – 20% Up to 5 days per 

mo. no flying; 

Avg. 3 additional 

days partial flight 

restrictions5

20% Up to 5 days per 

mo. no flying;Avg. 

3 additional days 

partial flight 

restrictions5

Spine Road 

to Kuparuk 

and Milne 

Pt. Facilities 

Washed Out or 

Closed

– – 33% Avg. Kuparuk 

River Floods: 

May 31 through 

June 137

– – – –

Darkness3 50% – 0% – 27% – 40% –

Sea Ice Load 

Bearing 

Capacity: 40% – 100% – – – 100% –

Heavy 

Equipment

20% – 0% – – – 100% –

Light 

Equipment
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-7 Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 3 of 10) Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 4 of 10) TACTIC L-7

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

The master of the vessel determines the wave heights that the boat will operate in. The wave heights at which 

vessels typically operate are affected by several variables, including the experience of the crew, the wind speed, 

and the direction of the wind relative to the vessel and to the adjacent shoreline.

Source: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. 1994-1995. Threshold Limit Values, Chemical Substances 

and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.

Note: Schedule applies to 4-hour work period with moderate to heavy work activity, with warm-up periods of ten minutes in a warm 

location and with an extended break (e.g., lunch) at the end of the 4-hour work period in a warm location. 

TABLE 2

THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES FOR WORK AND WARM-UP SCHEDULE 

FOR FOUR-HOUR SHIFT

GUIDE FOR ESTIMATING WIND VELOCITY 

5 mph - Light flag moves

10 mph - Light flag fully extended

15 mph - Raises newspaper sheet

20 mph - Blowing and drifting snow

Wind chill limits workers’ outdoor efforts. Workers in wind chill temperatures between -25o

F and -40oF take more 

break time indoors. When wind chill is colder than -45o

F, non-emergency work ceases. See Table 2. 

PHASE 1, 2, OR 3 WEATHER CONDITIONS

Phase 1: Caution - Reduced Visibility. Travel on the field is permitted using extreme caution. Reduce speed and 

be certain all equipment (radio, lights, etc.) is operating properly. Arctic gear is required.

Phase 2: Restricted - Convoy Only Travel in the Field. Travel is permitted in convoys of two or more vehicles 

only. Radio communication between vehicles in the convoy is required.

Phase 3: Closed - Critical or Emergency Travel Only. Travel will be by heavy equipment convoy only.

TABLE 1B

EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS THAT COULD REDUCE EFFECTIVENESS OF

MECHANICAL RESPONSE ARRANGED BY TYPE OF RECOVERY RESOURCE

Table lists percentage of time that response effectiveness may be reduced.

These values are provided to meet ADEC contingency planning purposes [18 AAC 75.425(e)(3)(D)]. 

In an actual spill response, operating limits will be determined by on-site personnel.

OFFICIAL TEMPERATURE INFORMATION SOURCES

• Prudhoe Bay Operations Center airport tower weather recording 5:30 am to 5:30 pm (Phone 5888)

• ConocoPhillips’ Channel 5, 5:30 am to 5:30 pm

• Prudhoe Bay WOA - BPXA’s Channel 5

• Kuparuk Operation NSK’s Security (Phone 7997)

RESOURCE OPERATING LIMIT

WINTER

November 1 to 

May 15

BREAKUP

 May 15 to 

June 30

SUMMER & 

FALL

June 30 to 

September 30

FREEZE-UP 

MEDIAN DATES

October 1 to 

October 31

Hydraulics and Cables Temperature -35° F 4% — — —

Personnel Wind Chill -35° F 37% <1% — —

Hoists and Lifts 15 kt with 20 kt gusts 20% 8% 16 % 14%

Vehicles White out, visibility restricted to a few 

feet, 10 to 20 ft above ground

5% — — —

Over ice flow restricts passage — 30% — —

Storms from the west can flood roads — <1% <1% —

Flight Cancellations Visibility 5% 5% <5% <5%

Booms Moving ice restricts booming — 20% to 40% — —

High water flow — 30% — —

Broken ice coverage >10% and 

<100%

0% 100% 10% 80%

Recovery with Vessels Some open leads - recovery and 

trajectory uncertain

100% 100% — 50%

Storm from the east can lower coastal 

water and strand vessels

— <1% <1% —

Over ice flow restricts — 30% — —

Waves 3 feet — — <5% —

Broken ice coverage >10% and 

<100%

0% 100% 10% 80%; when 

encountered 

by containment 

boom, limits 

recovery —Tactics 

R-16 to R-20

Helicopter Visibility < 0.5 nm 5% 5% 5% 5%

Atmospheric icing 3% — — 3%

AIR TEMPERATURE - 

SUNNY SKY

NO NOTICEABLE 

WIND 5 MPH WIND 10 MPH WIND 15 MPH WIND 20 MPH WIND

°C °F Max. 

Work 

Period

No. of 

Breaks

Max. 

Work 

Period

No. of 

Breaks

Max. 

Work 

Period

No. of 

Breaks

Max. 

Work 

Period

No. of 

Breaks

Max. 

Work 

Period

No. of 

Breaks

-26° to -28° -15° to -19° Normal 1 Normal 1 75 min. 2 55 min. 3 40 min. 4

-29° to -31° -20° to -24° Normal 1 75 min. 2 55 min. 3 40 min. 4 30 min. 5

-32° to -34° -25° to -29° 75 min. 2 55 min. 3 40 min. 4 30 min. 5 Non-emergency 

work should cease

-35° to -37° -30° to -34° 55 min. 3 40 min. 4 30 min. 5 Non-emergency 

work should cease

-38° to -39° -35° to -39° 40 min. 4 30 min. 5 Non-emergency 

work should cease

-40° to -42° -40° to -44° 30 min. 5 Non-emergency 

work should cease

-43° & 

below

-45° & 

below

Non-emergency 

work should cease
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-7 Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 5 of 10) Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 6 of 10) TACTIC L-7

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

IMPORTANT NOTE

• When working on ice, make sure the thickness is known.

• Be conservative in using the graphics in this tactic.

FIGURE 1

RECOMMENDED SEA ICE THICKNESSES VS. LOAD

 20 inches is starting thickness in early winter. Curves are for moving vehicles or 

short term parking. Wheeled vehicle operations halt when the internal ice 

temperature at 1 to 2 ft depth rises above 26.6 oF.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200

Load (tons)

Ice Thickness (in)

SPRING THICKNESS (mid-April

to late May, 23° to 26.6°

F ice

temp.)

WINTER THICKNESS (Jan to

mid April, ice colder than 23°

F)

WEIGHT OF EQUIPMENT (tons)

ICE THICKNESS (centimeters) 20

4.4

11

16.5

22

27.5

33

38.5

44

49.5

55

40 60 80 100 120 140

ICE THICKNESS (inches) 12 24 36 48

FIGURE 2

MINIMUM THICKNESS TO SUPPORT LOADS ON FRESHWATER ICE

SEA ICE BEARING CAPACITY

Loads borne on sea ice sheets generally are a simple function of the square of the ice thickness (e.g., Gold, 1971). 

Vaudrey (1977) calculated the thickness of sea ice to support a load based on additional factors, including ice temperature, time of load application, and the physical properties of ice as an engineering material. 

Figure 1 shows curves of recommended sea ice thicknesses vs. load. If an abnormally warm period intervenes 

winter, the spring load curve applies temporarily if internal ice temperatures rise above 23°F. Ice temperatures are 

measured with a thermistor drilled into an ice core between one and two feet below the solid ice surface. 

Figure 1 applies to operations on a continuous free-floating ice sheet with no free edges, working cracks or manmade trenches and slots. Random small surface cracks commonly occur due to thermal stresses, and are particularly 

noticeable whenever the snow cover is removed. These features usually have a negligible effect on ice strength. 

Exceptions are wet “active” cracks where they join to form a wedge and the risk of breaking through becomes acute. 

Doubts about the character or influence of cracks or slots cut in the sheet on bearing capacity means suspension of 

vehicle operations until the integrity of the ice is determined. Travel over unprepared sea ice incurs risks due to the 

nature of the material and unpredictable environmental factors (e.g., unusually warm temperatures, currents under 

the ice, hidden cracks). Vehicles have gone through the ice with little or no warning, even when operating within 

conservative guidelines. An experienced field ice technician accompanies vehicles traveling over unprepared sea ice. 

Figure 1 applies to moving loads and/or short term parking up to about four hours. Thicknesses shown in Figure 

1 are not adequate for extended storage of heavy loads. Curves are based on recommended bearing capacities 

developed for wheeled vehicles and aircraft. Tracked and terra-tired vehicles may be able to operate safely over 

thinner ice sheets early in the winter by distributing the load over a greater area. See Table 3 for examples of heavy 

vehicles and aircraft borne by winter sea ice in the Prudhoe Bay area. Table 4 provides guidelines for the minimum 

sea ice thickness for various weights of moving vehicles. Table 5 lists vehicle travel speeds to minimize dynamic 

effects associated with resonant waves on the sea ice.

