bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CANADA SHIPPING ACT PLANNING GUIDELINES: EQUIPMENT FOR A 2500-TON RESPONSE CAPABILITY
Authors: Mitchell Todd
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a discussion of oil spill equipment selection from a practical standpoint. The specification of effective oil spill equipment is often a difficult task because of the wide array of commercially produced goods available to the end user. In addition, in various countries there exists little or no framework legislation that quantifies the equipment component in practical terms. This paper attests to the usefulness of the new Canada Shipping Act guidelines for the purposes of planning the equipment requirements for a predetermined potential spill quantity. Through the elaboration of a case history, it presents the development of an integrated 2500-ton oil spill response capability. Since response organizations under the new Canada Shipping Act regime are in effect commercial ventures rather than simply oil spill cooperatives, innovative and cost-effective solutions are necessary to maintain capital costs at a minimum.

Although the equipment in the case history was commissioned directly as a response to the new Canadian standards, the important planning principles can be applied to any geographical region.
VESSEL RESPONSE PLANS: FORGING BETTER PLANS THROUGH INDUSTRY/GOVERNMENT COOPERATION
Authors: Corbett Charles , Ringbakken Svein
Published: January 2013

The vessel response plan process of review and the substance of the existing requirements are in need of review and refinement. Both vessel operators and, we believe, the Coast Guard are overwhelmed with a paperwork burden that should be relieved, and can be relieved. Additionally, there are a number of issues that require attention to ensure that all interested parties are reacting to the provisions of the final rule (as amended, we suggest) in a constructive manner.

This paper proposes a joint industry/government forum in which dialogue can occur, and it offers examples of why that dialogue is needed.
THE OSRO CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT
Authors: Van Zandt CDR Robert A.
Published: January 2013

The Coast Guard's oil spill removal organization (OSRO) classification process underwent significant revision in late 1995. The revision was necessary to strengthen the program into a more credible and useful tool for facilitating preparation and review of vessel and facility response plans. The revised process is more closely linked to the response planning criteria that vessel and facility owners and operators are required to meet under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. As a result, the process provides a better indication of an OSRO's capacity and potential to respond to and recover oil spills of various sizes. Data provided by each OSRO are being included in the computer-based national Response Resource Inventory (RRI). The paper describes the important features and limitations of the revised classification process and gives an interpretation of what the new classifications mean to response plan holders and reviewers. It also describes the method by which plan holders can use the computer-based RRI as a tool to conduct their own analysis of an OSRO's capacity to meet their specific planning requirements.
REGULATORY APPROACHES TO OILS UNDER THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AND THE OIL POLLUTION ACT OF 19901
Authors: Hunt Walter M. , Parks J. Gregory
Published: January 2013

This paper outlines the harmful effects on marine environments of nonpetroleum and petroleum oil spills. The current regulatory regime, as applied by U.S. government agencies concerned with pollution prevention and response, has evolved over the course of a half century through legislative and administrative actions. Congress has been active in setting the stage by passing numerous federal statutes dealing with water pollution. Executive agencies such as the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Transportation's Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) have also acted in this area, promulgating regulations to implement the congressional mandates. This paper focuses on the development of the current regulatory regime by examining water pollution statutes passed by Congress since 1924. It then examines how the Coast Guard, the EPA, and RSPA have interpreted their mandates, especially as they relate to nonpetroleum oils under water pollution prevention statutes in various implementing regulations. This paper is based on a paper prepared by the authors for the Coast Guard's Chief of Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.
ON COURSE: THE CALIFORNIA UNIFIED OIL SPILL CONTROL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
Authors: Giesen John H. , MacArthur Jon D.
Published: January 2013

Faced with training and travel dollar constraints, California's Department of Fish and Game and the 11th U.S. Coast Guard District worked to form a multiorganizational partnership designed to leverage required resources to conduct a premier operational-level oil spill response training program in the state. The partnership included no less than six major organizations from both the public and private sectors, each playing critical roles in planning and conducting the training. Major hurdles overcome were curriculum development and operational support. Both of these challenges were resolved through a unified management approach in which the ultimate objective became success of the course. The lessons learned from the program provide guidance and rationale for future such efforts.
OIL SPILL DATABASES: DEVELOPING PREVENTION STRATEGIES ACROSS STATE LINES
Authors: Gregory Gary L. , Holly Richard W. , Thomas Megan
Published: January 2013

