bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRIMER ENFOQUE DEL MOVIMIENTO TRANSFRONTERIZO EFICAZ DE EQUIPOSY PERSONAL DURANTE RESPUESTAS A DERRAMES DE HIDROCARBUROS—LECCIONES APRENDIDAS DE UN DERRAME ENTRE ECUADOR Y COLOMBIA
Authors: Moyano Juan Miguel , Leal Luis Alberto
Published: January 2013

El Convenio de 1990 sobre Preparación, Cooperación y Lucka contra la Contaminación por Hidrocarburos (OPRC 90) y el Convenio y el Protocolo de Cartagena relativo a la cooperación para combatir los derrames de hidrocarburos en la Región del Gran Caribe (UNEP-CEP, 1983), entre otros, promueven la cooperación entre los pais es para responder a derrames que amenazan las costas de estados vecinos. Los medios sugeridos para lograr esta cooperación es concertar acuerdos bilaterales y multilaterales.

Aunque simple desde el punto de vista con ceptual, confrecuencia, esta cooperación debe superar—a nivel práctico—varios obstáculos, en particular el movimiento transfronterizo de personal y equipos de un país a otro. ARPEL—la Asociación Regional de Empresas de Petróleo y Gas Natural en Latinoamérica y el Caribe—con el apoyo de las organizaciones regionales e internacionales pertinentes, ha estado asistiendo en la implementación de acuerdos bilaterales de cooperación a través de una labor conjunta entre el gobierno y la industria. AI encabezar estos esfuerzos, se ha adquirido experiencia con respecto a los temas principales a ser considerados en el movimiento transfronterizo de equipos y personal.

ECOPETROL y PETROECUADOR, las empresas petroleras estatales de Colombia y Ecuador, firmaron un acuerdo de cooperación en el año 1999, con el propósito de abordar de manera eficiente los derrames de hidrocarburos en las zonas de influencia de las operaciones que tienen en ambos países.

Los procedimientos operativos del acuerdo abordan las condiciones para la entrada de equipos y personal de Ecuador en el territorio de Colombia. Estos procedimientos fueron establecidos con las autoridades gubernamentales colombianas de aduanas e inmigración, sobre la base del sistema legislativo de ese país, teniendo siempre presente la finalidad última de estos procedimientos, a saber, ofrecer acceso inmediato y eficaz a recursos externos. En la actualidad, PETROECUADOR está trabajando con las autoridades ecuatorianas para crear y establecer similares procedimientos en Ecuador para concluir el proceso.

El presente documento ofrece un primer enfoque de los asuntos a ser considerados (es decir, “mejores prácticas”) al concebir un marco legislativo, reglamentario y de procedimientos para el movimiento transfronterizo de equipos y personal durante respuestas a derrames de hidrocarburos, sobre la base de las lecciones aprendidas por ECOPETROL y PETROECUADOR al optimizar su acuerdo bilateral de cooperación. Estos asuntos incluyen aduanas, inmigración, seguros, responsabilidades del que responde, temas de movilización, tarifas de arrendamiento de equipo, riesgos financieros, asícomo temas de salud y seguridad.
THE BEHAVIOR AND DOCUMENTATION OF OIL SPILLED ON SNOW- AND ICE-COVERED SHORELINES.
Authors: Owens Edward H. , Dickins David F. , Sergy Gary A.
Published: January 2013

The efficient and effective cleanup of oiled snow and ice on shorelines or riverbanks requires an understanding of the likely behavior and fate of the oil. Depending on the snow conditions, oil may remain at or near the surface or drain through the snow or into ice cracks. Much of the oil is often hidden from view. The basic principles of snow and ice and oil behavior are relatively well understood. Equations and models are available to estimate rates of infiltration, spreading, migration, or evaporation for oil in snow. There is, however, limited understanding of the mechanics of oil behaviour or transport pathways in snow. Little knowledge exists regarding how oil migrates through a non-uniform snow cover. As a consequence, it is difficult to estimate where the oil might accumulate, a critical question for responders. The few observations published from spills or field experiments indicate that oil transport and migration mechanisms are likely to be complex, particularly if the structure of the snow is not uniform. Snow thickness, snow surface topography, terrain slope, and the presence of ice layers combine with the properties of the oil to create multi-variant scenarios that are not conducive to predictive modeling. Standard techniques that have been developed to systematically describe oiling conditions for shorelines and riverbanks have recently been expanded to take into account situations where oil is spilled on snow- and ice-covered shorelines or riverbanks. This paper presents seven snow and ice categories as an aid to documenting and summarizing shore-zone conditions.
FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION ANALYSIS APPLIED TO OIL CONTAINMENT BOOMS
Authors: Amini Azin , Mahzari Maziar , Bollaert Erik , Schleiss Anton
Published: January 2013