Approximately 20 inches of sea ice is recommended as a starting thickness to begin conventional vehicle operations 

with wheeled vehicles such as small trucks. Lighter equipment such as Ditchwitches and snowmachines can operate on ice 12 to 20 inches thick, as long as the sheet is continuous and stable and operators accept the increased 

risk. Workers should not be sent out on the ice until it reaches 12 inches in thickness.

Early season operations involve strict safety measures, continuous ice monitoring and evacuation plans. Strong 

winds can lead to rapid breakup of young sea ice. Heavy equipment operations on ice less than 20 inches thick is 

limited to areas inside the barrier islands with shallow water less than four feet in depth. 

Late-season ice can support a variety of vehicles without an ice road. Figure 2 shows the relative 

durations that equipment can work on the sea ice before breakup.

Freshwater ice supports heavier loads than sea ice. See Figure 3.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-7 Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 7 of 10) Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 8 of 8) TACTIC L-7

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TABLE 4

MINIMUM ICE THICKNESS AND SPACING BETWEEN VEHICLES OR LOADS ON SEA ICE

(for uncracked ice)

Adapted from Sandwell. 2001. 

1 Sandwell, 2001, Tables 7-1 and 7-2.

2 Sandwell, 2001, Figure 3-2

3 Sandwell, 2001, Figure 3-3

4 Sandwell, 2001, Table 3-8

5 Alaska Clean Seas. 1999. Tactic L-7, Table 4.

TABLE 3

WEIGHTS FOR SELECTED VEHICLES AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT

IMPORTANT NOTES:

(1) Near wet cracks, use half the weights indicated.

(2) If these are intersecting wet cracks, suspend operations until cracks are repaired.

(3) Use extreme care if weather is extremely cold after warm period or warm after cold period.

(4) Control speed in shallow water to avoid flexural waves.

TABLE 5

VEHICLE SPEED ASSOCIATED WITH 

DYNAMIC EFFECTS ON SEA ICE

Adapted from Sandwell, 2001, Figure 3-1.

GROSS WEIGHT INCLUDING 

PAYLOAD (LB)

ESTIMATED PAYLOAD 

(LB)

Cat D-8 71,000 N/A

CATCO RD-85 56,000 30,000

Kenworth 953A 121,000 60,000

Grader 12G 29,000 N/A

DHC Twin Otter 12,500 4,500

C130H Hercules 155,000 51,000

Bell 212 11,000 5,000

Bell 214 17,500 8,000

Boeing Chinook 51,000 28,000

B-70 156,000 65,000

BV-107 19,000 11,500

Bobcat w/Trimmer 8,900 N/A

Bobcat w/Auger 7,900 N/A

Crew Cab Pickup 7,500 400

Ditch Witch R-100 9,500 N/A

Snowmachine w/Sled 545 200

966 Loader 47,000 10,000

Vac Truck 75,000 40,000

Max Haul 74,000 32,000

Tandem Trailer 52,000 22,000

Challenger Dozer 35,000 N/A

NOTE: Actual weights may vary with different options and model numbers.

 Minimum 

Ice 

Thickness

Load (pounds) Short-Term

Load 

Separation4 Parked on 9x9 Area1 With Resonant Wave

Feet 4 hours to 4 

days

4 days to 4 

months

Single load 

area2

Multiple 

load area3 Feet

1.5 Not reported 10,0005 10,000 Not reported 42

2 Not reported 15,000 18,000 25,000 54

2.5 27,000 17,000 25,000 30,000 64

3 43,000 27,000 40,000 50,000 72

4 88,000 56,000 70,000 80,000 90

5 156,000 92,000 Not reported 125,000 106

6 Not reported 131,000 Not reported 170,000 122

7 Not reported 178,000 Not reported 240,000 140

Water Depth

10 Feet 40 Feet

Max. Speed (mph) for Dynamic Effect

Speed (mph) to Avoid Dynamic Effect

12

8

24

17
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC L-7 Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 9 of 10) Realistic Maximum Operating Limitations (Page 10 of 10) TACTIC L-7

TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS

• When working on ice, make sure the thickness is known.

• Be conservative in using the graphics in this tactic.

REFERENCES 

Alaska Clean Seas. 1999. Alaska Clean Seas Technical Manual, Volume 1, Tactics Descriptions.

Alaska Clean Seas Winter Spill Operations - Module 1.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. 1994-1995. Threshold Limit Values, Chemical 

Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.

Coastal Frontiers Corporation. 2001. Spring Break-Up Equipment Access Test Program, June 2001. For BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. 21 pages.

Gold, L.W. 1971. Use of Ice Covers for Transportation. Canadian Geotechnical Journal. No. 8:170-181. 

Sandwell Engineering Inc. 2001. Ice Access Guidelines for Spill Responders. For Alaska Clean Seas, Prudhoe Bay, AK.

Vaudrey, K.D. 1977. Ice Engineering - Study of Related Properties of Floating Sea Ice Sheets and Summary of 

Elastic and Viscoelastic Analyses. Navy Civil Engineering Lab. Technical Report R860.

THIS PAGE DELIBERATELY LEFT BLANK
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

TACTIC L-8 North Slope Mutual Aid (Page 1 of 2) North Slope Mutual Aid (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-8

NORTH SLOPE MUTUAL AID

The North Slope Operators have signed an agreement to provide mutual aid for spill response in the event of a 

Level II or Level III spill. This agreement extends to both personnel and equipment. A brief description of North 

Slope spill levels is provided below.

INDICATED LEVEL II OR III

CONFIRMED LEVEL II OR III

INDICATED LEVEL I

INDICATED

LEVEL II OR III

CONFIRMED

LEVEL I

CONFIRMED LEVEL I

Activate SRT

ACS

CALLS MUTUAL AID 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS 

AND PLACES TEAMS 

ON STAND-BY ALERT

Spiller Requests Mutual 

Aid Stand-by by Alerting 

ACS

Activate Mutual Aid by 

Contacting ACS SRTs 

with Specific Requests for 

Resources

Call off Mutual Aid

Each Operator is 

Notified by ACS

Established ICS 

Organization 

Activated

Incident Command

and

General Staff

Established

Comprehensive 

Assessment

CONFIRMS STANDBY 

MUTUAL AID STATUS TO 

SPILLER BY FAX

SRT

Assessment 

Cleanup 

Personnel 

Mobilized 

Cleanup 

Completed by 

SRT

CONOCOPHILLIPS ALPINE

BPXA GPBA

BPXA MILNE PT.

BPXA BADAMI

ALYESKA PIPELINE

CONOCOPHILLIPS 

KUPARUK

BPXA ENDICOTT

SPILL DETECTED

SPILLER'S 

SPILL RESPONSE TEAM

(SRT) MOBILIZED

Mobilize Off-Shift NSSRT 

if Required

RESPONSE EQUIPMENT

The spill response equipment that can be provided under this mutual aid comprises two categories: dedicated spill 

response equipment and heavy equipment that is utilized in day-to-day operations. See tactic on equipment.

CALLOUT PROCEDURES FOR MUTUAL AID

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF MUTUAL AID

1. Providing Entity shall make available, at Receiving Entity’s request, any North Slope Spill Response Team 

(NSSRT) personnel and dedicated spill response equipment to the extent such resources are:

• Deemed necessary and requested by Receiving Entity,

• In service, and

• Not already committed to another spill response.

NSSRT personnel shall be provided until relieved by appropriately trained replacement personnel or until the 

response is completed. Personnel and equipment shall be utilized for spill response only and not for operation 

of production or transportation facilities.

2. Providing Entity may make available, at Receiving Entity’s request, any additional response personnel and 

response equipment to the extent such resources are:

• Deemed necessary and requested by Receiving Entity,

• In service,

• Not already committed to another spill response, and

• Not otherwise required for operation of the Providing Entity’s operation.

Additional personnel shall be provided until relieved by appropriately trained replacement personnel or until the 

response is completed. Personnel and equipment shall be utilized for spill response only, and not for operation 

of production or transportation facilities.

3. All costs with the provision of manpower or equipment will be charged to the Receiving Entity.

4. In the event of a Level III callout, Providing Entity shall notify and mobilize off-shift NSSRT personnel at Receiving 

Entity’s request.

SPILL LEVEL CHARACTERIZATION

I A small oil spill, the response to which can be provided by an Operator’s and ACS’ on-scene 

equipment and personnel, as determined by the field manager of the field in which the spill occurs.

