bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patience Pays: The Quest for Restoration Projects To Compensate for Lost Use of Natural Resources for Public Recreation from the 1993 Tampa Bay Oil Spill1
Authors: Iliff John W. , Fluke Stephanie W. , Wieczynski Philip P. , Malvern Maureen M. , Urquhart-Donnelly Jane
Published: January 2013

The public's use of natural resources for recreation can be substantially disrupted by an oil spill. Following a 1999 settlement with parties responsible for the spill, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) (“the Trustees”), acting through a Trustee Council, finalized a restoration to offset recreational losses from the 1993 Tampa Bay oil spill. This paper describes the development of the restoration plan in cooperation with affected communities and the basis upon which specific restoration projects were chosen for inclusion in that plan, including the nexus between injured resources or lost resource services and the selected projects. The recreational restoration plan focused only on projects designed to acquire or enhance public access to natural resources for recreation. Projects selected for implementation include construction of fishing piers, public trails and walkways, enhancement of boating opportunities, and enhancement of natural resource amenities. Though the recreational projects were selected and funded by the Trustees with settlement funds, they are being implemented by the affected beach municipalities through a continuing and unique partnership with the Trustee Council.
Ice Detection and Avoidance
Authors: Arvidson Rhonda , Jones Stan
Published: January 2013

An extensive risk assessment of oil transportation in Prince William Sound, Alaska was finalized in 1996 that identified drifting icebergs, from Columbia Glacier, as one of the most significant oil spill risks remaining to be addressed. The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWS RCAC) was a major participant in this risk analysis. As part of the groundwork for the ice detection project, PWS RCAC has also sponsered extensive studies of Columbia Glacier calving and drift patterns, iceberg size and distribution. A collaborative project, called the ice detection project, was developed by a multi stakeholder working group and provides an opportunity for an immediate and long-term solution using existing technology. One objective of the project is to verify the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of existing radar technologies to provide mariners and the United States Coast Guard with real time information regarding ice conditions. A secondary objective is to promote the research and development through field testing of new and emerging technologies to determine the possible enhancement of conventional radar. In addition to PWS RCAC, stakeholders responsible for spearheading this project are: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Oil Spill Recovery Institute, United States Coast Guard, Prince William Sound Community College and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each of the seven participants brings expertise and backing from the stakeholder they represent. The site chosen for the ice detection radar project is Reef Island (illustration 1), located adjacent to Bligh Reef, Prince William Sound. This location is ideal because of its proximity to Columbia Glacier, the source of the icebergs, as well as providing an unobstructed view of the shipping lanes. A fifty foot tower was installed at the site during the fall of 2001 and a conventional radar system is currently being configured for installation. The expectation is that the system will be up and running by July of 2002, giving real time information on ice in the tanker lanes to mariners in Prince William Sound. A second field test of an UHF radar prototype is planned for the summer of 2002. Field testing and ground truthing of the radar system is scheduled for the next five years.
The Development of Technology in Response to Changing Legislation1
Authors: Moore Nick
Published: January 2013

As environmental control and awareness increases globally, it is becoming progressively more important to be able to use existing oil pollution response technology in the most cost effective manner. In 1999 the Department of Trade and Industry, who govern offshore operations in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf, set some prescriptive guidelines regarding response capabilities. These guidelines set mandatory response times, to include surveillance and achievable oil quantity combat rates. The operators affected by these guidelines turned to their respective tier 2 and 3 response service providers and it became obvious that these guidelines were not achievable at that time. This poster will provide a case study of how two large oil spill response organisations joined forces to provide their customers with a solution to a potential “operation halting” problem. This solution involved the utilisation of current response equipment and the development of new equipment and operating procedures.
Security and the Law in the Wake of September 11, 2001
Authors: Waldron Jonathan K. , Grasso Jeanne M.
Published: January 2013

Everything has changed since the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. With more than 360 ports and 3,700 terminals handling passengers and cargo, the U.S. government quickly realized that the maritime industry was vulnerable and that the apparent gaping hole in our national security must be fixed. Numerous initiatives, including legislative, regulatory, and ad hoc actions, are being implemented to ensure the maritime industry is ready in case it is the “next target.” Concomitant with these efforts, come changes in existing standards and liabilities, including reduced rights and enhanced enforcement. This paper discusses the maritime-related implications of the emerging security regime in the United States post-September 11 including: (1) new and proposed legislation affecting vessel and facility owners and operators, (2) how increased security inspections may be used to enhance enforcement efforts, and (3) how the terrorist attacks have “raised the bar” with regard to owner and operator liability. Pollution preparedness and liability implications are also explored, including changes in liability and response actions resulting from a terrorist attack. Lastly, recommendations on appropriate preventive measures are provided.
The Aftermath of the Intertanko Decision - How Far can the States Go in Regulating the Maritime Industry
Authors: Grasso Jeanne M. , Waldron Jonathan K.
Published: January 2013