This paper details the process used by two states, California and Washington, to develop common reporting of oil spill causes. Many different agencies use databases to store oil spill information, but there is a general lack of standardization in reporting requirements, making it difficult to share information. Many of these databases only reflect initial spill reports, and few contain information on spill causes that could be used to prevent oil spills from occurring. Washington State's Office of Marine Safety (OMS) has developed an extensive database that includes spill and casualty information from vessels transiting Washington state waters. California State Lands Commission, Marine Facilities Division (MFD), has similarly developed an oil spill database for marine terminals in the state of California. What makes these systems unique is that they attempt to integrate reliable, accurate information on incident causes, paying particular attention to human error. Both agencies have joined together in a pilot program to share oil spill causal information using common terms. This paper addresses the approach used to establish common data dictionaries, oil spill report formats, and a methodology to determine causal information. California and Washington are currently working with other states and British Columbia to develop common reporting throughout the West Coast. The information collected and shared can be used by each jurisdiction to develop appropriate prevention strategies.
VERIFICATION OF SUBSURFACE OIL SPILL MODELS
Authors: Rye Henrik , Brandvik Per Johan
Published: January 2013

This paper compares computer modeling and field trials on two subsurface oil releases carried out in the North Sea in 1995 and 1996.
A REAL-TIME SIMULATION OF THE TRAJECTORY AND FATE OF SPILLED OIL AT SEA
Authors: Hong Keyyong , Kim Sun-Young , Song Museok
Published: January 2013

On the basis of the physical modeling of the trajectory and fate of spilled oil at sea, an integrated computer program was developed for the real-time prediction of spilled oil behavior. The trajectory model describes the movement of the surface spill center of mass, and the trajectory is mainly governed by the velocity of the wind and the surface current. For the fate model, weathering effects of spreading, evaporation, emulsification, and shoreline interaction are included. The Windows-based GUI has a flexible preprocessor that enables one to use measured field data as well as numerically generated data. For the realtime prediction, environmental data are stored in the database. The database on tidal and oceanic currents is produced by solving a Navier-Stokes equation based on the IAF finite difference method. The measured data are used for both the boundary condition of the governing equation and the calibration of the generated current field. An oil spill accident in the south coastal region of Korea is simulated and compared with the observed data. The simulation result indicates that the developed oil spill model gives a reasonable estimation of the route of spilled oil. Further improvement of the environmental database is required for the accurate prediction of spilled oil behavior.
MARINE SALVAGE SERVICES AND SPILL PREVENTION IN THE 21st CENTURY
Authors: Witte John Arnold
Published: January 2013

The past two decades have seen no major technological breakthrough in the field of oil spill cleanup. It is likely that intervention by salvors will remain the preferred solution (“keeping the oil in the ship”). International Salvage Union member companies provide an effective service; they recovered more than 2 million tons of oils and chemicals from 141 ship casualties during 1995. However, spill prevention is an “invisible success” and, as such, doesn't make news. Meanwhile, the media remain strongly attracted to the few spills that still occur. During the past 20 years, great progress has been made in improving maritime safety and reducing the incidence of significant spills. Occasionally, however, things go badly wrong and a major pollution threat develops, together with the potential for huge claims. The members of the International Salvage Union want to take all possible measures to optimize salvage response in such situations. Salvors frequently work together, pooling resources and expertise to maximize operational success. In addition, arrangements are now in place that encourage salvors to respond to spill threats in highly adverse circumstances. Further improvements will materialize if the many parties involved in major casualty response draw closer together. More cooperation between these interests is vital. The new agreement on Article 14 salvage operations negotiated between the International Salvage Union and the International Group of P&I Clubs is an encouraging step in the right direction.
THE ROLE OF QUALITY IN OIL SPILL REMOVAL ORGANIZATIONS (OSROS)
Authors: Jensen Donald S.
Published: January 2013

The bulk liquid petroleum transportation industry is, to an increasing degree, implementing quality management programs. Shipping companies are mandated to become ISM-certified by 1998. Several oil companies are becoming ISO 9000-certified. The trend is for government to relax its detailed inspections for compliance as companies demonstrate compliance through implementation of quality systems. The oil spill response industry has evolved over the past 25 years with relatively little government regulation. Several unilateral and joint government/industry programs have been undertaken since the mid-1970s to develop various product and performance standards for the oil spill response industry. Following the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), the USCG implemented the Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) Classification Program in an attempt to quantify the capabilities of OSROs for potential customers. Though certainly a beginning in addressing the issue of quality, the OSRO Classification Program focuses on equipment issues. With much of the bulk liquid petroleum transportation industry actively engaged in the quality movement, the time is right for the oil spill response industry to join the ranks. A logical extension of the OSRO Classification Program is the voluntary implementation by OSROs of, and future certification to, ISO 9000/14000 quality and environmental standards. OSROs so certified could expect less government oversight in the future and would enjoy a more competitive marketing advantage. Responsible parties employing ISO-certified OSROs could expect higher quality and more cost-effective responses and perhaps more favorable insurance rates.
IMPROVING REGIONAL RESPONSE: PLAN HOLDERS, RESPONDERS, AND GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION ON MUTUAL AID
Authors: Cameron Jean R. , Neel Jon
Published: January 2013