II A moderate oil spill, the response to which requires equipment or trained personnel located in other 

operating areas of the North Slope, or equipment or trained personnel of a Village Response Team, to 

supplement the Operator’s and ACS’ on-scene equipment and personnel, as determined by the field 

manager of the field in which the spill occurs.

III A major oil spill, the response to which requires equipment or trained personnel to be brought to the 

North Slope to supplement the equipment and personnel located on the North Slope, as determined 

by the field manager of the field in which the spill occurs.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-9 Accessing Contract Resources (Page 1 of 2) Accessing Contract Resources (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-9

ACS MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENTS

ACS has implemented a number of Master Service Agreements with a range of contractors whose services may 

be required in a spill response. The agreements are:

1. Assignable to ACS member companies.

2. Valid until such time as one party cancels.

3. Comprised of three parts:

• Generic work scope

• Compensation issues

• General provisions (insurance/indemnification)

4. Specific work to be performed will be covered under a contract work authorization.

5. Contact point for implementation of ACS Master Services Agreements is:

Materials/Purchasing Specialist

Alaska Clean Seas

Deadhorse, AK

A summary list of the Master Service Agreements applicable for use in a spill response follows.

MA 

NUMBER SERVICE CATEGORY CONTRACTOR PHONE FAX

MR93078 Casual Labor & Equipment/Spill Response CH2M Hill (907) 277-5309 (907) 264-8130

ACS002 Casual Labor & Equipment/Spill Response CCI, Inc. (907) 258-5755 (907) 258-5766

MR93079 Casual Labor & Equipment/Spill Response Peak Oilfield Services (907) 561-3200 (907) 562-5860

ACS001 Casual Labor & Equipment/Spill Response PENCO (Pacific Environmental Inc.) (907) 562-5420 (907) 562-5426

AP99247 Casual Labor & Equipment/ Spill Response R&K Industrial Inc. (907) 283-3777 (907) 283-6427

ACS003 Casual Labor & Equipment/ Spill Response Trident Services, Inc. (907) 929-9414 (907) 770-2986

FE01340 Casual Labor & Equipment G.B.R. Equipment Inc. (907) 563-6500 (907) 563-0710

DE91024 Communications Services North Slope Telecom, Inc. (907) 562-4693 (907) 562-0818

FE99242 Environmental Consulting Polaris Applied Sciences Inc. (425) 823-4841 (425) 823-3805

MA92044 Environmental Engineering S.L. Ross and Associates, Ltd. (613) 232-1564 (613) 232-6660

expired Helicopter Services Erickson Air-Crane, Inc. (541) 664-7615 (541) 664-7613

NV98235 Legal Services Delaney, Wiles, Attys. at Law (Steve Ellis) (907) 257-0713 (907) 277-1331

ACS006 Mapping/GIS Support Services AERO-METRIC, Inc. (907) 272-4495 (907) 274-3265

SE95164 Mapping/GIS Support Services F. Robert Bell & Associates (907) 274-5257 (907) 272-7531

MA99205 Marine Support Services Crowley Alaska Inc. (907) 278-4978 (907) 257-2828

MR92033 Survival/Safety Training Services LTR Systems, Inc. (907) 563-4463 (907) 563-9185

FE92032 Technical Writing Services Lukin Publications Management (907) 563-8364 (907) 563-8370

ACS007 Wildlife Response Services IBRRC - International Bird Rescue 

Research Center

(707) 207-0380 (510) 841-9089

ACS008 Village Response Team Manpower Services Umiaq (907) 677-8265 (907) 677-8284

MA 

NUMBER SERVICE CATEGORY CONTRACTOR PHONE FAX

AP92040 Aviation Support Services Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska (907) 276-2454 (907) 279-6816

OC93112 Aviation Support Services Northern Air Cargo (907) 243-3331 (907) 249-5190

MA92045 Aviation Support Services Air Logistics of Alaska (907) 452-1197 (907) 452-4539

MR93087 Aviation Support Services Arctic Circle Air Service (907) 243-1380

AP92037 Communications Services Alaska Telecom, Inc. (907) 344-1223 (907) 344-1612

MR93090 Environmental Consulting Linda Perry Dwight (907) 345-6278 (907) 345-6278

DE91003 Environmental Engineering ENSR Corporation (907) 561-5700 (907) 273-4555

MA01355 Environmental Engineering Sintef Applied Chemistry 47-73-59-20-80 47-73-59-70-51

JA95171 Environmental Support Services Philip Environmental, Inc. (907) 272-9007 (907) 272-6805

AP01347 Environmental Support Services CH2M Hill, Inc. (907) 276-6833 (907) 257-2000

MA98215 Labor (Casual) Kuukpik Corporation (907) 480-6220 (907) 480-6126

MA93092 Mapping/GIS Support Services Resource Data, Inc. (907) 563-8100 (907) 561-0159

MR93123 Marine Ecology Services LGL Alaska Research Associates (907) 562-3339 (907) 562-7223

JN99255 Marine Hardhat Diving Services Offshore Divers (907) 563-9060 (907) 563-9061

AP93089 Oilspill Response Service URS Corporation (907) 561-1020 (907) 563-3198

MR93080 On-ice Equipment and 

Thermoremediation Services

Alaska Interstate Construction (907) 562-2792 (907) 562-4179

MR93082 Security Support/ Spill Response Services NANA Management Services, LLC (907) 565-3300 (907) 565-3320

MA93101 Soils Testing & Analytical Services Analytica Alaska, Inc. (907) 258-2155

(907) 227-1940 cell

(907) 258-6634

FE92031 Spill Management Consultant Spiltec (425) 869-0988

(425) 503-6111 cell

(425) 869-7881

AU96184 Temporary Personnel Services Chugach Technical Services (907) 561-4321 (907) 563-7926

NV92069 Weather & Ice Forecasting Fairweather, Inc. (907) 279-5420 (907) 279-5740

JU98227 Village Response Team 

Training Support & Services

Ilisagvik College (907) 852-3333 (907) 852-2729

ACS007 IT Management and Technical Services Right Systems (907) 771-1776 (907) 677-7695

ACS OPERATIONAL MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENTS

ACS STAND-BY MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENTS
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC L-10 Accessing Non-Obligated Resources (Page 1 of 2) Accessing Non-Obligated Resources (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-10

Cooperative Location Phone Fax

Burrard Clean Operations Vancouver, BC (604) 985-0855 (604) 985-0955

Chadux Corporation Anchorage, AK (907) 278-3365 (907) 278-3330

CISPRI* Kenai, AK (907) 776-5129 (907) 776-2190

Clean Bay Incorporated Concord, CA (925) 685-2800 (925) 825-2203

Clean Caribbean Cooperative Ft. Lauderdale, FL (305) 983-9880 (305) 987-3001

Clean Casco Bay, Inc. Portland, ME (207) 828-4511 (207) 828-4516

Clean Channel Assoc., Inc. Houston, TX (713) 676-1318 (713) 676-2571

Clean Coastal Waters, Inc. Long Beach, CA (310) 432-1415 (310) 437-1510

Clean Gulf Associates New Orleans, LA (504) 593-6724 (504) 593-6725

Clean Harbors Cooperative Edison, NJ (908) 225-2301 (908) 417-3921

Clean Islands Council Honolulu, HI (808) 528-4449 (808) 521-7049

Clean Rivers Cooperative Portland, OR (503) 220-2040 (503) 295-3660

Clean Seas Carpinteria, CA (805) 684-3838 (805) 684-2650

Clean Sound Cooperative, Inc. Edmonds, WA (206) 744-0948 (206) 771-3244

COPIM St-Laurent LTEE Levis, Quebec (418) 833-8989 (418) 833-9649

Corpus Christi Area Oil Spill Control Assoc. Corpus Christi, TX (512) 882-2656 (512) 880-3299

Delaware Bay & River Lewes, DE (302) 645-7861 (302) 645-4006

Humbolt Bay Oil Spill Eureka, CA (707) 445-3002 (707) 445-4306

LOOP New Orleans, LA (504) 368-5667 (504) 363-9284

M.I.R.G. MIRG (504) 394-0893 (504) 392-2467

MSRC Gulf Region Lake Charles, LA (318) 437-9600 (318) 433-9678

MSRC Northeast Region Edison, N.J. (908) 417-0500 (908) 417-1314

MSRC Northwest Region Seattle, WA (206) 774-6772 (206) 774-7770

MSRC South Region Port Hueneme, CA (805) 986-8384 (805) 986-8388

MSRC Southeast Region Miami, FL (305) 375-8410 (305) 577-8523

Oil Spill Service Centre Southampton, G.B. 011-44-703-331551 011-44-703-331972

PIER Atlantic, Ltd. Dartmouth, NS (902) 461-9170 (902) 461-9590

PIMEC Ontario, Canada (416) 492-5713 (416) 492-5713

SEAPRO Ketchikan, AK (907) 225-7002 (907) 247-1117

SERVS* Valdez, AK (907) 835-6902 (907) 835-6944

OIL SPILL RESPONSE COOPERATIVES

The Association of Petroleum Industry Co-op Managers (APICOM) has a mutual aid agreement to provide equipment and personnel to members on an as-available basis. Co-ops are under no obligation to provide resources. 