Since the enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90”) more than 10 years ago, many states took aggressive action regulating the marine industry. States, sometimes stepping well beyond their bounds, enacted comprehensive oil pollution laws that imposed additional liability, as well as prevention and response planning requirements, beyond those contained in OPA 90. Washington State was clearly the most aggressive when it implemented its Best Achievable Protection (BAP) regulations in the early 1990s. The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko) challenged the BAP regulations, and the Supreme Court sided with Intertanko and reaffirmed that states may not regulate vessel construction, design, operation, and manning. States, however, have not given up the gauntlet and continue to aggressively regulate the marine industry by expanding their regulation beyond tank vessels to include passenger vessels, cargo vessels, and tugs/barges. This paper will review newly enacted laws and regulations, including financial responsibility, response/contingency plans, drills and exercises, ballast water, vessel inspection programs, and implications associated with discharges from cruise vessels. The paper will conclude by identifying potential trends for the future.
Osros: Will they be There for Inland Environments?
Authors: Bradley Dee , Crickard Mike , Oskins Carl , Bradley John
Published: January 2013

Oil Spill Removal Organizations (OSROs) provide a necessary service to companies who produce, refine and transport (pipeline and road) oil and refined products and need to be prepared for the Worst Case Oil Spill Response Scenario. Those companies in coastal and near shore areas have virtually all of the classified OSROs to pick from, but such is not the case for oil companies located in the western areas of the United States. This paper looks at this dilemma through the experiences of one potential OSRO opting to target this inland operating area. Issues such as boom size; skimmer applications and ancillary equipment differences; different approaches to river, lake and stream spill response strategies; and the location of Captain of the Ports (COTPs) and Alternate City Classifications (ACCs) present unique challenges to providing inland OSRO support to companies who need it.
Implementation and Maintenance of a Risk Based Dynamic Oil Spill Response Regime with an Internet and GIS Interface for the Norwegian Shelf
Authors: Rødal Jon , Engen Frode , Jørgensen Kåre L. , Skeie Geir M.
Published: January 2013

In 2001, the Norwegian Clean Seas Association For Operating Companies (NOFO) completed a three year R&D-program for development of a dynamic, risk based oil spill response regime for the entire Norwegian continental shelf, including coastal areas and the shoreline. A central element of the new regime is an oil spill contingency planning system, where all relevant information are made fully available on the Internet. The web based Oil Spill Contingency Planning System (OSCPS) has proved to be an important and useful result of the project, and the responses from authorities as well as stakeholders have been positive. The system contains guidelines and standards that have been adopted by the industry, resulting in standardized and comparable site specific analyses. In addition to the information available on the Internet, a suite of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools have been developed and made available for all NOFO member companies. These tools have proved useful in analyses, training and desktop exercises. This paper provides an overview and highlights of our new OSCPS and Geographical Information System (GIS) tools, presenting examples of use and lessons learned. The paper also presents the responses from authorities and stakeholders to this open and transparent approach.
Dispersant Effectiveness on Heavy Fuel Oil and Crude Oil in New Zealand
Authors: Stevens Leigh , Roberts Julian
Published: January 2013

The New Zealand (NZ) Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) recently identified seven crude oils and nine IFO-380 heavy fuel oils used or transported in NZ waters that had a high relative risk of being spilt. To determine the relative effectiveness of dispersants stocked by the MSA (Corexit 9527, Slickgone LTSW, Gamlen OSD LT, and Tergo R40) on the oils, effectiveness was tested using the Warren Spring Laboratory (WSL) LR 448 protocol. All testing was on fresh (unweathered) oil at 15°C, at a dispersant to oil ratio (DOR) of 1:25. Effective dispersion was considered to be equivalent to a WSL test result of ≥15%, as proposed in the work of Lunel & Davies (1996). Overall, the seven crude oils tested could be dispersed with MSA stocked dispersants; Corexit 9527 and Slickgone LTSW dispersing the greatest volume of oil, while Gamlen OSD LT and Tergo R40 were effective on the widest range of oils. For the nine IFO-380 heavy fuel oils, dispersant effectiveness was generally lower than for crude oils, and two oils could not be dispersed. Corexit 9527 was the most effective dispersant and worked on the widest range of fuel oils. Slickgone LTSW, Gamlen OSD LT, and Tergo R40 were less effective and worked on a smaller range of fuel oils. To assess whether other dispersants not currently stocked by the MSA offered a significantly improved capacity, two high performance products (Corexit 9500 and Slickgone EW) were tested on the same oils, and across a range of temperatures and DORs. Laboratory results showed that Corexit 9500 and Slickgone EW were significantly more effective on both the crude oils and the IFO-380 heavy fuel oils than existing MSA dispersant stocks. While the results of this study provide a good indication of the relative effectiveness of different dispersants, they do not indicate absolute levels of effectiveness, and field experiments are needed to define how laboratory effectiveness translates to effectiveness in the field.
Defining Recovery and Detecting when IT Occurs
Authors: Parker Keith R. , Maki Alan W.
Published: January 2013