The States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force adopted a Mutual Aid Plan in July 1993 in which the members agreed to expedite all decisions relating to mutual aid requests among themselves. However, the plan was limited to reciprocal efforts by the task force member agencies and did not affect private sector response resources. It was understood that in order to cascade response resources into other jurisdictions, certain task force members might have to release some local facility and vessel owners (plan holders) from full compliance with their response plans. To address this problem, the task force established a Mutual Aid Workgroup that consisted of government and industry participants, and it tasked its members to evaluate options and recommend policies and procedures that would maximize the opportunity for rapid mutual aid. Based on the recommendations of this work group, a 1996 Mutual Aid Agreement was signed that established policies and implementation procedures whereby mutual aid, if requested through the unified command, can be preapproved during responses to West Coast spills. The agreement also includes related recommendations regarding private sector agreements, equipment inventories, and transboundary spill response.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A TRAINING AND EXERCISE/DRILL PROGRAM FOR A PUBLIC UTILITY
Authors: Kartye Craig
Published: January 2013

With the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) legislation and the subsequent 40 CFR part 112 regulations, even those not directly associated with the oil industry are required to develop and implement a risk management program that addresses, among other things, training and drill/exercise procedures. Often public utilities are among these organizations.

One Texas public utility, recognizing the need for a training and drill/exercise program, approached the Center for Marine Training and Safety of the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and requested assistance in the development and implementation of such a program. TEEX took a “bottom-up” approach and began with an on-scene evaluation of each generating station. During this evaluation, factors such as equipment availability and condition, secondary control and containment measures, potential internal and external impacts, facility standard operating procedures, and previous personnel training and experience were assessed. A program was developed based on legislative and regulatory requirements and information gathered during each evaluation. However, before the training and drill/exercise program could be implemented, many other issues needed to be addressed:Meeting requirements versus being competent and preparedTime available for comprehensive programPersonnel jobs and responsibilitiesDifferences between generating facilities
WEATHERING AND DISPERSION OF NAPHTHENIC, ASPHALTENIC, AND WAXY CRUDE OILS
Authors: Strøm-Kristiansen Tove , Lewis Alun , Daling Per S. , Hokstad Jorunn Nerbø , Singsaas Ivar
Published: January 2013

The chemical composition and physical properties of a crude oil determine the behavior of the oil and the way its properties will change when the oil is spilled at sea. Reliable knowledge of the oil's behavior will enable the most effective countermeasure techniques to be used in a spill situation.

A diverse range of crude oils is coming into production in the North Sea. The weathering behavior and chemical dispersibility of three very different crude oils—Troll (naphthenic), Balder (asphaltenic), and Nome (waxy)—have recently been thoroughly investigated through bench- and meso-scale experiments. The naphthenic crude oil was also exposed to full-scale studies in the North Sea.

This study shows that emulsion formation, the viscosity of emulsion, and the potential for dispersing emulsions by dispersant treatment may vary greatly for the different crude oils. It would be impossible to predict these differences with existing oil-weathering models based on fresh oil properties alone. Especially for abnormal (e.g., highly asphaltenic, waxy) crude oils, the weathering and dispersibility behavior can be revealed only by experimental work. The findings have important implications for effective oil spill response planning, particularly for estimating the most appropriate “window of opportunity” and for optimizing a dispersant application strategy for crude oils.
STANDARD DISPERSANT OPERATIONS UNDER THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM1
Authors: Hanzalik Lt. James E. , Hereth Capt. Larry L.
Published: January 2013

Dispersants have now become a viable and preapproved response tool in the Gulf of Mexico; however, there are currently no standard procedures or terminology for an actual dispersant operation under the incident command system. A dispersant model for an actual dispersant operation has been developed by the authors with the assistance of a large industry group. This model, which can apply to all types of dispersant operations, describes responsibilities and on-scene coordination of persons involved in a dispersant operation. Specifically, the model clearly identifies the various positions and responsibilities for such an operation. Benefits of the model include better coordination, improved communications, and reduced conflict between industry and government agencies; these benefits result in quicker response times, which are critical to dispersant operations.
IS IMMEDIATE RESTORATION IN RIPARIAN HABITATS NECESSARY?
Authors: Chamberlain D. W. , Anderson Barrett
Published: January 2013

The 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake caused crude oil releases at several sites, including the Santa Clara River and another riparian area near Lake Castaic, California. As a result of the spills and subsequent cleanup activities, habitat restoration was required. Natural climatic events and natural recovery at the spill site significantly affected restoration efforts. Quantitative and qualitative data on assisted and natural recovery in riparian systems suggest that natural restoration can be substantial and that assisted restoration may not always be as successful as desired.
EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF BIOSURFACTANTS AS AGENTS OF OIL SPILL RESPONSE
Authors: Lepo Joe Eugene , Hancock M. Patricia , Zuleger Candy L. , Roupp-Edwards Katharine , Reilly Tim , Fritz David E.
Published: January 2013