Resource availability may be restricted by either a co-op’s member companies or regulatory obligations. A list of 

APICOM members is provided below.

APICOM MEMBERS

* Both CISPRI and SERVS maintain fishing vessel charter contracts for response in the event of a spill in their 

respective areas. Under contracts, vessel operators and deck hands are trained in spill response activities 

such as booming, skimming, and mini-barge operations. These vessels can be made available through either 

the APICOM mutual aid agreement or provisions in the specific fishing vessel contracts. 

ACCESSING STATE OF ALASKA RESOURCES

State of Alaska resources may be made available in a spill response when a compelling need can be demonstrated, 

such as a greatly enhanced response. The State will consider the availability of private sector resources prior to 

committing equipment.

The point of contact for accessing state resources is the State On-Scene Coordinator (SOSC).

The spiller will be responsible for all costs associated with mobilization, activation and/or use of State of Alaska 

equipment.

ACCESSING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

Federal resources may be made available in a spill response when a compelling need can be demonstrated, such 

as a greatly enhanced response. The Federal Government will consider the availability of private sector resources 

prior to committing equipment.

The point of contact for accessing federal resources is the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC).

The spiller will be responsible for all costs associated with mobilization, activation and/or use of federal government 

equipment.

ACCESSING RESOURCES FROM OTHER C-PLAN HOLDERS

The SOSC can authorize the release of response equipment from other facilities in Alaska operating under a stateapproved contingency plan. On the North Slope, these facilities are located in the villages.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC L-11 Best Available Technology Analysis (Page 1 of 2) Best Available Technology Analysis (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-11

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation regulations require that an oil discharge prevention and contingency plan must provide for the use of best available technology [18 AAC 75.425(e)(4)]. Each plan must identify 

technologies applicable to the operation that are not subject to response planning or performance standards specified in the regulations, include a written justification that the technology proposed to be used is the best available 

for the applicant’s operation, and for each such technology identify all available technologies and include a written 

analysis of each technology,

The technologies that must be covered in the BAT analysis include, at a minimum:

(i) for all contingency plans: communications described under 18 AAC 75.425(e)(1)(D); source control procedures 

to stop the discharge at its source and prevent its further spread described under 18 AAC 75.425(e)(1)(F)(i); 

trajectory analyses and forecasts described under 18 AAC 75.425(e)(1)(F)(iv); and wildlife capture, treatment, 

and release programs described under 18 AAC 75.425(e)(1)(F)(xi);

(ii) for a terminal, a crude oil transmission pipeline, or an exploration and production contingency plan: cathodic 

protection or another approved corrosion control system if required by 18 AAC 75.065(h)(3); a leak detection 

system for each tank if required by 18 AAC 75.065(h)(4); any other prevention or control system approved by 

the department under 18 AAC 75.065(i)(1)(D); a means of immediately determining the liquid level of bulk storage tanks as specified in 18 AAC 75.065(j)(3) and (4); maintenance practices for buried steel piping containing 

oil as required by 18 AAC 75.080(b); protective wrapping or coating and cathodic protection if required by 18 

AAC 75.080(b)(1)(A); and corrosion surveys required by 18 AAC 75.080(b)(2)(A);

(iii) for a tank vessel contingency plan: measures to assure prompt detection of an oil discharge as required by 18 

AAC 75.027(d); operation of a tank vessel under escort in a manner that permits an escort vessel to be available immediately to provide the intended assistance to the tank vessel as required by 18 AAC 75.027(e); tow 

lines as required by 18 AAC 75.027(f); and escort vessels;

(iv) for a crude oil transmission pipeline contingency plan: leak detection, monitoring, and operating requirements 

for crude oil pipelines that include prompt leak detection as required by 18 AAC 75.055(a); and

(v) for a barge contingency plan: measures to assure prompt detection of an oil discharge as required by 18 AAC 

75.037(d) and means to recover a barge that breaks free of its towing vessel as required by 18 AAC 75.037(f);

The table on the next page shows the evaluation criteria that must be used for the alternative technology analysis. 

Following the table are the required BAT analyses for the ACS tactics/equipment that are used by ACS member 

companies:

• Communications.

• Trajectory analyses and forecasts.

• Wildlife capture, treatment, and release programs.

BAT analysis to address the other technologies listed above must be provided in the oil discharge prevention and 

contingency plans for individual facilities.

SAMPLE BAT ANALYSIS TABLE

NOTE: The number of alternatives evaluated depends on the particular technology. In addition, the analysis table 

should be supplemented by a summary of the evaluation and the reasons for selecting the chosen technology.

BAT EVALUATION 

CRITERIA

SELECTED 

TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE X

AVAILABILITY:

Whether technology is best in 

use in other similar situations 

or is available for use by 

applicant

TRANSFERABILITY:

Whether each technology is 

transferable to applicant’s 

operations

EFFECTIVENESS:

Whether there is a 

reasonable expectation each 

technology will provide 

increased spill prevention or 

other environmental benefits

COST:

The cost to the applicant of 

achieving BAT, including 

consideration of that cost 

relative to the remaining 

years of service of the

technology is use by the 

applicant.

AGE AND CONDITION:

The age and condition of 

technology in use by the 

applicant

COMPATIBILITY:

Whether each technology is 

compatible with existing 

operations and technologies 

in use by the applicant

FEASIBILITY:

The practical feasibility of 

each technology in terms of 

engineering and other 

operational aspects

ENVIRONMENTAL 

IMPACTS:

Whether other environmental 

impacts of each technology, 

such as air, land, water 

pollution, and energy 

requirements, offset any 

anticipated environmental 

benefits
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-11A BAT Analysis: ACS Communications (Page 1 of 4) BAT Analysis: ACS Communications (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC L-11A

The ACS communications system incorporates most available communications technologies, including UHF and VHF 

portable and base radios, HF SSB station, Inmarsat, C Band satellite telephone system, and UHF radiotelephone 

equipment. The communications system includes separate logistics and operations networks to better control communications traffic. The ACS system is fully compatible with the systems maintained by all North Slope operators 

and thus provides the best way to assure maximum coordination of effort. The system also provides access to the 

worldwide telephone network for voice and data communications.

BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS

MOBILE RESPONSE COMMUNICATIONS (MRC) CENTER

BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS

TECHNOLOGY: TWO WAY RF COMMUNICATIONS

BAT EVALUATION CRITERIA CURRENT METHOD:

ACS MRC

ALTERNATIVE:

ON-SITE INSTALLATION

AVAILABILITY:

Whether technology is best in use in 

other similar situations or is available 

for use by applicant

The ACS MRC is the model by which 

all other Mobile Response Centers on 

the North Slope have been built, and is 

BAT.

Equipment is available for on site 

installation, but installation/response 

time would be on the order of weeks 

rather than hours.

TRANSFERABILITY:

Whether each technology is 

transferable to applicant’s operations

No change. Could be transferred.

EFFECTIVENESS:

Whether there is a reasonable 

expectation each technology will 

provide increased spill prevention or 

other environmental benefits

No change. No change.

COST:

The cost to the applicant of achieving 

BAT, including consideration of that 

cost relative to the remaining years of 

service of the technology is use by the 

applicant.

No change. ACS has approximately $500,000 

invested in its MRC. Similar costs 

could be expected to install on site 

equivalent equipment.

AGE AND CONDITION:

The age and condition of technology in 

use by the applicant

Current equipment ranges from 15-20 

years old. Equipment is in excellent 

condition due to an aggressive 

preventive maintenance program, and 

will provide several more years of use.

N/A

COMPATIBILITY:

Whether each technology is compatible 

with existing operations and 

technologies in use by the applicant

N/A Compatible.

FEASIBILITY:

The practical feasibility of each 

technology in terms of engineering and 

other operational aspects

N/A Feasible but costly, and unnecessary.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Whether other environmental impacts 

of each technology, such as air, land, 

water pollution, and energy 

requirements, offset any anticipated 

environmental benefits

No change. The ACS MRC was engineered to use 

minimal power and has mated 

systems. Significant engineering would 

be required to provide the same 

benefits with current off-the-shelf 

equipment.

BAT EVALUATION CRITERIA CURRENT METHOD:

VHF/UHF RADIO

ALTERNATIVE:

VHF/UHF TRUNKING

AVAILABILITY:

Whether technology is best in use in 

other similar situations or is available 

for use by applicant

VHF/UHF radio has proven itself BAT 

in the North Slope environment (taking 

terrain and topography into account).