The most important aspect of the ongoing research project is to develop numerical coupled hydraulic-structural analysis models of oil containment booms. This should be later applicable for investigation of the efficiency limits of a new system of oil spill containment booms called Cavalli system. This system consists of surrounding the oil slick with a special boom and protecting it against waves and currents. It provides the possibility to divide the encircled area in several smaller circles and to increase the thickness of the oil slick inside. The whole system consists of a two-phase fluid (oil and water) and a boom that should be structurally stable for the pressure loads imposed by the fluids. It is finally important to evaluate the behaviour of the flexible skirt under different wave and current conditions, as almost all of existing research in the field have been undertaken for rigid barriers. To assess the behaviour of a flexible barrier fluid-structure interaction analysis is to be conducted. The problem is considered as a fluid-structure interaction problem as the boom usually undergoes large deformations and rotations, which modifies the flow characteristics during operation that is not the case for a rigid boom.
Steam Jet Pump For Oil Recovery And Reformation
Authors: Fujita Isamu , Yoshie Muneo , Saito Yukihiro
Published: January 2013

This paper discusses basic performances of the steam jet suction device and its potential application to the spilled oil recovery. The experiments were carried out on suction and ejection performance of the steam-driven jet pump as well as its other benefits such as breaking emulsion or an application to a beach cleaning device. The paper additionally includes some basic topics related to the process of emulsion breaking by surface active agents. The main conclusions of the study are (1) A steam-jet pump is basically suitable to recover and transfer high viscosity spilled oil because it realizes large suction power as well as very rapid heating which resolves the difficulty related to the high viscosity caused by the emulsification, (2) A steam-jet pump is also available for reforming the nature of the spilled oil. Emulsion breaking was observed to a considerable extent even without chemical agent, (3) A steam-jet pump has a potential application to a beach cleaning equipment. The steam-driven jet pump is available for sucking well not only liquid but also sand slurry and simultaneously has some side effect that separates oil from oiled-sand very rapidly. The steam-driven jet pump will play an important roll to respond to the high viscous emulsified oil pollution.
ASSESSING DISPERSANT EFFECTIVENESS FOR HEAVY FUEL OILS USING SMALL-SCALE LABORATORY TESTS
Authors: Clark James , Becker Ken , Venosa Al , Lewis Alun
Published: January 2013

Four bench-scale dispersant tests were used to evaluate three dispersants, Corexit 9500, Superdispersant 25 and Agma Super-concentrate DR 379 with an IFO (Intermediate Fuel Oil) 180 and an IFO 380. Dispersant effectiveness was assessed using the Swirling Flask Test (SFT) and Baffled Flask Test (BFT) developed by the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Exxon Dispersant Effectiveness Test (EXDET) developed by ExxonMobil, and the Warren Spring Laboratory (WSL) test utilized in the United Kingdom. This study allows comparisons among the small-scale laboratory tests and provides a basis to compare dispersant effectiveness data with findings from at-sea field trials and wave basin studies conducted with the same dispersants and oils. No single dispersant preformed with the highest effectiveness under all test methods, but the data demonstrate that viscous oils such as IFO 380s could be dispersed under the right conditions. The results show that laboratory tests with greater mixing energy yield the highest estimates of dispersant effectiveness.
THE USE OF HOVERCRAFT FOR OIL SPILL RESPONSE
Authors: Shepherd Mark
Published: January 2013

Oil exploration and production operations have expanded in the shallow and environmentally sensitive waters in the northeast area of the Caspian Sea, calling for new and innovative methods for oil spill response countermeasures. Water depths as low as 0.6 metres and ice conditions for up to 5 months of the year, present severe planning and response challenges.

Agip KCO is in the process of testing air-cushioned vehicles (ACVs)—also commonly referred to as hovercraft, for both Emergency Escape and Rescue (EER) and oil spill response operations.

Two such ACVs were sited in the Caspian Sea during 2003 for trials. Tests included boom deployments, skimming operations and general operational criteria. Further trials are planned in 2004, to assess suitability for use within reed bed areas and their benefits over other, more conventional craft in this special operating environment.

This paper describes the trials carried out 2003 and their results, together with a review of the issues that are to be addressed
RITMER NETWORK FOR THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN OIL AND CHEMICAL ANTIPOLLUTION TECHNOLOGY: A FRENCH TOOL FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS
Authors: Croquette Jean , Peigné Georges , Guillou Monique , Laurent François , Huther Michel
Published: January 2013

The Technological Research and Innovation Network RITMER was created by the French Ministry of research in 2001 after the ERIKA oil spill, in order to structure the French research, and to develop links between public and private research and development in the fight against accidental pollution domain. The network is a tool created to stimulate the innovative research and is complementary to activities carried out by Ifremer and Cedre. It brings together representatives of academic research, industry and authorities responsible for spill control preparedness and operations. Ifremer and the Brest University are the moderators of the network, and Cedre is one of its most active members.

The main activity of the Ritmer is to define priority areas and to publish calls for proposals, and organize the selection of innovative projects to be supported by the French Ministries. These projects must associate research institutes or universities, with industry or other users of the R&D results, and they should have direct potential application in the fight operations.