Biosurfactants play an important role in facilitating the natural biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. In order to characterize the biosurfactant-producing potential of environments at risk of anthropogenic oil contamination, we collected a number of distinct marine bacteria that emulsified crude oil from relatively pristine and from polluted areas. The bacteria belonged to diverse taxonomic groups and varied widely in oil-emulsifying capability, surface tension reduction of culture media, and hydrophobicity. We used laboratory assays that directly evaluated biosurfactant preparations from these and other strains for use as cleaning agents for oiled surfaces. The subjects of the study were the oil emulsification capabilities and the surface-active characteristics of the biosurfactants, which were compared to those of selected synthetic surfactants. We also examined the ability of different biosurfactants and synthetic surfactants to wash oil from porcelain tiles. To assess the efficacy of biosurfactants as enhancers of oil biodegradation, we applied preparations of biosurfactants along with our standard mix of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in either shake-flask experiments or in sandy-beach microcosms. In general, surfactants of either class (biosurfactants or synthetic surfactants) performed similarly in all of these experiments. Although some biosurfactants show merit as cleaning agents, the current production technology may not make their use cost-effective.

Safety issues relating to biosurfactants were addressed by examining their toxicity and their biodegradability (and thus persistence in the environment) relative to selected synthetic surfactants. Standard toxicology bioassays were used: (1) the mysid, 7-day chronic estimator, and (2) the inland silverside 7-day chronic estimator. The biodegradability of biosurfactants and synthetic surfactants was compared by measuring the increased biochemical oxygen demand generated by the surfactants in raw seawater. Some biosurfactants were indeed highly biodegradable; however, we found no tight association of biodegradability to either class of surfactants. These results suggest that the environmental safety of surfactants is best evaluated on the basis of toxicity and degradability data for specific cases.
INTERNATIONAL REGIME FOR COMPENSATION FOR POLLUTION FROM TANKERS
Authors: Jacobsson Mans
Published: January 2013

Compensation for oil spills from laden tankers has so far been governed by two international conventions adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization: the 1969 Civil Liability Convention and the 1971 Fund Convention. Ninety-six states are parties to the 1969 Civil Liability Convention, and 70 states are parties to the 1971 Fund Convention. The United States is not party to either of these conventions.

In 1992, two protocols were adopted amending the 1969 Civil Liability Convention and the 1971 Fund Convention. The conventions as amended by the 1992 protocols (the 1992 conventions), which entered into force on May 30, 1996, give better economic protection to victims of oil pollution damage caused by oil spills from tankers than the conventions in their original versions.

Under the 1992 conventions, the available compensation amounts per incident (including the sum actually paid by the shipowner and his or her insurer) have been increased from US$87 million to approximately US$196 million.

The 1971 Fund Convention set up an intergovernmental organization, the 1971 Fund, to administer the compensation system. The new system of compensation established under the 1992 Fund Convention is administered by a separate legal entity: the 1992 Fund. The two funds share a secretariat.
BIOAUGMENTATION AND BIOSTIMULATION: A PARADOX BETWEEN LABORATORY AND FIELD RESULTS
Authors: Lee Kenneth , Tremblay Gilles H. , Gauthier Johanne , Cobanli Susan E. , Griffin Michael
Published: January 2013

In both shaker-flask and mesocosm-scale experiments, a commercial oleophilic bioremediation agent containing biostimulation (nutrients) and bioaugmentation (bacterial inocula) properties was more effective in enhancing oil biodegradation rates than that of no treatment and/or periodic inorganic nutrient addition. However, similar results were not obtained from a subsequent 129-day field trial conducted in a sand beach environment. In this case, periodic additions of inorganic nutrients, with and without the commercial bioremediation agent, enhanced the number of heterotrophic bacteria and microbial respiration rates within the oiled sediments. The commercial product appeared to elevate the number of oil-degrading bacteria within the oiled sediment between days 17 and 89. However, the addition of inorganic nutrients alone, on a periodic basis, was the most effective means of enhancing the extent of oil biodegradation within the residual oil and of reducing sediment toxicity. By retaining residual oil and altering the physical and chemical characteristics of the treated sediment, the oleophilic product suppressed both the rate and extent of oil loss by tidal activity and biodegradation. This is not to say that the use of the product was ineffective in protecting the environment or was detrimental to it; the product does enhance natural biodegradation rates, and it limits the transport of beached oil to more sensitive areas. This study clearly illustrates the complexity associated with the selection of bioremediation agents, the need for improved experimental protocols for evaluating the performance and toxicity of bioremediation agents, and the potential of nutrient enrichment as a bioremediation strategy.
FIELD-TESTING BIOREMEDIATION TREATING AGENTS: LESSONS FROM AN EXPERIMENTAL SHORELINE OIL SPILL
Authors: Mearns Alan J. , Venosa Albert D. , Lee Kenneth , Salazar Michael
Published: January 2013