Harmony systems are available, 

provide better penetration, but tend to 

be blocked under heavy load.

TRANSFERABILITY:

Whether each technology is 

transferable to applicant’s operations

No change. Could be transferred.

EFFECTIVENESS:

Whether there is a reasonable 

expectation each technology will 

provide increased spill prevention or 

other environmental benefits

No change. Less effective in a spill response 

situation.

COST:

The cost to the applicant of achieving 

BAT, including consideration of that 

cost relative to the remaining years of 

service of the technology is use by the 

applicant.

No change. Considerable at this time. ACS has 

several years use left in its current 

systems. Transferring to a trunking 

system would mean scrapping our 

current system, and a multi-milliondollar investment in Harmony equipment 

to provide coverage to the area 

currently covered.

AGE AND CONDITION:

The age and condition of technology in 

use by the applicant

Current equipment ranges from new to 

5 years old. Equipment is in excellent 

condition due to an aggressive 

preventive maintenance program, and 

will provide several more years of use.

N/A

COMPATIBILITY:

Whether each technology is compatible 

with existing operations and 

technologies in use by the applicant

N/A Not compatible with current ACS 

Remote Control System.

FEASIBILITY:

The practical feasibility of each 

technology in terms of engineering and 

other operational aspects

N/A In order to provide coverage without 

blocking, many more repeaters would 

be necessary than are in use with The 

current equipment. This would be costprohibitive.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Whether other environmental impacts 

of each technology, such as air, land, 

water pollution, and energy 

requirements, offset any anticipated 

environmental benefits

No change. More repeaters; greater power 

requirements.
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

TACTIC L-11A BAT Analysis: ACS Communications (Page 3 of 4) BAT Analysis: ACS Communications (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC L-11A

BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS

SATELLITE EARTH STATION

BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS

REMOTE TELEPHONE SERVICE

BAT EVALUATION CRITERIA CURRENT METHOD:

SATELLITE TELEPHONES

ALTERNATIVE:

"KU" BAND EARTH STATION

AVAILABILITY:

Whether technology is best in use in 

other similar situations or is available for 

use by applicant

Based on satellite look angles, satellite 

phones are more viable than 

“KU” band systems on the North 

Slope.

Less viable because of look angles.

TRANSFERABILITY:

Whether each technology is 

transferable to applicant’s operations

No change. Could be transferred.

EFFECTIVENESS:

Whether there is a reasonable 

expectation each technology will 

provide increased spill prevention or 

other environmental benefits

No change. No change.

COST:

The cost to the applicant of achieving 

BAT, including consideration of that 

cost relative to the remaining years of 

service of the technology is use by the 

applicant.

No change. Comparable to “C” systems.

AGE AND CONDITION:

The age and condition of technology in 

use by the applicant

The ACS system is essentially new. N/A

COMPATIBILITY:

Whether each technology is 

compatible with existing operations and 

technologies in use by the applicant

N/A Compatible.

FEASIBILITY:

The practical feasibility of each 

technology in terms of engineering and 

other operational aspects

N/A Not feasible because of look angles.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Whether other environmental impacts of 

each technology, such as air, land, 

water pollution, and energy 

requirements, offset any anticipated 

environmental benefits

No change. No change.

BAT EVALUATION CRITERIA

CURRENT METHOD:

SINGLE/MULTI-LINE DIAL 

RADIO TELEPHONES

ALTERNATIVE:

SPREAD SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGY

AVAILABILITY:

Whether technology is best in use in 

other similar situations or is available 

for use by applicant

Considering cost, ease of setup, and 

RF interference, current method is 

BAT. Not 2013 compliant.

Although spread spectrum provides 

more capability, it is susceptible to 

interference if used on the North Slope 

because of similar systems in wide use 

in the area.

TRANSFERABILITY:

Whether each technology is 

transferable to applicant’s operations

No change. Could be transferred.

EFFECTIVENESS:

Whether there is a reasonable 

expectation each technology will 

provide increased spill prevention or 

other environmental benefits

No change. Would provide data connectivity 

unavailable now.

COST:

The cost to the applicant of achieving 

BAT, including consideration of that 

cost relative to the remaining years of 

service of the technology is use by the 

applicant.

No change. Costs of spread spectrum Systems are 

10 times the cost of DRT’s. Current 

systems have several years of service 

left. Changeover would be prohibitive.*

AGE AND CONDITION:

The age and condition of technology in 

use by the applicant

Current equipment ranges from 15-20 

years old. Equipment is in excellent 

condition due to an aggressive 

preventive maintenance program, and 

will provide several more years of use.

N/A

COMPATIBILITY:

Whether each technology is compatible 

with existing operations and 

technologies in use by the applicant

N/A Compatible.

FEASIBILITY:

The practical feasibility of each 

technology in terms of engineering and 

other operational aspects

N/A Feasible, but costly.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Whether other environmental impacts 

of each technology, such as air, land, 

water pollution, and energy 

requirements, offset any anticipated 

environmental benefits

No change. No change.
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC L-11B BAT Analysis: Trajectory Analyses (Page 1 of 2) BAT Analysis: Trajectory Analyses (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-11B

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

Simple vector calculations would be used based on wind speed and currents at the time. Computer-based trajectory 

models are less effective for the nearshore environment, and are not useful for spills of non-persistent products 

such as diesel.

Surveillance of winter spills is carried out by observation from aircraft and on the surface. In addition, infrared videotapes of the spill site may be made from the ConocoPhillips Twin Otter for viewing at the command center. On 

the ground, spill responders find the oiled areas by sight and mark them with lathe and flagging. 

Forecasting of oil movement is applicable to spills to water rather than winter spills to frozen surfaces. Oil falling to 

snow-covered ground and sea ice is absorbed by the snow and does not move. The regulations for contingency 

plan contents call for information on procedures and methods for real time surveillance and tracking of discharged 

oil on open water [18 AAC 75.425(e)(1)(F)(iv)], as listed in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s May 

30, 1997, Draft Guidelines for Best Available Technology. Discharges of oil to snow and ice are to surfaces rather 

than to open water.

BAT EVALUATION 

CRITERIA

ALTERNATIVE 1:

NOAA OSSM

ALTERNATIVE 2:

HAND CALCULATIONS 

ALTERNATIVE 3:

OILMAP

ALTERNATIVE 4:

OSP2

AVAILABILITY:

Whether technology is 

best in use in other 

similar situations or is 

available for use by 

applicant

The NOAA HazMat 

division staff provides a 

verbal trajectory forecast 

within 1/2 to 1 hour of 

notification. A model run 

is available within 2 to 3 

hours. NOAA’s staff is 

always available. The 

HazMat division’s digital 

On-Scene Spill Model 

(OSSM) models oil as 

discrete particles affected 

by wind and water speed 

and direction (as does all 

such software). Input 

information includes time, 

location, and quantity of 

spill. Advantages:

• NOAA is the source of 

most meteorological data 

input into any modeling 

software. 

• NOAA understands the 

limitations of the data 

and depicts these using 

uncertainty bounds.

•NOAA uses three 

computer models to 

calculate water current 

speed and direction. 

Oil’s direction and speed 

are calculated from water 

current and wind vector 

data. This approach 

assumes that wind 

pushes oil at 3% of wind 

speed. Vector 

calculations performed 

on scene may provide 

the primary trajectory 

forecasting available 

during the initial 

response. The 

calculations are likely to be 

used in conjunction 

with the results of 

computer modeling.

The OILMAP software 

can be purchased for use 

by anyone and runs on 

Windows. Use is limited 

by the number of 

licenses purchased from 

Applied Science 

Associates (ASA). 

OILMAP is widely used 

and accepted by the oil 

industry, and hindcast 

analysis has been 

performed by ASA to 

confirm its effectiveness. 

Access to some data 

may be limited. For 

example, although 

meteorological data can 

be obtained from NOAA, 

current data used in the 

ASA OILMAP model are 

previously calculated by 

ASA from NOAA data. 

The model does allow for 

integration of data from a 

variety of data formats, 

such as GIS.

OSP2 is a twodimensional, menudriven computer model that 

provides both 

trajectory tracking and 

probability analysis; 

however, the model is 

appropriate only for open 

seas, not for areas inside 

barrier islands. This 

model therefore is not 

considered appropriate 

for North Slope 

operations.

TRANSFERABILITY:

Whether each 

technology is 

transferable to 

applicant’s operations

Entirely transferable Entirely transferable Transferable with 

procedural and equipment 

changes.