We define recovery of a biological resource as occurring when the injured resource reaches the state it would have been, had the impact not occurred. The recovery process, and natural spatial and temporal variation affect the abundance of an injured resource and will confound to either delay or accelerate detection of recovery. The effects of natural variation can be reduced by sampling design and statistical analyses, both of which remove potentially confounding influences of temporal and spatial variation. Reference areas are useful when they respond in the same way as the impacted areas to changes in climate and anthropogenic influences. Historical data and time series data collected after the impact event are useful for detecting recovery and for assessing ecological assumptions implied in statistical analyses. Corroborative evidence from co-occurring studies of toxicity and chemistry, and supplementary data on regional changes in climate and abundance can be useful for assessing recovery. Examples from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill show that full recovery of oiled shorelines and seabirds occurred in the early 1990s.
Trends in Criminal Enforcement in the Marine Industry: More Targets and Expanding Theories of Liability
Authors: Grasso Jeanne M. , Waldron Jonathan K.
Published: January 2013

Owners and operators of vessels, shoreside personnel, facility managers, and corporate officers, among others, have become prime targets of environmental crimes prosecutors. With respect to the marine business, the trend began in the mid-1990s with tankers, continued with cruise ships and cargo ships, and now includes fishing vessels and tugs/barges. Shoreside facilities and pipelines are in the crosshairs as well, with increased environmental enforcement actions being filed. Prosecutors rely on theories of liability beyond those contained in environmental statutes, such as false statements and obstruction of justice, and now include regulatory violations as a basis for criminal prosecution; e.g., deficiencies in reporting and record keeping requirements. Despite numerous criminal prosecutions over the last ten years for bypassing oil-water separators on vessels or otherwise discharging oily bilge water into the ocean, such prosecutions continue at an alarming rate. Far too few companies seem to be learning from the mistakes of others. With federal and state authorities aggressively targeting environmental crimes, companies must take a hard look at their corporate compliance policies to minimize chances of being targeted for criminal prosecution. This paper will identify trends in criminal enforcement in the marine and marine-related industries and make recommendations on how companies can protect themselves and at the same time be prepared for criminal investigations.
TRANGUCH GASOLINE SITE CASE HISTORY
Authors: Jarvela Stephen , Boyd Kevin , Gadinski Robert
Published: January 2013

A team, consisting of the United States Environmental Protection Agency; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Pennsylvania Department of Health; Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; United States Coast Guard and United States Army Corps of Engineers, has completed major steps to provide a safe and healthy environment for the residents of Laurel Gardens, Hazleton, PA. What started as a simple underground gasoline leak took on more serious dimensions when gasoline vapors were found in nearby homes. The investigation and mitigation expanded to include over 400 properties. The remediation consists of a ground water treatment system and a soil vapor extraction system. This paper and its presenters look at the critical aspects of this case as the investigation went from subsurface soil and ground water contamination impacting surface water to the contamination of indoor air. It examines the impact of preferential pathways that include sanitary and storm sewers as well as a 19th century abandoned coal mine. In addition to the technical aspects, this examination looks at the public health and community issues that have surrounded this case.
The SS Jacob Luckenbach: Integration of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Trust Issues into the Response1
Authors: Symons Lisa , Parker-Hall Heather A.
Published: January 2013