Since 2001, 25 projects have been selected, representing more than 13 million Euros of budget and 7.7 million Euros of support by the ministries. These projects concern the main problems encountered in case of accident: detection tools, evaluation, models, recovery at sea and on the coast, waste treatment, organization, communication. Two of them deal with chemical spills.

The paper describes the main projects and gives more detailed description of seven of them which have already produced significant results after two years of work: remote sensing of sunken oil, thermal treatment of oily waste, oil biodegrading parameters, behavior of chemical products at sea.

The future priorities for the French research are also presented in relation to two Ritmer seminars organized in 2003 and 2004, respectively on detection devices and probes, and on innovative tools and methods for the response in coastal areas. Several international actions which have been conducted for the coordination of research in Europe, and in cooperation with Japan and Spain are also described.
HISTORY OF DISPERSANT DEVELOPMENT: A DISPERSANT TIMELINE
Authors: Lyons Zeke , Castaneda Xochitl
Published: January 2013

Initial experiences with oil spill dispersants were less than positive somewhat due to the fact that dispersants began their evolution as chemical substances that were perhaps more toxic than the oil that they were intended to disperse. Through time, however, dispersants were formulated to become less toxic. Beginning with caution, testing and evaluation though the U.S. national science community, then through public workshops and hearings, the US began the process of integrating dispersant usage into its repertory of response technologies.
ENERGY AND WORK INPUT IN LABORATORY VESSELS
Authors: Fingas Merv
Published: January 2013

Turbulent and total energy are known be a very important part of the measurement of oil spill processes. For example, energy is thought to be the single most-important variable in relation to chemical dispersion.

Two techniques have been initiated to measure energy. The measurement technique chosen to do this is Particle Image Velocimetry or PIV. In this method, seed particles are put into the fluid and the fluid is illuminated with a laser. The movement of a particle in a given cell is measured as a function of time. This can occur as fast as 30 Hz. Energy can be calculated from at least 2 successive frames. Turbulent energy can be calculated at each point in the image frame. The other method used is the method of using hot wire anemometry. This method can yield data similar to PIV, however requires the intrusion of a probe into the area.

The measurements are compared to calculations based on formulations presented in the literature. An important point is that it is shown that a single value does not represent the energy in a vessel (or at sea) because the energy level is not homogeneous throughout the field nor is it simply described. Several of the laboratory vessels have energy fields that are representative of sea conditions.
Derivation Of Spreading Parameters Of Oil At Sea For Oil Spill Modeling
Authors: Du Kemei , Kaku Vikram , Boufadel Michel C. , Weaver James
Published: January 2013

Oil spill models are commonly used to simulate the large-scale (tens to hundreds of kilometers) transport of oil spills in the oceans. The values of the spreading parameters of these models are obtained empirically by fitting to observed slicks, thus they do not account explicitly for the effects of waves. In addition, there is little success in using these values to predict the spread at smaller scales (tens of meters to a few kilometers). This works attempts to better understand the physics of oil movement in the ocean by focusing on the small-scale mechanisms. The investigation also leads to evaluation of small-scale spreading parameters.

The Random Walk Method is used in a Monte Carlo simulation framework to track the transport of oil due to the effects of waves, buoyancy, and turbulent diffusion. The small-scale spreading parameters are then calculated using the Method of Moments. Our results indicated that the approach for using a spreading coefficient becomes after a time equal to about 30 wave periods. This corresponds to a travel of the centroid of about two wave lengths. At larger scales, the longitudinal spreading coefficient increased with distance from the initial location and the lateral spreading coefficient became equal to the turbulent diffusion coefficient. The vertical spreading coefficient reached a value that is smaller than half of the turbulent diffusion coefficient, which is due to the presence of the upper boundary (the free surface) and buoyancy.
METRICS FOR RESPONSE VELOCITY
Authors: Dix Mark , Hutley Tedd
Published: January 2013

The rate at which a response to an incident proceeds should vary as the incident progresses. Certain factors contribute to the rate of escalation (and, eventually, demobilization) of response resources, personnel, and formation of a response organization. The rate at which a response organization grows, organizes, functions, and mobilizes resources can be described as an incident's “response velocity”. Often, the time of the arrival of equipment to the incident scene is considered the sole measure of whether the response was quick. However, a single metric such as time to arrive on scene does not speak to the speed with which the incident command is established or the sustained velocity of the response. Examination of the spending patterns, staging area volume, established encounter rate of clean up equipment and other indicators can build a better assessment of the velocity of the response. A discussion of the concept, which adapts the “best response” idea and offers metrics for measuring velocity, is presented.
DEVELOPMENT OF REAL-TIME DATA MONITORING SYSTEM FOR COASTAL MARGIN RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Shah Kinjal , Bonner James , Page Cheryl , Kelly Frank
Published: January 2013

Coastal margins are of enormous economic, environmental, and societal value. However, coastal margin growth, land-use practices, and deleterious anthropogenic and natural processes impact overall coastal margin health. Events such as storms, accidental oil spills, and harmful algal blooms lead to increased water column particle suspension and ecological degradation. An anthropogenic oil spill stresses the biological species present, as the petroleum contamination can travel as slicks and continue as contaminant sources over time. Several state and federal programs address contaminant effect on estuarine health; however, the data monitoring systems currently available are collecting basic trends on sparse datasets and cannot reflect the overall environmental condition of the coastal margin. The desired support system should incorporate scientific, industrial, and other stakeholder needs by utilizing a network of real-time, synthesized sensor data, as no single parameter can accurately relate the overall conditions.