A 14-week, large-scale field study in Delaware demonstrated that, on a moderately exposed sandy beach, nutrients, not oil-degrading microorganisms, were the primary factors limiting biodegradation. The results are reviewed in the context of lessons and guidelines for a full-scale bioremediation response.
TIDE-DRIVEN NUTRIENT TRANSPORT IN A BEACH MESOCOSM IN THE ABSENCE OF WAVES
Authors: Boufadel Michel C. , Suidan Makram T.
Published: January 2013

This paper investigates nutrient transport in a beach mesocosm operating under tidal action in the absence of waves. Numerical modeling results were compared to experimental data obtained from a tracer study on a mesocosm simulating a sand beach. Sodium chloride solution (simulating nutrient addition) was applied on the surface of the beach and was monitored at five locations in a 6.30-m length of sand plume. Both the numerical results and the experimental data agreed with findings from previously published data, where it was observed that the tracer plume moves downward and seaward and that the water table inside the beach is mostly above seawater level. Good agreement occurred between simulated water levels and observed levels; however, a mediocre fit was achieved between the simulated and the observed tracer concentrations because local variations existed in the saturated hydraulic conductivity, whereas the numerical model assumed a homogeneous domain. Implications of the results for bioremediation are discussed.
OIL SPILL RESPONSE RESEARCH: A GOOD INVESTMENT?1
Authors: Danenberger Elmer P.
Published: January 2013

The Nation's commitment to oil-spill response research can be measured by comparing research expenditures with response planning and oil spill costs. Total response planning and preparedness costs are estimated at $295 million to $440 million per year. Total costs for an oil spill can be as high as $570 per gallon, with spills such as the Valdez spill costing an estimated $6 billion. These costs vastly exceed the estimated 1996 industry and government research expenditures of $1 million and $5 million, respectively. Other significant national costs could possibly be reduced by improving spill response capabilities. Sustained research funding accompanied by careful planning and coordination could substantially reduce the national costs associated with oil spills and increase the benefits of response planning programs.
TERRORISM AND OIL SPILLS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND HOW WE SHOULD RESPOND1
Authors: de Bettencourt Michael
Published: January 2013

An act of terrorism resulting in an oil spill triggers a unique set of response considerations that bring diverse agencies together under crisis conditions. To manage such incidents effectively, a systematic approach is needed to standardize incident response, command, and control methods and to better define the planning process for these demanding scenarios. The National Interagency Incident Management System-Incident Command System (NIIMS-ICS) is the common denominator that has been adopted by the United States Coast Guard for oil spill response. This paper highlights recommendations to adopt the NIIMS-ICS nationally for combined law enforcement and environmental response incidents to ensure efficient and effective response methods.
RECOVERY OF LAPIO FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER1
Authors: Weems LT Laura H. , Byron LCDR Ilene , Ogé David W. , O'Brien Jim , Lanier Roger
Published: January 2013

The increased demand and marine transportation of low-API oil (LAPIO), a group V fuel oil, has posed new problems for pollution responders. Group V oils have a specific gravity greater than 1 or an API gravity less than 10, and when spilled into the marine environment do not remain on the surface of the water. On October 11, 1995, more than 4600 barrels of LAPIO were discharged into the lower Mississippi River at mile 126, Above Head of Passes. Through creative engineering techniques nearly 50% of the oil was recovered from the bottom of the river. This paper covers the summary of events, the problems encountered, and the federal on-scene coordinator's recommendations for future group V oil spill response.
RESPONSE TO THE APOLLO SEA OIL SPILL, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Moldan Anton
Published: January 2013

On June 22, 1994, reports were received that some badly oiled penguins had come ashore at a seabird breeding colony on Dassen Island, northwest of Cape Town. An on-site inspection the following morning revealed that a few hundred birds had been oiled and that oil was present at various locations around the island. This was the first indication that a major oil spill had occurred. There had been no forewarning; it was only discovered 7 days after the fact that a bulk carrier, the Apollo Sea, had sailed with a full load of iron ore from Saldanha Bay and 4 hours later had suffered a catastrophic fracture and had sunk in storm conditions off the Cape coast. All 36 crew members were lost, and 2400 tons of heavy fuel oil were spilled into the sea. No report had been received by the authorities that this casualty had occurred. The spillage of this oil resulted in the most complex and costly cleanup operation in South Africa to date.
VALIDATION AND USE OF SPILL IMPACT MODELING FOR IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Authors: French Deborah P. , Rines Henry M.
Published: January 2013

SIMAP (Spill Impact Model Application Package) is Applied Science Associates’ spill impact model system. The system is designed to simulate the fates and effects of spilled oils and fuels, to allow for an evaluation of the effectiveness of spill response activities, and to evaluate the probabilities of trajectories and resulting impacts. The physical fates and biological effects models in SIMAP are based on those in the CERCLA type A model for natural resource damage assessments (NRDAs), documented in French et al. (1996a). SIMAP may be used for real-time spill simulation, contingency planning, and natural resource damage and ecological risk assessments.