Since at least 1992, state and federal trustees have struggled to deal with episodic “mystery” spills that have impacted thousands of seabirds and compromised hundreds of miles of California coastline. In November 2001, another of these mystery events spurred the United States Coast Guard (USCG), state, and federal trustees to initiate a cooperative response and investigation. As impacts from the same oil type continued into January, it soon became evident that this oil most probably stemmed from a submerged source and not transient vessels. By February 2002, a source was identified for this and many of the previous mystery spills —the 1953 wreck of the cargo ship SS Jacob Luckenbach, fully fuelled and laden with materials for the Korean War effort. The vessel now sits in 176 feet of water, 17 miles off San Francisco Bay in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The Luckenbach itself is an historic resource, protected by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 16 U.S.C.470 et seq and the National Marine Sanctuary Act (NMSA) 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. as amended by Public Law 106–513. The wreck rests in one of the most biologically productive regions of California, home to countless sensitive resources including several listed species, and is within a series of marine protected areas. The Unified Command (UC) comprised of USCG, California Department of Fish and Game's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) and other state and federal agencies, were faced with an unusual set of challenges. First, finding accurate historical information about the vessel and its cargo, determining liability, and coordinating salvage and recovery operations complicated by both historical and ecological trustee issues during the Sanctuary's most biologically active and sensitive season. NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) played a particularly strong role in this response. Linked closely to the UC through NOAA's Scientific Support Coordinator, NMSP provided invaluable support in determining possible sources - engaged knowledgeable local divers in the process, located key historical documentation about the wreck, tracked down original owners and hull insurers, and assisted in the coordination of input from all trustees. Closely integrated coordination was a key factor in preparing for and determining the outcome of this response.
Oil in the Sea: Changes in the Nature of Sources and Inputs Since 1985
Authors: Walker Dan , Michel Keith , Coleman James C. , Michel Jacqueline
Published: January 2013

The (U.S.) National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council (NRC) has completed the third in a series (spanning three decades) of comprehensive examinations of the inputs, fates, and effects of petroleum in the ocean. This most recent study, entitled Oil in the Sea III: Inputs, Fates and Effects (NRC 2002) indicates that changes in petroleum handling practices and production techniques, as well as the introduction of double-hulled tankers, have reduced the size, frequency, and total volume of marine spills over the last decade. As suggested by earlier studies, natural seeps, land-based run off, and atmospheric deposition from marine and terrestrial sources continue to represent the majority of petroleum input to the marine environment. In addition to world-wide estimates, the report includes estimates of the total inputs to both inshore and offshore waters along 17 zones along North American. New estimates indicate that the overall amount of petroleum released to the marine environment may be lower than earlier thought (1.3 million tonnes per year [2002] versus 3.2 million tonnes per year [1985]). The overall lower estimates reflect more accurate and complete supporting information as well as real reductions attributable to advances in marine transportation and oil and gas production techniques. Spillage from vessels from 1990 to 1999 was less than one-third of the spillage during the prior decade, and, despite increased production, reductions in releases during oil and gas exploration and production have been dramatic as well. Chronic releases during consumption of petroleum, which include urban runoff, polluted rivers, and discharges from commercial and recreational marine vessels, contribute 70 percent of the anthropogenic load to the marine environment, worldwide. These releases can pose significant risks to the sensitive coastal environments where they most often occur. Insights have been made from long-term studies of sites of major spills or polluted harbors, but to a large degree the significance (in terms of environmental damage) of the large inputs from land-based sources or other chronic releases is not known. Recent studies, however, suggest that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), even in low concentrations, can have a deleterious effect on marine biota.
Unusually Sensitive Areas (USAs) for Ecological Resources: Maps and GIS Data for the United States
Authors: Hinkeldey Heidi , Zengel Scott , Inouye Elaine , Sames Christina , Hall Samuel
Published: January 2013

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) is required to identify areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage in the event of a hazardous liquid pipeline accident. Pipeline segments where a release could impact an USA are subject to additional prevention, mitigation, and response measures than what has previously been implemented by pipeline operators. Ecological USAs have been identified and mapped for the entire United States using data and expertise from many different sources. The final mapping product was completed at Research Planning, Inc, Columbia, South Carolina and was sent to OPS for distribution to the pipeline operators. USAs are selected from a set of candidate resources that include federally threatened and endangered species, imperiled species (generally 20 or fewer known populations world-wide), depleted marine mammals, and high concentration areas for migratory waterbirds. Final USAs include all critically imperiled species (generally 5 or fewer known populations world-wide), multi-species assemblages (three or more overlapping candidate resource types), Ramsar sites (areas designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat), Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) sites, high quality candidate occurrences (condition or viability of a species occurrence as determined by the Natural Heritage Programs) and candidate species that are aquatic dependent or terrestrial with limited home range sizes. RSPA's Geographic Information System (GIS) model integrates state Natural Heritage Program data, Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data, Ramsar and WHSRN data and maps, hydrography, and species habitat and range classifications assigned by project ecologists. A summary map of all ecological USAs is presented at a nation-wide scale. The map provides specific examples as given by OPS, of regions: Southern, Southwest, Central, Eastern, and Western. States with high concentrations of liquid pipelines are also presented. This project and its results are unique in that they represent one of the first nation-wide compilations of ecological data for the purposes of a standardized pipeline risk assessment.
Tier 1 Response Equipment Strategies for Smaller, Fuels and Lubes Marine Terminals
Authors: Clark James R. , Dahl Bil , Lerch William M.
Published: January 2013