To better understand conditions in the coastal margin, “smart sampling” should be invoked. This combines remote and continuous monitoring with detailed discrete studies during episodic events, such as oil spills. To measure real-time in situ data from the water column, fixed platforms in Corpus Christi Bay include sensors to measure salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, petroleum concentrations, current and wave profiles, and others. The development of sophisticated cyber infrastructure is needed to provide integrated datasets to end users such as research scientists, policy makers, educators, and the general public. This paper presents details on the needed cyber infrastructure, which includes provisions for in situ real-time data acquisition, the capability of transferring very high frequency of data, desired operation and maintenance with minimal human intervention, and highly-flexible, customizable, modular in-house-built software. Expected results focus on integrated information that can be used by coastal region stake holders with confidence in making public policy decisions. Real time data visualization would make it possible to track chemical and oil spills, to detect harmful algal blooms, to monitor ship channels, water level changes, intra-coastal waterways, freshwater diversion, and other human activities.
A MULTI-SENSOR APPROACH FOR OIL SPILL AND SEA SURFACE MONITORING, IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: Bentz Cristina Maria , Barros Josemá Oliveira de
Published: January 2013

Since May 2001 PETROBRAS is using spaceborne multi-sensor remote sensing for its sea surface monitoring program at the Campos, Santos and Espirito Santo Basins, southeastern Brazilian coast. This area is presently responsible for about 80% of all the Brazilian oil and gas production. Ocean color (SeaWiFS and MODIS), thermal infrared (NOAA/AVHRR), scatterometer (QuikSCAT) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (RADARSAT-1 and ENVISAT) data were integrated in order to detect and characterize different sorts of marine pollution and meteo-oceanographic phenomena. The near real time processing and delivery of the SAR data allowed the timely in-situ verification and sampling of the remotely detected events. Satellite sensors operating in the visible part of the spectrum are used to monitor ocean color variations and associated biomass changes. Thermal infrared radiometers are ideal to monitor features like oceanic fronts and upwelling plumes. However, the major limitation for both types of sensors is the extensive and persistent presence of clouds in the monitored area. Fortunately, microwave sensors such imaging spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR) permit the acquisition of oceanic scenes, regardless cloud coverage. With the spaceborne SAR systems available it is possible to have almost a daily synoptic view of large areas with suitable spatial resolution for the detection of different natural and men-made events. The integrated analysis of these dataset presents an important decision tool for emergencies, as well for the elaboration of contingency plans and evaluation of the oil industry activity impacts.
DETERMINING THE VISCOSITY LIMITS FOR EFFECTIVE CHEMICAL DISPERSION: RELATING OHMSETT RESULTS TO THOSE FROM TESTS AT-SEA
Authors: Trudel B.K. , Belore R.C. , Guarino A. , Lewis A. , Mullin J.
Published: January 2013

This study compared dispersant performance at the U.S. Minerals Management Service facility, Ohmsett, with dispersant performance at sea. In 2003, at-sea dispersant tests were conducted in the United Kingdom with Intermediate Fuel Oils (IFO) of differing viscosities aimed at determining the viscosity of oil that limits chemical dispersion. These tests were repeated at Ohmsett using identical combinations of oils, dispersants and DORs. The at-sea tests showed that the oil viscosity limit for dispersion at relatively low wave energies (winds = 7 to 14 knots) lay in the range between the viscosities of IFO 180 (viscosity = 2075 cP at 16°C) and IFO 380 (viscosity = 7100 cP at 16°C). Tests at Ohmsett at a wave paddle frequency of 33.3 cpm were consistent with this finding. These tests also suggested that “limiting viscosity” is not a single value, but is a variable that is influenced by wave energy and dispersant type. Results also showed that Ohmsett tests at a wave paddle frequency of 33.3 cycles per minute (cpm) produced levels of effectiveness somewhat higher than at sea while tests 30 cpm waves produced results that were lower than at sea. Tests in 33.3-cpm waves showed effects of dispersant type on dispersant performance that were consistent with those observed at sea.
COMBINING MODELING WITH RESPONSE IN POTENTIAL DEEP WELL BLOWOUT: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THUNDER HORSE1
Authors: Beegle-Krause CJ , Lynch Walton (Tad)
Published: January 2013

In May of 2003 a drilling riser break at a BP development well in 6015 feet (1875 m) of water in the Gulf of Mexico initiated a dialog between BP responders and NOAA/HAZMAT modelers about the potential consequences of a deep well blowout.

Human health and safety issues were the key concern for BP responders, particularly those planning potential on water operations. Where might the gas surface? Would the natural gas (propane and methane) at the water's surface pose an explosion or asphyxiation hazard? Was there a potential for the gas bubbles to sink any of the response vessels? These discussions did not have as cut-and-dry answers as either BP or NOAA would have preferred.