N/A

BAT EVALUATION 

CRITERIA

ALTERNATIVE 1:

NOAA OSSM

ALTERNATIVE 2:

HAND CALCULATIONS

ALTERNATIVE 3:

OILMAP

ALTERNATIVE 4:

OSP2

EFFECTIVENESS:

Whether there is a 

reasonable 

expectation each 

technology will 

provide increased spill 

prevention or other 

environmental 

benefits

NOAA provides new 

forecasts daily during 

spill response. Thus, if 

wind or current direction 

changes, spill equipment 

can be moved 

beforehand to protect 

sensitive areas. NOAA 

also works directly with 

the U.S. Coast Guard to 

support response efforts. 

Updated data on spill 

location and movement 

will be obtained through 

radio reports from aerial 

observers, infrared aerial 

videotapes, and from 

tracking buoys such as 

those used in the Orion 

system. These data can 

be incorporated in the 

NOAA model to provide 

more accurate model 

results.

Vector calculations 

performed on scene may 

provide the primary 

trajectory forecasting 

available during the initial 

response. The 

calculations are likely to 

be used in conjunction 

with the results of 

computer modeling. 

Updated data on spill 

location and movement 

will be obtained through 

radio reports from aerial 

observers, infrared aerial 

videotapes, and from 

tracking buoys such as 

those used in the Orion 

system. As changes in 

spill movement occur, 

these data can be 

incorporated in the 

calculations to provide 

more accurate results.

Use of this model would 

improve spill response 

capabilities under ideal 

conditions; however, the 

accuracy depends on the 

experience of the 

modeler. 

Updated data on spill 

location and movement 

will be obtained through 

radio reports from aerial 

observers, infrared aerial 

videotapes, and from 

tracking buoys such as 

those used in the Orion 

system. As changes in 

spill movement occur, 

these data can be 

incorporated in the 

OILMAP model to 

provide more accurate 

model results.

Not effective for North 

Slope operations inside 

barrier islands.

COST:

The cost to the 

applicant of achieving 

BAT, including 

consideration of that 

cost relative to the 

remaining years of 

service of the 

technology is use by 

the applicant.

No cost to the applicant. No significant cost to the 

applicant.

Cost varies with number 

of users and the amount 

of data. The average 

cost per license is 

$10,000 to $20,000, 

which covers somewhat 

limited data without a lot 

of detail.

No cost for using this 

model for spills outside 

the barrier islands.

AGE AND 

CONDITION:

The age and condition 

of technology in use 

by the applicant

The model and data are 

kept up to date.

N/A Data used in this model 

may not be as up to date 

as data used by NOAA.

N/A

COMPATIBILITY:

Whether each 

technology is 

compatible with 

existing operations 

and technologies in 

use by the applicant

The only compatibility 

issues is availability of 

telecommunications 

equipment needed to 

communicate with 

NOAA. Applicant’s 

reliance on NOAA’s 

model minimizes 

potential conflict with the 

results of other models.

Compatible with existing 

operations and 

technologies.

Compatible with existing 

operations and 

technologies with 

changes to procedures 

and equipment. Use of 

the technology requires 

training personnel.

N/A

FEASIBILITY:

The practical 

feasibility of each 

technology in terms of 

engineering and other 

operational aspects

Has been used by spill 

responders in Alaska and 

the rest of the U.S. Might 

require minimal 

procedural changes, but 

would require no major 

engineering or 

operational changes.

Has been used 

successfully by spill 

responders throughout 

Alaska and the rest of 

the U.S. No procedural 

revisions are necessary.

Used successfully by 

spill responders 

throughout the U.S. It 

would require procedural 

revisions to implement, 

but would require no 

substantial engineering 

changes.

N/A

ENVIRONMENTAL 

IMPACTS:

Whether other 

environmental impacts 

of each technology, 

such as air, land, 

water pollution, and 

energy requirements, 

offset any anticipated 

environmental 

benefits

N/A N/A N/A N/A
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-11C BAT Analysis: Wildlife Protection (Page 1 of 2)

The wildlife protection plan in Tactics W-1 through W-5 can be considered best available technology because it is based 

on the guidelines published by the wildlife trustee agencies and involves the use of Alaska Clean Seas’ stabilization center. ACS designed this center in consultation with recognized experts in the field, including the International Bird Rescue 

and Research Center. Furthermore, a doctor of veterinary medicine will be available to assist in decisions regarding oiled 

wildlife.

ACS worked with government agencies to develop the wildlife protection strategy. ACS brought together a joint industry/agency task force for the project. As a starting point, the task force used the “Wildlife Guidelines for Alaska” 

in the Alaska Region Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan produced by the Alaska Regional 

Response Team. These guidelines identify the three-tier strategy in the ACS plan. The tertiary strategy is the handling of oiled animals. The ACS wildlife capture and stabilization center was designed for this purpose and was 

based on the recommendations of Jan White, DVM, then Operations Manager of the International Bird Rescue and 

Research Center (IBRRC). 

The design for the ACS stabilization center has been used by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company for Prince William 

Sound and by Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc. in Cook Inlet.

THIS PAGE DELIBERATELY LEFT BLANK

BAT Analysis: Wildlife Protection (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-11C

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC L-12 Logistical Support for On-Water Operations (Page 1 of 2) Logistical Support for On-Water Operations (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC L-12

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 04/06

A barge can be used for support operations during a spill. Such operations include the following:

• Transporting response equipment

• Handling and transporting sewage from the response vessels

• Transporting potable water and food

• Handling and transporting solid waste (oily waste and garbage)

• Conducting crew changes

• Supporting refueling operations with a fuel tank

• Providing mechanical support and spare parts

• Providing safety support and transporting safety gear, including decontamination equipment

At least one vessel or workboat is required for this tactic.

A vessel could be used to meet portions of the logistical support requirements.

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This tactic may be used to support gross decontamination of vessels. See Tactic S-7.

• See Tactic S-6 for resources and techniques for personnel decontamination.

PPE Storage

Fuel Tank

Mechanic's Truck

Personnel

Shelter

Personnel

Decon

Portable Toilets

BARGE

SAMPLE LAYOUT

NOTE: “Base Location” is storage location (may change seasonally); “Mobe Time” is time to get it out of storage, prepare it for 

operation, and make it ready to travel (concurrent for all equipment); “Deploy Time” is time to make it operational for its intended use 

at the spill site. These times do not include travel time from base to spill site, which may have multiple components (see Tactic L-3).

EQUIPMENT BASE 

LOCATION FUNCTION PIECES NO. STAFF/SHIFT

MOBE 

TIME

DEPLOY 

TIME

Barge West Dock Support 1 6 6 hr 0

Fuel Tank Colville Fuel 1 0 0 0

Mechanic's Truck All Repair and 

Maintenance

1 1 2 hr 0

Portable Toilets West Dock Staff needs 2 0 0 0

Envirovac EOA, WOA Staff needs 1 — 1 hr 1 hr

PPE and Decon 

Equipment

All Support Various 1 0 0

Work Boat ACS, KRU, EOA, 

Endicott, Alpine

Personnel transport Several 1 1 hr 1 hr

or
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC A-1 Emergency Action Checklist (Page 1 of 2) Emergency Action Checklist (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC A-1

SITE SAFETY AND CONTROL

 Health Hazards: Respiratory/dermal/ingestion/exposure levels/PPE

 Fire/Explosion: LEL’s/explosion proof equipment

 Air Monitoring: Suggested priority action that should continue as required throughout the 

response

 Biological Hazards: Environmental and chemical

 Unsafe Conditions: Weather, heavy equipment, adequate lighting, etc.

 Medical Emergency: Medical plan and on-site first-aid capability

NOTIFICATIONS

 Corporate: Have the appropriate corporate notifications been made?

 Local: Has North Slope Borough and/or local communities been notified?

 State: Have the proper State of Alaska notifications been made?

 Federal: Have the proper Federal notifications been made?

SPILL ASSESSMENT

 Characterization: Access control/hazard evaluation/PPE requirements/site description

SOURCE CONTROL

 Salvage

 Relief Well

 Flow Control/Mitigation

 Repair

STAGING AREAS

 Location: Best location to support remote operations in area outside contaminated areas

 Control: Establish check-in/check-out system for personnel and equipment

 Space: Make sure there’s enough room

CONTAINMENT

 Booming: Ensure you’re using right boom for the job

 Earth/Snow Berms: May be special permit requirements

MECHANICAL RECOVERY

 Skimming: Skimmer requirements will change as oil weathers and emulsifies

 Heavy Equipment

BURNING

 Burn Plan: Who, what, where, when, why?

 Containment: Oil needs to be >2mm to sustain combustion.

 Ignition System: Heli-torch, hand-held igniters, or igniter of opportunity

 Permit: FOSC and ADEC approval required to burn

DECONTAMINATION

 Personnel: Required immediately for first responders as well as longer term

 Heavy Equipment: What, when, how?

 Boom: What, when, how?

 Skimmer: What, when, how?

 Vessel: What, when, how?

 Small Equipment/Tools: What, when, how?