The physical fates and biological effects models in SIMAP and the NRDA type A model were validated using data from 27 oil spills. The success of a model simulation depends on both the algorithms and the accuracy of the input data. The results of the validation, described herein, verify the model algorithms. The most important input data in determining accuracy of results are winds, currents, and biological abundances of the most affected species. Thus the model system, when applied with accurate environmental and biological data inputs, can quantitatively and objectively estimate the impacts of oil spills into aquatic systems.
NORTH CAPE OIL SPILL NRDA PROCESS UNDER OPA 1990
Authors: Csulak Frank , Helton Douglas , Manen Carol-Ann , Meade Norman , Matera Marguerite
Published: January 2013

On January 19, 1996, the tank borge North Cape and the tug Scandia grounded on Moonstone Beach in southern Rhode Island, spilling 828,000 gallons of no. 2 heating oil into Block Island Sound. Just 2 weeks prior to the grounding, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had published the final natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) rule for the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA). The North Cape oil spill became the first opportunity to implement the new NRDA rules. One of the key provisions of the NRDA rule is the requirement that trustees must invite the responsible parties (RP) to participate in a cooperative assessment of damages. If the trustees and the RP can agree to perform the initial phases of an assessment cooperatively, the chances of achieving a fair settlement and avoiding protracted litigation are expected to be enhanced. The cooperative approach should also reduce overall transaction costs, facilitate settlement, and result in a more rapid implementation of restoration projects. This paper presents an overview of the cooperative natural resource damage assessment process being undertaken by the trustees and the RPs following the North Cape oil spill and highlights some of the lessons learned in conducting a cooperative assessment.
RESPONSE INFORMATION FLOW MANAGEMENT: CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING AND TRAINING
Authors: Hall Christopher , Murphy John , Benggio LCDR Bradford
Published: January 2013

Spill responses are information-intensive events. The Incident Command System (ICS) does not adequately address the concepts and techniques of response information management, particularly the internal information flow used to manage the response. Automated systems based on Incident Command System forms do not provide the solution. Response information management procedures must be planned. Both internal and external information needs must be identified so that resources can be allocated to ensure effective information flow.

Personnel at all levels in a response need to understand the concept of proactive, aggressive information management. This paper reviews lessons learned from spill exercises and actual spill responses over the past 5 years. It also discusses considerations for improving the flow of information within the ICS. It recommends specific training and planning guidelines for gathering, displaying, and distributing response information.
MARINE OIL SPILL RESPONSE OPTIONS: THE MANUAL
Authors: Robertson Scott B. , Steen Alexis , Pavia Robert , Skewes LCDR David , Walker Ann Hayward
Published: January 2013

When planning response activities for an oil spill, decision makers must react to a wide range of circumstances. Decisions will vary depending on the type of petroleum product spilled and the nature of the impacted habitat. Response decisions will be based on tradeoffs dealing with the environmental consequences of the spilled oil and the response method selected, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the method. A new manual, Marine Oil Spill Response Options for Minimizing Environmental Impacts, is being jointly produced by industry and government to facilitate decision making for both prespill planning and incident response. Guidance will be provided through matrix tables indicating the relative environmental consequences of the different response options used for various categories of oil in open water and shoreline habitats. This paper describes the contents of the new manual.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES’ HANDLING OF THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY'S OIL POLLUTION PREPAREDNESS IN NORWAY
Authors: Natvig Kirsti
Published: January 2013

The first oil field off the coast of Norway initiated production in the early 1970s. Today 33 oil fields are being exploited by the petroleum industry. A further 8 sites are under development, and promising exploration activity is taking place in new areas. Some of these areas are particularly sensitive from an environmental point of view. Since the Bravo blowout in 1977 there has been no major accident involving an oil spill. Overall experience from supervision indicates that petroleum activities are carried out within adequate safety limits. According to the legislative framework for supervision of oil pollution in the petroleum activity, conditions are to be specified by the authorities prior to every exploration and production activity. The design of the recovery system is to be specified by the operator, based on the dimensions of the oil spill. The stipulation is that all production installations can be reached within given response periods, depending on the location of the installation in relation to environmentally sensitive resources. The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) is responsible for the national oil spill contingency plan. The petroleum industry shall ensure that its contingency plans are tailored to the actual environmental risk. The environmental authorities have been working on the development of a model to define which regions are to be classified as particularly sensitive. This has led to the implementation of legislation that is of interest to both the industry and the authorities.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS FOR RESPONSE EXERCISE PROGRAM (PREP): IMPROVING AREA CONTINGENCY PLANS1
Authors: Kurgan W. Michael , Cashman Dennis
Published: January 2013

The primary goal of the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) is the enhancement of the overall preparedness of the nation to respond to oil spills. A specific objective of the program is improvement of area contingency plans (ACPs). This paper assesses whether the PREP program and its impact through the evaluation process has resulted in improvements to ACPs.