During the planning for BP's attempt to bring the well back into operation, the General NOAA Oil Modeling Environment (GNOME) with the Clarkson Deep Oil and Gas model (CDOG, Zheng et al 2003, Chen and Yapa 2003 and Yapa and Cheng 2004) were run. The data required for modeling a deep spill is more extensive then for a surface oil trajectory and was the subject of much discussion between BP responders and NOAA/HAZMAT. As a result, NOAA/HAZMAT created a data summary request sheet (Appendix 1) to guide the BP responders in what data was needed, and provided a point of discussion for implications of missing data.
SPILLVIEW: A SUPPORT TO DECISION-MAKING SOFTWARE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO MARINE OIL SPILL
Authors: Boulé Michel , Blouin Martin
Published: January 2013

In the event of a marine oil spill, it is necessary to quickly and clearly assess the situation and estimate the extent of the area potentially impacted by oil. This software combines the following features integrated in a Geographical Information System: Geo-referenced digital aerial survey; Access to trajectory forecast model results; charts with marine and terrestrial data. These features allows a better planning of the emergency response in terms of deployment of personnel and equipment, because it helps to document clearly the observed spill and to give rapidly the length of the coastline at risk and the forecasted time at which the oil spill will start reaching the coast.

Aerial surveys are one of the main tools used towards these ends. Aerial observations support the planning of oil cleanup and recovery work, and can also provide accurate data for oil spill fate and trajectory models.

Aerial surveyors traditionally use paper maps to record their observations. This way of doing things presents some limits. These include: 1) the difficulty to evaluate the exact location of observed features on the map; 2) the difficulty to record all the necessary information on a fixed-scale map and; 3) the issue of transferring the recorded observations to spill managers, which takes time, requires explanations from the observer and can be subject to interpretation mistakes.

These are the reasons why the Canadian Coast Guard, in partnership with Cogeni Technologie Inc., developed the SpillView software system. SpillView, which runs under the Windows XP operating sytem, is designed to operate on a pressure sensitive tablet PC equipped with a GPS and electronic maps. The system displays the real time location and trajectory of the aircraft. The observer can record different types of observations (such as oil location, environmental resources, and shorelines contamination) on georeferenced layers that can be individually exported to formats compatible with other Geographical Information Systems. The observer can also use the system to electronically transfer the observed oil location to a spill modeling center, and display the modeling results within minutes.

Spillview proved to be a good tool to support training and exercises, as it can be used to portray different spill scenarios on electronic maps. The software could also be used for other aerial survey needs, such as national security or forest fires. SpillView is presently being enhanced in order to provide operational support by enabling real time access to equipment inventory databases and fieldwork description forms.
SCAT SURVEYS OF PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND BEACHES – 1989 TO 2002
Authors: Taylor Elliott , Reimer Doug
Published: January 2013

A SCAT survey in 2002 documented conditions at 39 selected survey sites where EVOS oil persisted in 1992, at the time the Federal and State On-Scene Coordinators determined that further cleanup activities would provide no net environmental benefit. The 2002 field survey found isolated occurrences of residual EVOS surface oil (SO) in the form of weathered asphalt pavement at 15 of the 39 sites. SO, expressed as a continuous oil cover, was less 0.2% of the surface area surveyed. Seven of the 39 sites and 815 (68%) of the total 1182 pits contained no residual SSO. SSO was found primarily in middle to upper intertidal locations, where it occurred in discontinuous ∼3cm thick bands 5–10 cm below the boulder/cobble or pebble/gravel veneer. Despite evidence of continued oil weathering, both at the surface and in the subsurface, it is clear that the natural cleaning processes at these particular locations are slow. The continued but slow weathering rates are a consequence of the oil being sequestered from the environment because it occurs in mixed (coarse and fine) sediments on beaches where boulders and outcrops, shallow bedrock asperities, or boulder-armoring limit effective physical weathering action.
APPLIED USE OF HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGERY FOR HUMAN SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Authors: Terry Sarah , Soofi Khalid A. , Kwenandar Yuli , Mcintosh Bill
Published: January 2013

The availability of extremely high resolution images offers an unprecedented opportunity to use such images to monitor, maintain and ultimately preserve and rehabilitate the natural environment throughout the life cycle of oil and gas projects. The variety of images available range from optical images such as Landsat ETM1 imagery (14.25 meter/pixel), IKONOS2 imagery (1 meter/pixel) and QuickBird3 imagery (0.6 meter/pixel). These optical images have sufficient spatial and spectral resolution to detect different vegetation types (e.g. old growth vs. new plantations), cleared vegetation caused by logging or human habitat expansion, burned areas due to fire and vegetation stress caused by spills from oil pipelines or storage vessels. These images are also useful for identifying potential pollutant sources such as abandoned wells, old drilling pits or other remediation targets, as well as potential pollutant receptors. Areas which have perpetual cloud cover, such as South Sumatra, of Indonesia, can be monitored using Synthetic Aperture Radar (e.g. European Space Agency's Synthetic Aperture Radar and RadarSat International of Canada). Although a typical SAR does not have the spectral resolution of optical sensors, it does have the advantage of seeing through clouds. The radar backscatter is sensitive to surface roughness and Dielectric Constant which can be used quite effectively to discriminate major vegetation types.