Effective response to Tier 1 spills is key to maintaining a high level of environmental performance and minimizing the duration of operational disruptions. For marine terminals handling a variety of fuels and lubricants, Tier 1 response strategies should reflect risks posed by a site's unique combination of products handled and the specific nature of its loading/off-loading operations. This paper covers strategies for selection and utilization of on-water response equipment and supplies to meet local needs, recognizing constraints imposed by limited manpower and reduced time available for skills maintenance and equipment upkeep Because manpower needed to get response equipment in place during an emergency situation may be limited at the start of an incident, Tier 1 response equipment should be light, highly portable, and mechanically simple and reliable. Complicated equipment that requires routine maintenance and checking for serviceability may be more effectively utilized when it is shared with other companies, contractors, or cooperatives through a local equipment stockpile. This offers more frequent use or allocated costs for maintenance and serviceability checks. Where implemented, it is important to ensure that shared resources can be delivered and deployed within timeframes required by site response plans. Operations where spill risks are of higher concern, such as transfers of heavy fuels or nighttime work should be evaluated with a greater degree of scrutiny. Other activities should be looked at from a risk of human injury as well. For example, operation of boom boats could be contracted (owned, maintained, and operated) by a third party where feasible, so that the special skills required for this activity can be maintained through frequent practice. Employees with full time responsibilities not related to boat operations may not achieve or maintain the level of agility or proficiency needed in an emergency situation.
Mapping and Prioritising Vulnerable Resources in Norway
Authors: Drolshammer Senior Adviser Lars
Published: January 2013

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the basis for all environmental contingency planning in Norway. Dating back to the early 90s, the tools for assessing the consequences to the environment has continuously been improved. Today the models cover both land based and marine resources. The presentation will focus on a model for identifying land based environmental resources most vulnerable to acute pollution and how to give correct priority to each resource. The model is called MOB. It is primarily intended to be used as a tool when establishing contingency plans for accidental pollution. The model is made independent of the chemical spilled The outcome is a prioritised vulnerability map with simple and easy to understand symbols for each location.
How Response Contractors are Remaining Vigilant and Viable Despite the Downward Trend in Oil Spills
Authors: Usher David
Published: January 2013

The number of oil spills occurring in U.S. waters from vessels and facilities has decreased steadily over the past several years, and professional oil spill response contractors have found themselves in the position of bolstering and/or securing other lines of work to ensure they remain vigilant, viable, and ready to respond when and where needed. Coupled with a down economy, spill contractors – like other businesses – are making tough decisions on how to do more with less, while maintaining the same level of readiness expected of them from their clients – which includes the oil and maritime industries, along with local, state and federal government. While the regulatory mechanisms are in place to exercise contractor resources between spill events, they are not enforced or utilized enough. Of equal importance is ensuring that the response contractor is compensated for deploying its resources during these drill scenarios. This paper will discuss the measures private sector response contractors are taking to ensure they remain ready to respond, other business lines they are pursuing, and how the regulatory authorities can assist in maintaining the national protection and readiness provided by the private sector response community. It will also discuss how the private sector response community can assist with the national Homeland Defense initiatives, most notably mitigation services for terrorist actions that ultimately impact the environment
The Oil Industry International Oil Spill Response Centres: What Future?1
Authors: Smith Archie , Mead Lindsay
Published: January 2013

Over the years the oil industry has invested significantly in strategically placed oil spill response centres and continues to fund them. Oil spill response strategy has historically been based around the tiered response structure which favours these stockpiles. When first positioned, the major risks were in oil tanker traffic and the headline accidents, with major oil company names attached, warranted their future

A number of the oil majors have since moved out of shipping and the services provided have changed from the simple “fire station” service to the delivery of a range of training, consultancy and other services. This increases awareness and helps mitigate the impact of spills, but also changes the nature and expectations of the centres. A similar change in the end user, with ever greater need to protect major exploration, production and development programmes inevitably shifts the requirement to a need for more substantive tier two facilities close to these locations.