Six 1995 government-led area exercise evaluation reports were analyzed. Each report was produced by a report development team with representation from the industry and state, local, and federal governments. Additionally, the Incident Specific Preparedness Review report of the response to the Houston area San Jacinto River oil spill in October 1994 was reviewed. Conclusions based on the analysis of these reports are as follows: PREP area exercises have been effective in providing substantial feedback to AC? holders by identifying numerous areas for improvement; PREP area exercises have been effective in making changes to ACPs; and PREP area exercises are effective in producing an evaluation report rich in observations, lessons learned, and recommended actions that are shared worldwide through the Internet in the PREP Lessons Learned System.
BURNING OF OILED LOUISIANA COASTAL MARSH: FIELD EVALUATION
Authors: DeLaune R. D. , Lindau C. W. , Devai I. , Henry C. B.
Published: January 2013

Burning was evaluated as a method of remediating oiled Louisiana Spartina alterniflora salt marsh. A short-term reduction in plant biomass was observed; however, 1 year after burning, plant biomass was the same as in control plots. A comparison of the normal alkane profile in the soil residue following oiling to preburn oil showed a loss of more volatile hydrocarbons. Similar patterns were observed for aromatic hydrocarbons. More than half the aromatic hydrocarbons detected in the plume were derived from unburned hydrocarbons. Carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide were the main sulfur gases found in the smoke plume.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS: CAN THE ISM CODE HELP?
Authors: Geiger Susan B.
Published: January 2013

The maritime industry is “on the top of the list” of the Justice Department for criminal enforcement efforts relating to violations of environmental laws. Many companies in the industry have already paid million dollar fines for violations. Some company officials and vessel officers are already in jail; others are awaiting trial. If undertaken correctly, implementation of the ISM Code may help vessel owners avoid or mitigate criminal penalties for environmental violations.
NEW BRUNSWICK BIRD DETERRENT STUDY
Authors: Reilly Timothy J. , Hounsell Ron G. , Jamail Robin
Published: January 2013

During October and November 1995, a bird deterrent device (the Marine Phoenix Wailer) was tested in Miramichi Bay, New Brunswick, Canada, for effectiveness in keeping scoter ducks away from juvenile mussel collector lines. Test results indicated that the Wailer was effective in excluding scoters from a circular open-water area within a 500-meter radius. The scenario tested provided a worst case situation for bird deterrent operations: if birds can be repelled from a strong attractant (i.e., food), it is believed that they may be repelled from less attractive areas such as oil-contaminated sites.
THE PROBLEMS AND PITFALLS OF DEVELOPING A VIRTUAL DISSOLVED OXYGEN METER
Authors: Waite Andy , Bonner Jim , Autenrieth Robin
Published: January 2013

This poster concerns the development of a virtual dissolved oxygen meter, as well as its use and usefulness in laboratory and field settings. The problem of signal coupling was solved by modifying an instrumentation amplifier to include a path to ground through a 1 MW resistor. The advantages of computer-aided data acquisition of multiple dissolved oxygen probes include increased confidence in the measurements. Modifying a virtual instrument to acquire and process data from a multiplicity of analog devices is easy once the parameters of the device are understood
BARGE BUFFALO 292: OBSERVATIONS OF SATELLITE-TRACKED SURFACE DRIFTERS
Authors: Simecek-Beatty Debra A. , Lehr William J. , Johnson Walter R. , Price James M.
Published: January 2013

As part of a joint program to use satellite-tracked drifters at accidental oil spills, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration deployed three drifters supplied by the Minerals Management Service during the barge Buffalo 292 spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The deployments complemented visual observations of the oil spill and provided data for calibrating the on-scene spill model. The data-rich environment of this particular spill response made it possible to calculate the vector correlation between the drifters and a hindcast of the oil movement and to estimate the wind-drift factors for the oil-tracking drifters.
OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS: AN OPERATIONAL ATLAS FOR FRENCH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Authors: Kerambrun Loïc , David Laurence , Rebout Cécile , Page-Jones Lindsay
Published: January 2013

In France, the shoreline Oil Spill Contingency Plan (plan Polmar) is the responsibility of the terrestrial prefect who represents the prime minister. To improve the information currently contained in such a document, CEDRE proposed that the government create an operational atlas outlining the main features of French coastal waters and the shoreline. As a first step, one particular segment along the English Channel (from Omaha Beach to Mont St.-Michel) was chosen, with a coastline of about 250 km. The characteristics taken into account were gathered into three main categories: physical environment, natural resources, and human uses and activities. The atlas consists of a series of about 50 detailed maps (format: A3, scale: 1:50,000) and 10 synthetic maps for each topic.
UNIVERSAL FIELD OIL SPILL CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Castle Robert W. , Wehrenberg Fred
Published: January 2013