These images, when combined with normal GIS tools, take us beyond simple monitoring, to generating predictive tools for planning future sites for drilling wells and placement of facilities such as pipelines and roads. This paper will focus on the use of these techniques for oil spill response planning in South Sumatra, while taking note of other applications of remote sensing and GIS to oil and gas operations in the regional environment.
A METHOD TO CHARACTERIZE MATERIALS TO BE USED ON OLEOPHILIC SKIMMERS1
Authors: Broje Victoria A. , Keller Arturo A.
Published: January 2013

A significant amount of effort is being devoted by scientists and industry in order to increase the efficiency of oil spill recovery equipment as it determines the impact of oil spills on coastal ecosystems as well as the time and cost of cleanup operations. One way to increase the efficiency of adhesion skimmers is to replace traditional recovery materials with polymeric materials that have the highest affinity for oil. The research conducted at the University of California Santa Barbara has shown that modern scientific equipment such as a Dynamic Contact Angle Analyzer can be used for evaluation of candidate materials and selection of materials that can be most efficiently used for oil spill cleanup. The study found that the contact angle formed between oil and test surface can be used to characterize the affinity of material to oil. The contact angle correlates well with the mass of recovered oil. For a given oil, the lower the contact angle the higher the recovered mass. The study also showed that surface roughness and oil composition have a significant effect on the results of the adhesion tests. Higher roughness results in lower contact angle and larger recovered mass, for the same oil-polymer pair.
Time Evolution Of Beach Tar, Oil Slicks, And Seeps In The Coal Oil Point Seep Field, Santa Barbara Channel, California
Authors: Leifer Ira , Sontro Tonya Del , Luyendyk Bruce , Broderick Kris
Published: January 2013

Linking beach tar with sources in a complex natural marine seepage area presents numerous challenges. Efforts at Coal Oil Point (COP), CA included beach tar distribution surveys, oil slick tracking, sampling, and chemical analysis, underwater scuba surveys, aerial surveys, and numerical modeling. Despite a wind from the east and current to the west, a slick was tracked initially north from its source, presumably due to spreading, then it drifted east, ending in a kelp bed off COP. Sample chromatograms showed mixing with another oil slick by the appearance of a heavier series of n-alkane peaks where the trajectory changed direction. Trajectory simulations suggested that interface currents were poorly described by parameterizations of wind and surface currents, and/or the existence of small-scale circulations not resolved by CODAR or the drift buoy.

Detailed tar accumulation surveys covered 175-m (4400 m2) of COP beach where tar accumulation generally is greatest. Maximum total beach tar observed was 1.5 kg, with significant variability. Modeling suggested a similar source location for the three analyzed surveys. Analysis also suggested kelp canopies can play a significant roll in the arrival time and location of beach tar by blocking onshore transport. However, wind, current, and kelp conditions were such that much of the variability in tar accumulation for these surveys probably was from source emission variability.
Natural Recovery Of Salt Marshes From The 1991 Oil Spill On The Saudi Arabian Gulf Coast
Authors: Getter Chuck , Michel Jacqui , Hayes Miles
Published: January 2013

Our team completed a broad multidisciplinary survey in 2003 characterizing several thousand transects along 850 km of oil-impacted shoreline to determine the impacts of the 1991 oil spill on the Saudi Arabian Gulf from the western end of Abu Ali Island to the Kuwait border. Salt marshes and tidal flats there form a very significant portion of the oil-impacted coastline. These habitats were heavily oiled in 1991 and significant loss of biological communities was reported then. Although a large scale response effort followed the spill, the size of the spill overwhelmed it. The overwhelming majority of the spill site is remote and will likely receive little or no cleanup and/or restoration effort.

After completing the survey, we conducted an ecological survey at two selected salt marsh transects using line-intercept and quadrat counts counting macrovegetation and intertidal macroepibenthos within one impacted (recovering) and one unoiled (comparison) transect. The objective of our paper is to present useful highlights regarding the nature of the recovery of intertidal macroepibenthos and the vegetation associated with salt marshes. A continuing impact to key species and their assemblages is documented and discussed. We conclude that while recovery has progressed from initial reports of significant damages in 1991–1993 the overall recovery of the salt marshes is far from complete. Some areas of considerable size and importance show little or no sign of recovery. In summary, the oil spill of 1991 was arguably the largest coastal spill in history. Long-term effects are widespread, appear to be profoundly large-scale, and in some cases salt marshes show little sign of natural recovery.
A COMPREHENSIVE NUMERICAL APPROACH TO PREDICT OIL-MINERAL AGGREGATE (OMA) FORMATION FOLLOWING OIL SPILLS IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Khelifa Ali , Hill Paul S. , Lee Kenneth
Published: January 2013