Does this shift in requirements necessitate a shift in the thinking regarding the international tier 3 centres, should they continue in their current format or is more change needed?

This paper explores these issues and looks in detail at what changes could come about and how they could add value. The paper analyses the cost and value of current global populace of the centres and attempts to quantify the benefit of change to the industry.
Is the Rapid Pace of Development Of E and P Operations Overtaking the Ability to Provide Adequate Spill Response Measures?1
Authors: Mead Lindsay , Salt David
Published: January 2013

The past decade has seen a move into new development areas by the international oil industry. Many of the new operating locations are lacking in infrastructure, are politically unstable and have varying degrees of environmental legislation in place to regulate the developments. The industry has responded to the changing world in a number of ways. To minimise individual risk, organisations have entered the new regions working in consortia. Also, in order to accelerate and maximise profitability, the industry has developed fast-track projects to minimise the time to first oil’ and hence gain a quicker return from the significant development costs. Consequently the time between completing the exploration phase and the onset of production is aimed at being as short as possible. This creates interesting challenges for project teams as the risk profile changes from that experienced during exploration activities to those present in production operations. The risks during exploration activities can lead to either a very small or very large spill, the latter thankfully being infrequent. To meet these risks the operators equip themselves with sufficient resources to deal with a Tier 1 spill and utilise the Tier 3 centres to satisfy the blow out scenario. However, when the operation changes to a production facility, usually by the rapid introduction of an FSO or FPSO, the risk profile changes significantly and many operators experience difficulties in modifying the response capability to meet the changing profile. The conventional approach has been to use the tiered response concept to address the increased Tier 2 requirements by developing mutual aid arrangements but in many cases there are no other operators available with whom to share resources. This paper will investigate the changes in the nature of oil industry operations and pose the question as to whether the tiered response concept is still valid in today's environment and what should steps be taken to ensure that the response preparedness and capability is developed in pace with the risk profile.
Morice – New Technology for Effective Oil Recovery in Ice
Authors: Mullin Joseph V. , Jensen Hans V. , Cox Walter
Published: January 2013

The overall objective of the Mechanical Oil Recovery in Ice Infested Waters (MORICE) program is to improve the effectiveness of equipment and techniques for the mechanical recovery of oil spills in ice-infested waters. MORICE is a multi-national effort that has involved Norwegian, Canadian, American and German researchers. Results from previous laboratory, meso-scale phases have been summarized (Johannessen et al, 1996, 1998), (Jensen et al., 1999), (Jensen & Solsberg, 2000, 2001). In January 2002, the full-scale proof of concepts with two different internal recovery units were successfully tested and evaluated at Ohmsett – The National Oil Spill Response Test Facility located in Leonardo, New Jersey (Jensen & Mullin, 2002). Results of the Ohmsett tests are presented along with recommendations for developing a commercialized skimmer that will effectively operate in broken ice conditions.
Assessing Progress and Benefits of Oil Spill Response Technology Development Since Exxon Valdez
Authors: Etkin Dagmar Schmidt , Tebeau Peter
Published: January 2013

This paper describes a simple approach to quantifying progress and benefits associated with improvements in oil spill removal technology over the past decade, focusing on the most significant oil removal technologies: mechanical recovery, dispersant application and in-situ burning. All three technologies have been the focus of research and development (R&D) efforts since the Exxon Valdez spill. Notable progress has been made in refining the technologies and defining circumstances under which each option will be successful. These accomplishments have been qualitatively described in recent strategic technology assessments. The difficulty that arises in quantitatively predicting future benefits of these advances, is that expected increases in oil removal and associated cost savings are as much a function of specific circumstances of future spills as of advances in spill removal technologies. The specifics of future spills, particularly the larger more troublesome ones, are difficult to predict. In order to obtain representative quantitative estimates of these benefits, a hind-cast technique is demonstrated whereby the advanced technologies are applied to past spill scenarios to determine oil recovery and cost savings that would be realized if these spills were to occur in the future.
Communications and Data Exchange Via The Black Sea and Caspian Sea Environmental Information Center (http://pims.ed.ornl.gov)
Authors: Thompson Marian K. (Kay) , Lapsa Melissa V. , Shelton Robert B. , Grubb Kim R.
Published: January 2013