SURVEILLANCE/TRACKING

 Modelling: If offshore, use hand calculations supplemented with NOAA model

 Aerial Surveillance: Should be done at least daily to track oil and ground-truth model

INITIAL 

ACTIONS

RESPONSE

 Tactical Surveillance: Critical to have aerial surveillance to position resources in 

the field

 Mass Balance Calculations: Be as accurate as possible before releasing information

SHORELINE PROTECTION

 Sensitive Habitat Identification: Identify sensitive habitat to prioritize protection

 Prioritization Plan: Develop plan

SHORELINE CLEANUP

 Assessment: Form Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Teams (SCAT)

 Identify Beach Type: Characterize and map beach types and oiled areas

 Identify Cleanup Techniques: Determine correct techniques for each beach type 

and implement cleanup

WASTE DISPOSAL

 Liquid Oily Waste: Where, when, how?

 Solid Oily Waste: Where, when, how?

 Domestic Waste: Where, when, how?

 Hazardous: Where, when, how?

 Transport: Where, when, how?

 Storage: Temporary or long-term/impermeable

 Disposal: Identify options

 Permits: Ensure permits are in place

COMMUNICATIONS

 Radio (air-ground, etc.): Need to establish as soon as possible and have ability to 

expand as needed

SENSITIVITY ID: Identify and prioritize: cultural, archaeological, environmental

 Sensitive Wildlife Habitat: Identify and prioritize

 Cultural/Archaeological: Identify; confidentiality issues may arise

WILDLIFE RESPONSE

 Hazing: Use only qualified personnel

 Capture: Capture of terrestrial animals to be done by ADF&G

 Stabilization: Ensure wildlife facility is operational

 Treatment: Use licensed DVM

 Release: Negotiate location and timing with trustee agencies

NRDA

 Survey: Initiate as soon as practical

 Documentation

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Initiate as soon as practical

SECURITY

LAND OWNERSHIP ISSUES: Ensure you have permission to enter native allotments

DEMOBILIZATION: Commence planning as soon as possible

SITE RESTORATION

 Material removal: Will cause a disposal problem

 Revegetation: Anticipate multi-year program

 Bioremediation: Anticipate multi-year program

CLAIMS

ENVIRONMENTAL

ANCILLARY

ACTIVITIES

SPILL PROJECT 

CLOSURE
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC A-2 Spill Reporting Procedures (Page 1 of 4) Spill Reporting Procedures (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC A-2

EXTERNAL AND AGENCY NOTIFICATION CHECKLIST

The following is provided as guidance to ACS member companies on notification. Each company should have 

its own procedure and reporting forms.

 Each operation should designate person or position responsible for agency notification

 Assure that all required agency notifications have been made.

 Complete and send via fax a spill report.

 Make internal company notifications as required by company policy and/or company c-plans.

 Make additional agency notifications as merited by circumstances of spill.

 As response requirements dictate, contact ACS and activate Mutual Aid.

 When appropriate, complete required written report to ADEC of spill and response.

 When appropriate, activate ACS emergency use permits:

• ADNR Land Use Permit for Emergency Use

• ADF&G Title 16 Permit for Emergency Use of Fish Habitat

• ADF&G Bird Hazing Permit

• ADF&G Mammal Hazing Permit

• ADF&G Mammal Stabilization, Transport and Disposal

• NSB Development Permit for Emergency Use

• USF&WS Permit for Capture, Salvage and Rehabilitation, Migratory Birds and Raptors

• NOTE: At time of incident, determine whether ARRT Guideline Checklist must be completed.

WRITTEN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

18 AAC 75.300 requires notification of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation of any spill on 

State lands or waterways. After notification of the discharge has been made to the department, the department 

will, at its discretion, require interim reports until cleanup has been completed (18 AAC 75.307). A written final 

report must be submitted within 15 days of the end of cleanup operations, or if no cleanup occurs, within 15 

days of the discharge (18 AAC 75.307). Interim and final written reporting requirements are specified in 18 

AAC 75.307 and must contain the following information:

• Date and time of discharge

• Location of discharge

• Name of facility or vessel

• Name, mailing address, and telephone number of person or persons causing or responsible for the 

discharge and the owner and the operator of the facility or vessel

• Type and amount of each hazardous substance discharged

• Cause of the discharge

• Description of any environmental damage caused by the discharge or containment to the extent the 

damage can be identified

• Description of cleanup actions taken

• Estimated amount of hazardous substance cleaned up and hazardous waste generated

• Date, location, and method of ultimate disposal of the hazardous substance cleaned up

• Description of actions being taken to prevent recurrence of the discharge

• Other information the department requires to fully assess the cause and impact of the discharge

SAMPLE SPILL ASSESSMENT REPORT
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 9/01

TACTIC A-2 Spill Reporting Procedures (Page 3 of 4) Spill Reporting Procedures (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC A-2

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/07 AGENCY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OIL SPILLS

THIS PAGE DELIBERATELY LEFT BLANK

(907) 334-5300 24 hr)

(907) 334-5302 (FAX)
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC A-3 ACS Pre-Approved Permits (Page 1 of 2) ACS Pre-Approved Permits (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC A-3

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

The following tables identify pre-approved permits that have been issued to ACS and that are available to ACS’ 

member companies. Each permit has its own reporting requirements and renewal dates. Check with the ACS 

Planning Manager for the latest information on these permits.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• Geographical area of coverage: All state land owned between the west bank of the Colville River and the west 

bank of the Canning River north of 68° N. latitude.

• Emergency use permits allow activities outside normal permit stipulations if the activities would result in a signif﻿icantly increased rate of oil spill cleanup.

• Permits are assignable to ACS member companies and may be accessed by taking the following steps:

Notification to the relevant agency(ies) that permit(s) are being activated, including the name of the member 

company and the primary point of contact.

• Member companies should notify ACS when activating the permit.

• Users of the permits are responsible for any registered site restoration as a result of their activities.

• Permit users are required to meet reporting requirements associated with all the permits. These requirements 

are identified in the permits.

NON-EMERGENCY USE PERMITS

EMERGENCY USE PERMITS

TYPE PERMIT PERMIT # ISSUING AGENCY PURPOSE

Land Use LAS 22375 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Oil Spill Emergency Use Permit

Title 16 Fish Habitat Permit FG94-III-0218 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Oil Spill Emergency Use Permit

Bird Hazing FG05-III-0012 Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Oil Spill Emergency Use Permit

Mammal Hazing and Mammal 

Stabilization, Transport & Disposal

FG05-III-0013 Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Oil Spill Emergency Use Permit

Capture, Salvage and Rehabilitation of Migratory Birds & RaptorsMB772518-0 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Oil Spill Emergency Use Permit

Information Use Agreement 3140-4 AHRS Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Access to Alaska Heritage Resources 

Survey information

Oil Spill Removal Organization 

Classification

89 U.S. Coast Guard National Strike 

Force Coordination Center

OSRO Classification

Oil Spill Primary Response Action 

Contractor Registration

09-01-08-350 Alaska Dept. of Environmental 

Conservation

RAC Registration

NPDES Mobil Spill Response AKG-33-0000 

Discharge #007

Environmental Protection Agency Authorization to Discharge Pollutants

ACOE Nationwide Oil Spill 

Cleanup

Permit Number 20 Department of the Army Authorization of placement of materials 

in navigable waters for oil spill cleanup 

activities.

Marine Mammal Hazing 932-1489-05 National Marine Fisheries Authorization for hazing (take) of live 

marine mammals and endangered species 

in peril (in vicinity of an oil spill)

Permit for Small Takes of Marine 

Mammals

None National Marine Fisheries E-mail on non-requirement for this permit

NPRA Land Use None Bureau of Land Management E-mail on non-requirement for this permit

TYPE OF PERMIT PERMIT # ISSUING AGENCY PURPOSE

Land Use LAS 22374 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Storage of spill response equipment and training exercises

NSB Development NSB 99-033 North Slope Borough Oil Spill Emergency Use Permit

Fish Habitat Permit FG99-III-0002 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Boom pre-deployment

Fish Habitat Permit FH07-III-0119 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Pre-staged equipment winter 

access

Fish Habitat Permit FG92-III-0212 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Summer oil spill containment 

and recovery training activities

Fish Habitat Permit FG92-III-0213 Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Winter oil spill containment and 

recovery training activities

Bird Hazing 05-060 Alaska Department of Fish & 

Game

Non-spill related bBird hazing

Open Burn Approval for InSitu Burn TrainingAQ907OBR01 Alaska Department of Environmental ConservationOpen burning for fire training at 

ACS fire training site

Boom Deployment in Navigable Waters POA-2005-833-D POA-2005-

834-D POA-2005-835-D POA2005-836-D POA-2005-837-D 

POA-2005-838-D POA-2005-

839-D POA-2005-840-D POA2005-841-D POA-2005-842-D 

POA-2005-843-D POA-2005-

844-D POA-2005-1785-D

Department of the Army Boom pre-deployment in navigable waterways

USCG Aids to Navigation LLNR #1435 Seventeenth Coast Guard District Boom pre-deployment 

List and Maps of Pre-Staged 

Equipment Sites, Pre-Deployed Boom Sites, Staging 

Areas, and Boat Launch Sites

Stormwater Discharge AKG-33-0000 (Draft) EPA / NPDES Permits Unit Stormwater Discharge Permit 

for ACS facilities

Hazardous Materials Transportation061909 700 005RT U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Certificate 

of Registration
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC A-4 Training Requirements for Response Personnel (Page 1 of 4) Training Requirements for Response Personnel (Page 2 of 4) TACTIC A-4

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03 ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 03/03

ACS provides spill response training for their own personnel as well as the North Slope Spill Response Team 

(NSSRT) and Incident Management Team (IMT). This training includes both regulatory required training and 

training specific to various response positions and activities. ACS has developed five labor categories for the 

NSSRT. Each of these categories has minimum requirements for qualifications. ACS also maintains the response 

training records for all ACS staff, NSSRT and IMT members. 