Aggregation between suspended sediment grains and oil droplets, which leads to the formation of agglomerates commonly referred to as Oil-Mineral Aggregates (OMA), is widely acknowledged as a natural process that enhances dispersion of spilled oil in aquatic environments. A comprehensive numerical approach is developed to predict the contribution of OMA formation to the dispersal of spilled oil. The model comprises four modules to calculate maximum size of oil droplets, to predict formation of oil droplets from a slick, to predict formation of sediment floc, and to calculate density of oil-sediment flocs. The inputs of the model are environmental conditions, oil properties and concentration and grain-size distribution of suspended sediments. Sensitivity analysis performed using five crude oils covering a range of viscosities from 8 10−3 to 68 10−3 kg/ms, a kinetic energy dissipation rate from 10−3 to 102 m2/s3, a sediment grain size of 3 μm and a sediment concentration of 250 mg/l showed that formation of OMA is strongly dependent on the oil-water interfacial tension and the kinetic energy dissipation rate. Under breaking wave conditions, the contribution of OMA formation to the dispersal of spilled oil varies between 31 and 97 % depending on characteristics of the individual test oils, in particular oil-water interfacial tension. Results show also that OMA formation is enhanced when the Weber number approaches a value of 0.05.
COOPERATIVE NATURAL RESOURCES DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION WORKSHOP: WORKING TOGETHER TO RESTORE INJURED NATURAL RESOURCES
Authors: Reinharz Eli , Rorick Robin , Young Dale , Pelstring Lisa
Published: January 2013

When natural resources and their services are injured by hazardous substances or oil, how can affected stakeholders expeditiously and effectively restore these resources and services? How can the damage assessment and restoration process be streamlined? What does it take to bring affected interests to the table—and keep them at the table—to resolve liabilities and ensure development of a common restoration vision?

These questions and more were the focus of a workshop on Cooperative Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration held on June 9 and 10, 2004, in San Diego, California. The workshop included participants from federal and state government, industry, American Indian tribes, and environmental groups. Workshop planners included the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials, the American Petroleum Institute American Chemistry Council, the Environmental Law Institute, the Center for Public Environmental Oversight, and Scenic Hudson.

This paper and presentation presents innovative and creative ideas and solutions discussed at the workshop that may serve to facilitate and further promote the cooperative damage assessment process.
INTENTIONAL SCUTTLING OF VESSELS AS A RESPONSE ALTERNATIVE1
Authors: Helton Douglas
Published: January 2013

The intentional scuttling of vessels is infrequently conducted as part of a pollution response. Notable exceptions include the M/V New Carissa in Oregon and the TIB Morris J. Berman in Puerto Rico. The decision to scuttle a vessel is usually complicated and controversial, and hopefully is made only after thorough consideration of the environmental trade-offs. This paper summarizes recent case histories of intentional sinkings and outlines the typical environmental considerations and trade-offs. The paper also summarizes the applicable policies, laws and regulations for both planned and emergency scuttling2. This summary of issues may be useful to both spill responders and resource managers dealing with derelict vessels if scuttling is under consideration as a response or disposal method. Finally, the paper discusses the relationship between scuttling and “places of refuge” and concludes that emergency scuttling should be considered as a component of refuge planning and may be a potential consequence if an appropriate place of refuge can't be found.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SAFETY SUCCESS
Authors: Knutsen Gregg E. , Wladkowski Henry , Shassetz David L.
Published: January 2013

Since 1995, through 2002 the Combined OSHA recordable rate for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and its contractors working on the Trans Alaskan Pipeline System (TAPS) has ranged between 1.66 and 2.12 recordable accidents per 200,000 labor hours. (The eight year average is 1.95.) This recorded rate ranked the TAPS workforce near the bottom-third in safety performance of liquid pipeline carries in the nation. In 2002 Alyeska Pipeline Service Company developed a safety training course for managers and supervisors. As a part of their performance measure, Alyeska required all of its managers and supervisors to attend this training in 2003.

The Fundamentals of Safety for Supervisors and Managers provides a base philosophy and concepts to the key fundamentals required to understand and manage Safety on TAPS. The course is comprised of 18 modules. Each module covers a particular aspect of safety management and provides supervisors and managers with the skills, knowledge, and desire to lead their workforce in achieving an injury-free environment. This is done through developing strong leadership, promoting Alyeska's core values and safety culture in all parts of the company and striving to continuously improve our safety performance. Fundamentals of Safety modules focus on making Safety Management practical for Supervisors and Managers; focusing more on the why than the how.