A U.S. interagency committee (including representatives from the U.S. Departments of Energy, Defense, Commerce, and State, and others) was formed to deal with Black Sea and Caspian Sea environmental issues. Oil tanker traffic is expected to increase significantly on the Black and Caspian Seas in the coming years, and the United States decided to address this issue, with the Department of Energy's (DOE s) Office of Policy and International Affairs taking the lead. The goal is to facilitate cooperation among the countries of the region to develop contingency plans should a spill occur. This is being done through a series of workshops held in the Black Sea countries and Kazakhstan and through the establishment of a regional information and communications center. The activity has strong support from the oil industry, whose representatives participate in all of the workshops. The Black Sea and Caspian Sea Environmental Information Center web site (http://pims.ed.ornl.gov), created by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for DOE, facilitates information flow and dialog between the countries of the region. The web site is intended to provide a comprehensive source for information onoil spill cleanup, monitoring, and related commercial technologies;scientists requests for research partners;the laws, regulations, and standards of various countries relating to the environmental condition of the seas;publication of scientific papers, and on-line discussions of these issues; andlists of individuals and companies working on Black Sea and Caspian Sea environmental issues.

The web site also provides a real-time chat capability where meetings are organized. Several meetings among regional officials and scientists have been conducted by this means. The web site is also host to a growing database of historical pollution testing data from research institutes in the region.
Responding to Vessel Groundings and Oil Spills in National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries1
Authors: Elliott James E.
Published: January 2013

The United States National Park System contains over two million acres of submerged lands, and the nation's thirteen marine sanctuaries have over 18,000 square miles of ocean waters and habitats. From the public's perspective, national parks and marine sanctuaries are public goods that should be protected for future generations. Historically, however, response operations within these protected waters have not consistently preserved the environmental integrity of the nation's valuable resources. Vessels are often abandoned and remain aground, thereby emitting residual oil and physically damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds after the responders have removed the accessible oil. Additionally, responders often fail to consult with natural resource trustees and, as a result, physically damage the environment during response operations. This paper presents case studies and lessons learned from vessel groundings and oil spill response operations in national parks, marine sanctuaries, and other protected areas, from the Point Reyes National Seashore to the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. The topics of Natural Resource Trustee consultations, application of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, effective use of the Unified Command System, response cost internalization methods, and ecological sustainability are logically presented to argue for a more proactive and consistent national response posture in protected waters.“Surely our people do not understand even yet the rich heritage that is theirs … Our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”—President Theodore Roosevelt (Shullery, 1979)
Modeling Assessment of Potential Fates and Exposure for Orimulsion and Heavy Fuel Oil Spills
Authors: McCoy Deborah French , Whittier Nicole
Published: January 2013

Power Plants worldwide are considering conversion from heavy fuel oil to Orimulsion. As a demonstration of screening analysis, the consequences of hypothetical spill scenarios of these two fuels were evaluated and compared using spill modeling. The Spill Impact Model Application SIMAP was run in stochastic mode to determine probabilities and degrees of exposure. In stochastic mode, a large number of simulations are run for a given spill site and fuel release scenario, varying the spill date and time, and thus the environmental conditions, for each run. Outputs of the model were used to (1) generate probabilities that water surface, water column, and shoreline areas would be affected by a release from the given site; (2) determine the highest exposure concentration in time and for any possible environmental condition; and (3) evaluate cumulative exposure at each location around the spill site. The stochastic modeling approach provides an objective, quantitative method for comparing the consequences of the alternate fuels, avoiding the bias of subjectively choosing individual model runs to examine a priori, and providing a distribution of results that may be statistically described. This type of approach is an important advancement in performing ecological risk assessments for spills.
Oil Spill Water Column Modeling for Aquatic Injury Assessment – Refinements for Assessing Oil Toxicity
Authors: Fichera Michael J. , Kolluru Venkat S. , O'Hanlon Lavinia M. , Gipson Geoffrey T. , Markarian Ralph K.
Published: January 2013

To assess potential aquatic injury from oil spills, a fate and transport model called the Chemical / Oil Spill Impact Module (COSIM) was developed based upon refinements made to the NOAA Natural Resource Damage Assessment Model (NRDAM). Enhanced mass balance of the oil enabled better tracking of specific oil components of toxicological concern. The oil was divided into 24 cuts, based upon laboratory analysis of the neat oil. Each cut was allowed to evaporate, volatilize, weather, and sorb to solids at cut-specific rates. LC50 values therefore changed with time as the oil changed in composition. A case example is examined. Hydrodynamic modeling was applied to simulate the release of a mixture of No. 2 and No. 6 fuel oil released upon an estuarine system. The effects of booming, and the failure of the booms under storm conditions were added to the model. Mass balance was used to track the oil from the surface slick to entrained droplets, dissolved phase, sorbed to suspended solid particles, shorelines deposition, evaporated, volatilized, and removed by cleanup operations. Modeled concentrations of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were calibrated to field measurements. Acute toxicity was calculated based upon the dissolved PAHs modeled.
Effect of The Oil Spill from the Presidente Getúlio Vargas Refinery, Brazil, in July of 2000, on the Populations of Fishes of the Rivers Saldanha, Barigüi, and Iguaçu
Authors: Ostrensky Antonio , Boeger Walter A. , Duboc Luiz Fernando , Wegbecher Fabio Xavier , Pilchowski Robert William , Zamberlan Ernani
Published: January 2013