The five labor categories and criteria identified for NSSRT members are as follows.

General Laborer

The General Laborer is a responder with minimal or no field experience in spill response. Duties are associated 

with mobilization, deployment, and support functions for the response. Support tasks such as deployment of 

boom sections, assembly of anchors systems, assembly of temporary storage devices, loading and unloading 

equipment, and decontamination of equipment are typical tasks undertaken by this responder classification. 

Responders in this classification must have documentation of compliance with the following minimum training 

requirements:

• Current 24 Hour HAZWOPER certification

• H2S Training

• Current North Slope Training Cooperative Academy

Over time, the NSSRT training program will bring each NSSRT member from their entry point as a General 

Laborer to at least the Skilled Technician level.

Skilled Technician

The Skilled Technician is a responder who has experience in spill response activities at a higher level through 

having received specific training, having performed related activities as part of regular employment, or having 

participated in spill response incidents. Tasks such as the operation of skimmers, powerpacks, and transfer 

pumps are typical tasks undertaken by this responder. Responders in this classification must have documentation of compliance with the following minimum training requirements:

• Must meet the minimum training requirements for General Laborer

• Completion of 16 hours of training or equivalent experience in any combination of the following categories:

— Response equipment deployment and use

— Response tactics and equipment requirements

— Emergency response management (ICS)

— Staging area management and support

— Boat safety, navigation, or operations

— Contingency plan familiarization

• Completion of 16 hours of actual spill response, response exercise, or field deployment time in any 

combination of the following activities:

— Operation of recovery equipment systems

— Operation of transfer and storage equipment systems

— Deployment and use of containment systems

—Decontamination procedures

— Wildlife hazing, capture, and stabilization

• Must have ten completed equipment proficiency checks

Team Leader

Team Leader roles may include such categories as Task Force Leader, Containment or Recovery Site Team 

Leader, or Staging Area Manager. A Team Leader has attended additional training in the actions, responsibilities, and task associated with managing portions of an incident. Responders in this classification must have 

documentation of compliance with the following minimum training requirements:

• Must meet the minimum training requirements for General Laborer

• Must meet the minimum training requirements for Skilled Technician

• Must have a current 8-hour HAZWOPER Supervisor certification

• Must have 20 completed equipment proficiency checks

Vessel Operator — Nearshore

Responders qualified as Vessel Operator — Nearshore are tasked with safe operation of vessels less than 30 

feet in length. These vessels have a hull design and electronics intended primarily for operation in nearshore 

environments or occasionally, in conjunction with larger vessels, in an offshore response. Typical duties include 

towing and placement of containment booms, setting and tending anchors, and movement of equipment to 

remote sites. Responders in this classification must have documentation of compliance with the following 

minimum requirements:

• Must meet the minimum training requirements for General Laborer

• Must meet the criteria for any one of the following:

— Completion of the ACS Captain and Crew, or Boat Safety and Handling training programs

— Completion of 40 hours of equivalent training or experience on vessels, including navigation, charting, 

vessel electronics, and docking and maneuvering procedures

— Current USCG Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel, or higher, license

• Completion of nearshore vessel proficiency check

Vessel Operator — Offshore

Responders qualified as Vessel Operator — Offshore are tasked with the safe operation of vessels larger 

than 30 feet in length. These vessels have a hull design and electronics capable of sustaining operations in an 

offshore environment. Typical duties include towing of containment booms, working in conjunction with barge 

containment operations, towing mini-barges, operating skimmers to recover oil, providing ice management 

support, and providing logistical support to offshore operations. Responders in this classification must have 

documentation of compliance with the following minimum requirements:

• Must meet the minimum training requirements for General Laborer

• Must meet the criteria for any one of the following:

— Completion of the ACS Captain and Crew Training Program

— Completion of 40 hours of equivalent training or experience on vessels larger than 30 feet, including 

navigation, anchoring, vessel electronics, and docking and maneuvering procedures

— Current USCG 25-Ton Near Coastal, or larger, license

• Completion of offshore vessel proficiency check
ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09 NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/01

TACTIC A-4 Training Requirements for Response Personnel (Page 3 of 4) Training Requirements for Response Personnel (Page 4 of 4) TACTIC A-4

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM TRAINING

ACS provides training courses and facilitates exercises and drills for the North Slope Incident 

Management Team. ACS also maintains a matrix of recommended training based upon each 

IMT position. 

Below is a representative list of the various courses that ACS provides to the IMT members. 

COURSE # COURSE TITLE

2493 IMS Overview

2571 Site Control

2573 Site Management

2575 Site Safety

2578 Getting Organized

2580 Communications

2495 Development of Tactical Worksheet

2498 Development of Initial Incident Briefing Form

2500 Field Reports and Field Team Organization

2502 Resource Ordering and Tracking

2504 Initial Incident Briefing (201)

2506 Mapping

2510 Information Management, Situation Status

2508 Information Management, Resource Status

2512 Operational Planning Worksheet & 

Situation Reports

2514 Operational Planning Worksheet 

for Next Operational Period

2516 Assessment Meetings

2518 Preparation of Tactical Objectives

2524 Shift Change Briefing

2528 Environmental Unit Training

2530 Documentation Unit Training

2532 Safety Officer Training

2534 Table-Top Talk-Around

2538 Integrated Table-Top Exercise

SPILL RESPONSE TRAINING COURSES

Alaska Clean Seas provides a wide variety of response-related training courses to the NSSRT. These courses are 

divided into three basic categories: general courses that are taught on an as-needed basis, short courses that are 

taught regularly, and equipment proficiency checks that are also taught regular ly.

Below is a representative list of the various courses that ACS provides to the NSSRT members.

• Basic Oil Spill Response (Summer)

• Basic Oil Spill Response (Winter)

• Arctic Cold Weather Survival

• Arctic Ocean Survival

• Swiftwater 1st Responder

• HAZWOPER Supervisor

• Winter Oil Spill Operations

• Summer Oil Spill Operations

• Bird Collection and Stabilization

• Insitu Burning

• SRT Wildlife Hazing Awareness

• Captain & Crew Training 1 & 2

• Airboat Operations

• Boat Safety and Handling

• Boom Deployment on Rivers

• Decontamination Procedures

• Global Positioning Systems

• ICS Basic Radio Procedures

• Skimmer Types and Applications

• Snowmachine, ARGO and ATV Operation

• Weatherport and Survival Equipment

• Bear Deterrence

• Bird Deterrence

• Fastanks and Bladders

• Nearshore Operations

• Air Monitoring

• Deckhand/Knot Tying

• Charting & Navigation

• Winter Response Tactics

• Summer Response Tactics

• Winter Equipment PC’s

• Summer Equipment PC’s

• C-Plan Review

• Tundra Cleanup Techniques

• Plugging and Patching

• SCAT for 1st Responders

• Archaeological Resource Awareness

• Field Mechanics of ICS

• Staging Area Management

• North Slope Spill Overview

• Bloodborne Pathogens

• Respiratory Protection

• Marine Operations Awareness

• Hazwoper Supplemental Refresher

• Culvert Plugging/Underflow Dams

• Oil Spill Olympics

• Equipment Deployment Exercises

• Immersion Suit Training

• Ice Safety Awareness

• Best Available Technology (BAT)

• Field Organization and Resource Tracking

• Approximately 160 Proficiency Checks on Various 

Equipment
NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only. NOTE: All values given on these pages are for planning purposes only.

TACTIC A-5 ACS Certifications (Page 1 of 2)

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09

ACS Certifications (Page 2 of 2) TACTIC A-5

ACS Tech. Manual Vol. 1, 09/09