In 2003, the combined OSHA recordable rate for TAPS was cut in half, resulting in 0.86 accidents per 200,000 labor hours. This paper will discuss how the principles taught in the Fundamentals of Safety training can help response organizations prepare their workforces—especially the managers and supervisors—in advance of an emergency response.
TRANSPORTE Y MANEJO DE GAS NATURAL LICUADO (GNL) ¿CUALES SON LOS RIESGOS A LA SALUD, SEGURIDAD Y EL MEDIO AMBIENTE?
Authors: Pertuz David
Published: January 2013

En estos últimos años el interés mundial por GNL se ha incrementado significativamente del lado de abastecimiento igualmente que por el lado de su demanda. La gran cantidad de proyectos de construcción de plantas de licuefacción, re-gasificación y transporte de GNL en todos los continentes, aunado al misterio y limitada experiencia asociada a esta fuente de energía ha creado muchas dudas y preocupaciones, particularmente sobre el potencial impacto a la salud, seguridad y el medio ambiente en esas áreas donde estos proyectos se estín llevando a cabo.

GNL no es una fuente de energía nueva, GNL es la forma liquida del gas natural. Licuefacción de gas natural se remonta al siglo 19. La primera planta de licuefacción de gas natural fue construida en los EE.UU. en el año 1912. El transporte marítimo del GNL no es algo nuevo, su primer envío por barco se efectuó a finales de los años 50.

El historial de seguridad de la industria de GNL, incluyendo los procesos de licuefacción, transporte y re-gasificación es excepcional, y uno de los mejores, sino el mejor de todas las industrias energéticas. Sin embargo, el aumento de proyectos de construcción, la introducción de esta tecnología en lugares que nunca habían manejado GNL y la velocidad en que estos proyectos estín ocurriendo, eleva la preocupación de las dependencias gubernamentales involucradas y el público en general. Sumado a estas preocupaciones debe considerarse el creíble potencial de acciones intencionales por parte de terroristas que se pudieran llevar a cabo en contra de dichos proyectos. Lo anterior presenta grandes retos de aceptación gubernamental y social para las compañías que buscan invertir en dichos proyectos, igualmente para las dependencias gubernamentales de aceptarlos.

Este articulo presenta las características del GNL, identifica los riesgos reales y percibidos a la salud, seguridad y el medio ambiente asociados con el manejo y transporte marítimo de GNL y presenta acciones que se han tomado y se pueden tomar para disminuir estos riesgos, lo cual contribuirí a mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones.
THE NAPOLI INCIDENT
Authors: Simmons Matt
Published: January 2013

MSC Napoli, a United Kingdom-flagged container ship got in trouble during storms in the English Channel on January 18th 2007, whilst en route from Belgium to Portugal carrying approximately 2300 containers, some of which contained dangerous goods. Severe gale force winds caused serious damage to her hull and flooded the engine room. The 26 Man crew was evacuated and the vessel taken under tow, the vessel'S destination was Portland port near Weymouth. En route to Portland, the vessel condition worsened and a decision was made by the SOSREP (Secretary of State'S representative) to deliberately beach the vessel in Lyme bay to prevent the vessel sinking and becoming a major navigational hazard and pollution catastrophe. To counter any oil release, under direction of the environment group, preventative booming was carried out at the river Axe and the river Brit; four other sites were inspected to check the feasibility of booming. These were the estuaries of the Exe, Otter, Teign, and Sid. Removal of the oil from the ships tanks commenced on January 23rd, this operation was able to take place due to favorable winds from the North and North West. Containment and recovery vessels, as well as a vessel fitted with a dispersant spray system, were on location. This system was used on January 24th, following a release of HFO during the lightering operation. A dispersant protocol had previously been produced which gave set of guidelines and persons to contact prior to any operation.

Once given permission, a test spray was carried out and the results observed and reported back. Due to the observed results observed, permission was given to spray the slick. With the risk of containers entering the water, oil containment operations with offshore boom was not possible, but container collection plan was put forward using available vessels and anchoring points, a very different type of recovery operation. The author will recount his onsite experiences gained during his leadership of the operation. The accounts of this incident are the views of the author and OSRL EARL.
NOAA'S NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY RESOURCES AND UNDERSEA THREATS DATABASE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Authors: Madrigal Melissa D.
Published: January 2013

Recent incidents within our National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS), throughout the United States, and around the world have led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to begin to look proactively at catastrophic hazardous material releases from submerged sources. Not knowing and understanding the reality of the ecological and economic impacts associated with submerged threats (such as vessels, pipelines, abandoned wellheads, ammunition, and chemical weapon dumpsites) is no longer an option for the nation'S leading ocean agency.

Reactive strategies for addressing these threats after a release incident have proved to be ineffective and costly. For example, the decade-long release of heavy fuel oil from the MIV Jacob Luckenbach off the coast of California not only caused the loss of thousands of seabirds, but also cost the nation upwards of $20 million dollars to mitigate and remove the oil from the sunken cargo ship. We know there are potential threats out there and the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is taking the proactive first steps in understanding this issue.

NOAA'S NMSP and the Office of Response and Restoration'S Hazardous Materials Division have developed the Resources and Undersea Threats Database (RUST). RUST addresses the need for a centralized planning tool to safeguard the marine, historical, and cultural resources within the NMSP. This paper addresses database development and how meeting present needs of the database will shape future uses as a response and planning tool for the United States Coast Guard (USCG), state and federal resource protection staff, oil spill responders, and coastal environmental planners.