In July of 2000, an accident occurred in the Refinery Presidente Getúlio Vargas (REPAR), located in the Municipality of Araucaria, Southern Brazil, and involved a spill of about 4 million liters (25,160 barrels) of crude oil. This was considered the largest oil spill in the history of Brazil. Despite the use of containment barriers, the oil slick reached up to 45 km downstream of a small creek (Arroio Saldanha) and two important rivers of the region (Rio Barigüi and Rio Iguaçu). In this stretch, both of the latter rivers are highly polluted, having crossed the City of Curitiba, a city of about 2+ million inhabitants. The spatial and temporal distribution of fishes of these streams after the accident was analyzed in 10 collection sites (in a river stretch of 250 km) located upstream Rio Barigüi and Rio Iguaçu) or downstream (all streams) from the point of oil introduction. Fishes were captured monthly with cast nets, traps, hook and line, and/or gill nets. Immediately after the event, sites close to the point of introduction of oil presented a less diverse fish fauna. However, one year later, the fish fauna of the Arroio Saldanha, showed signals of recovery, while no fish were collected during the entire year from the sites located upstream in the Rio Barigüi and Rio Iguaçu. The results strongly suggests that the impact of the oil spill on the fish fauna of these streams was minimized due to the previous highly polluted state of the streams, as indicated by the absence of fish species in the upstream collection sites, which were never directly exposed to the oil spot.
NOAA Model Extended to Use Nowcast/Forecast Currents
Authors: Beegle-Krause CJ , Callahan Jonathan , O'Connor Caitlin
Published: January 2013

GNOME (General NOAA Oil Modeling Environment) is a publicly available oil spill trajectory model used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hazardous Materials Response Division (HAZMAT) for oil spill response. In order to leverage work being done within and outside NOAA to develop detailed circulation models, GNOME has been extended to accept currents in a number of formats (ASCII, netCDF) from different types of models (time dependent triangular, rectangular, or curvilinear grids). In particular, HAZMAT is interested in connections with nowcast/forecast models. The NOAA Live Access Server (LAS), using the Unidata Distributed Oceanographic Data System (DODS), has been extended to support several nowcast/forecast models in the U.S. DODS provides the tools to make local data accessible to the outside through the Internet, regardless of internal format. LAS is a highly configurable server that allows on-the-fly graphics for data visualization, custom subsetting, and different output formats (from files to graphics). Providers of nowcast/forecast data need only set up a DODS server at their site for their data to be available to LAS. Once LAS is made aware of the new data, HAZMAT responders have 24-hour access to model generated fields. With the GNOME/LAS/DODS combination, other circulation models can be used to quickly create new spill trajectory forecasts.
LOST BIRD-YEARS: QUANTIFYING BIRD INJURIES IN NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS FOR OIL SPILLS1
Authors: Zafante Matthew , Hampton Steve
Published: January 2013

Large oil spills routinely impact hundreds or even thousands of birds. In order to determine the compensation that responsible parties owe the public, trustee agencies typically examine the number of live and dead birds collected to estimate total bird mortality caused by the spill (Ford et al., 1987). In these natural resource damage assessments (NRDA), compensation is typically based upon the potential ecological benefits that flow from a restoration project. In the case of a bird kill, final compensation is based upon the cost of implementing a restoration project and not upon a dollar value per bird.

The dominant paradigm for calculating compensatory restoration for bird injuries is Resource Equivalency Analysis (REA). This paper begins by providing a brief overview of REA when applied to birds. We then examine the REA implications of varying the level of mortality, baseline variability, and demographic variables in a simple population model that tracks both injured and baseline population levels. After finding no evidence that these factors necessarily produce short recovery times, we summarize two general approaches for calculating lost bird-years. We conclude that short recovery times (e.g., one-year) are unlikely for birds when using individual-based measures of injury. Further, we believe that recovery times may be much longer than currently calculated for situations where plausible “recovery mechanisms” cannot be defined.