The fate, behavior, impact, and response to oil spills can vary significantly in response to oil type and condition. This paper presents a field methodology that can be used to classify spilled oil based on observable physical properties. The classification methodology is intended to be used for shoreline cleanup assessment team (SCAT) surveys, selection of response techniques, and other emergency response applications.
ATTCO PIPELINE TANK FIRE: RESPONDING TO THE VOLCANIC INFERNO
Authors: Smith Donald P.
Published: January 2013

On a hot afternoon in June 1995, lightning struck a 55,000-barrel crude oil storage tank owned by ATTCO Pipeline Company in Addington, Oklahoma. The lightning strike subsequently caused a fire and explosion that ultimately resulted in the collapse of the tank. During the initial response efforts, specialized fire-fighting equipment and personnel were requested from Sheppard Air Force Base out of Wichita Falls, Texas. Unfortunately, efforts to extinguish the fire resulted in a tragic loss of life. This poster seeks to examine the sequence of events leading up to the loss of life and to discuss how these events affected the overall spill response efforts. It will include an analysis of the operational parameters established by ATTCO's Facility Response Plan that was in effect on June 10, 1995, and will also examine the state of preparedness and prevention efforts leading up to June 10, 1995. Ultimately, this poster will determine what effect, if any, the state of readiness had on the events of that day.
SPILL MODELING AS PART OF THE RESPONSE AND MONITORING STRATEGY AT THE SEA EMPRESS INCIDENT
Authors: Rusin Jan , Lunel Tim , Tyler Andrew
Published: January 2013

On February 15, 1996, the Sea Empress went aground at Milford Haven off the Pembrokeshire coast of South Wales, Great Britain. Between February 15 and 21 some 72,000 tons of Forties blend crude oil were released into the marine environment. The model OSIS (oil spill information system) was developed jointly by AEA Technology and BMT Marine Information Systems. OSIS was successfully used by AEA Technology for the U.K. Coastguard Agency's Marine Pollution Control Unit (MPCU) as a response tool to predict the fate, trajectory, and likely beaching of oil, thus aiding in the decisions and optimizing response strategy. The MPCU has subsequently contracted AEA Technology to develop OSIS to predict the long-term fate of the dispersed oil and to identify areas of deposition following oil-sediment interaction.
ADVANCING FORENSIC CHEMISTRY OF SPILLED OIL: SELF-NORMALIZING FINGERPRINT INDEXES
Authors: Henry Charles B. , Roberts Paulene O. , Overton Edward B.
Published: January 2013

Forensic approaches for differentiating spilled oils, tar balls, and oil-contaminated sediments by source can be enhanced by converting qualitative GC/MS data to quantitative values and applying statistical data analyses. Such techniques reduce the potential for chemist bias and fatigue that can result in false-positive and false-negative determinations. The suite of indexes used by our laboratory are highly discriminating, resistant to oil weathering and biodegradation, and are not subject to most day-to-day laboratory variances. We have applied the term “self-normalizing fingerprint indexes” (SFIs) to label such parameters or ratios. The SFI approach has been demonstrated to reduce investigator bias and highlight subtle differences in actual spill samples and baseline monitoring studies that might have been missed by standard qualitative approaches to source-fingerprinting. This approach represents another step in the development of legally defensible methods of oil spill response.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OIL SPILLS: INLAND VERSUS COASTAL
Authors: Stalcup Dana , Yoshioka Gary , Mantus Ellen , Kaiman Brad
Published: January 2013

The Emergency Response Notification System database was searched for information on the size of spills, the sources of spills, and the types of oils spilled for both inland and coastal waters. The results of this analysis indicate that the vast majority of spills for both inland and coastal waters are minor discharges, that the sources of the spills differ for inland versus coastal waters, with pipelines representing a minor source for both water systems, and that a wide variety of materials are spilled in both inland and coastal water systems, with crude oil being a more significant contributor for coastal waters.
THE OIL SPILL TRIANGLE: A PREVENTIVE TOOL
Authors: Olsson Eric H.
Published: January 2013

The oil spill triangle supports the premise that the most potent means of protecting marine resources and of avoiding penalties is through the prevention of oil spills. This triangle provides a logical, structured approach to evaluating and identifying spill-prone procedures and to establishing focused training and maintenance programs to help eliminate operational oil spills.
COMPARISON OF OIL SPILL RATES IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Yoshioka Gary , Kaiman Brad , Wong Eva
Published: January 2013

Recent studies of oil spills of more than 10,000 gallons examined spill rates in certain East Coast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. Using oil movement data as the exposure variable, these studies found similar spill rates among the regions and over time. This analysis expands upon these earlier studies by examining the California coastal area and by calculating new spill rates using refining capacity as the exposure variable.