bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High-Resolution Oil Drift Model on the Swedish Coast
Authors: Ambjörn Cecilia , Liungman Olof , Törling Gustaf
Published: January 2013

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has developed a system for oil drift forecasting, which can be used by local authorities. The system shall predict where oil, coming from the open sea, hits the beaches or other parts of the archipelago. One crucial idea is that the system shall be easy to handle and also give fast calculations.

An operational three-dimensional hydrodynamical model covering the North Sea and the Baltic Sea is run daily at SMHI. When oil is found in the open sea the Swedish Coast Guard makes an oil drift forecast based on the daily runs. The oil drift forecasts are used as input data to the high-resolution local model for the Swedish west coast, which calculates the transport, behaviour, and spreading of the oil. The whole calculation is made within a GIS system. That gives access to all the geographical information and information about vulnerable areas.

In order not to be dependent on daily data transmission, the local model can choose between 71 different precalculated current fields. These fields are calculated using a three-dimensional model named PHOENICS, with a grid which is highly adapted to the coastal contours. Current measurements are performed for use as boundary values for the simulation of the precalculated current fields. This forecasting system is now developed for the northern part of the Swedish west coast (down to Gothenburg).
Rejuvenating the Port Area Committee Process
Authors: Jensen Donald S. , Hammell Thomas J. , Harrison Thomas D.
Published: January 2013

The organization that is most critical to the preparedness of a port is the Area Committee (AC). The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) mandated the establishment of ACs in every port area in the United States and charged them with oversight of the preparedness of their ports through preparation of Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) to specify how spill responses would be carried out. ACs were formed across the United States, and initial ACPs were drafted. Since the AC is an ad hoc voluntary group in each port, its resources and time available to accomplish its functions are often limited. Over time some ACs flourished and initiated many worthwhile projects advancing their mission of port preparedness. Others, through a lack of focus and resources, failed to achieve their full potential.

A recent study for the U.S. Coast Guard investigated the interaction of the AC and the Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) government-led area exercises to develop a vision for a more effective interaction. This paper highlights recommendations made during that study, which are believed to strengthen the AC process. The paper includes the characteristics of an effective AC based on interviews conducted by the authors with ACs across the United States. Some of the recommendations discussed in the paper include:A national AC model to serve as a guide for the organization and functioning of an effective ACFunctions that all ACs should accomplishNationally promulgated standards of port preparednessPerformance measures to objectively diagnose a port's preparednessA more aggressive role for ACs in the PREP area exercise programA national database to provide information to ACs and others involved with preparedness and response
Developing Integrated Area Contingency Plans That Work
Authors: Wolf Martha A.
Published: January 2013

For Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) to be truly useful in a response, they must meet the needs of the local, state and federal responders, as well as contain information on the needs of the public, Natural Resource Trustees, and regulators. This has been accomplished in EPA, Region VIII by incorporating hazmat and oil response plans into one document. The plan is written by the Sub-Area Committee consisting of all federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, as well as industry, that would be involved in a hazmat or oil spill event. The planning process has worked out many issues that avoid confusion during the response. The plan is broken into two separate documents, available in hard copy or on a self contained computer program. The first document is the Emergency Response Action Plan that contains all the information that is found to be needed to complete the response actions. The second document is the material that is needed to develop the Emergency Response Action Plan (ERAP) but is not needed during an actual response. Planners emphasize that the information in the second document is important, but it is kept separately because it is not needed during a response.

In July, 1996, the Sub-Area Contingency Plan (sACP) for the Yampa River became the first integrated response plan to be completed in Region VIII. On November 6, 1997 there was a release of 7500 gallons of diesel into Williams Creek, a tributary of the Yampa. The planning process had worked out some issues that avoided confusion during the response; however, the response did not go as smoothly as would be desired. All members on the Sub-Area Committee met, discussed lessons learned from the response, held follow-up exercises, developed action items, and revised the plan to insure a better response the next time around.
Texas General Land Office Bilge Water Reclamation Program
Authors: Smith Dale , Pollock Greg , Spies Peggy , Gallimore Kraig , Holland Herbert W.
Published: January 2013

The Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division of the Texas General Land Office has taken their oil spill prevention efforts to new heights. Beyond assessing penalties, beyond providing far-reaching educational programs, and beyond conducting extensive patrolling efforts, their most recent prevention initiative significantly decreases bilge oil spills in a non-threatening, alliance-building manner. This new prevention effort, known as the Texas General Land Office Bilge Water Reclamation Program, provides a convenient, environmentally responsible way to dispose of oily bilge water at no cost to the owners and operators of the vessels using the facilities. Strategically placed facilities collect oily bilge water from commercial or recreational fishing vessels and process it so effectively that the filtered water can be discharged directly into the adjacent waterway and the oily product can be recycled. To date, the facilities have cleaned more than 150,000 gallons of contaminated water and generated 20,000 gallons of used engine oil for use by a waste oil recycling company.
Effects and Trends in Littleneck Clams (Protothaca Staminea) Impacted by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Authors: Shigenaka Gary , Coats Douglas A. , Fukuyama Allan K. , Roberts Paulene O.
Published: January 2013

Littleneck clams, Protothaca staminea, are a common intertidal clam species in Prince William Sound. With several years of results from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association/Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division (NOAA/HAZMAT) monitoring available, it is possible to infer some trends in clams affected by the Exxon Valdez incident:At oiled and washed sites, Protothaca staminea numbers reflect a different pattern of impact and recovery than other infaunal species, i.e., they do not show a depression in abundance followed by the dramatic population increase observed among many recovering species.Abundance differences between washed sites and unoiled sites may reflect lingering spill impacts. Extrapolation of the current trend suggests population abundance at oiled and washed sites could converge to that at unoiled sites by 2006.Chemistry results showed large declines in tissue aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations between 1990 and 1992. However, statistically significant differences between results for oiled sites and unoiled sited remained until 1997.Littleneck clams bioaccumulate oil to slightly higher concentrations than co-located mussels. Route of exposure has not been identified, but hydrocarbons adsorbed to particulates and food is a likely source.Subtle impacts to Protothaca staminea age structure and other population features may manifest themselves over the longer term. The authors' goal is to identify and characterize such effects.

The overall task of impact and recovery assessment is complicated by factors such as sea otter predation, recovery from other major disruptions like the 1964 earthquake, and El Niño-Southern Oscillation shifts.
Exxon Oil Spill Technology Advances from the Valdez Cleanup
Authors: Lessard Richard R. , DeMarco Gregory , Prince Roger C. , Fiocco Robert J. , Canevari Jerry
Published: January 2013

The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history. It triggered a massive cleanup and accelerated major changes to the U.S. structure for combating oil spills. It also led to a number of successful new programs within Exxon and industry aimed at reducing incidents, minimizing spillage of oil worldwide, and improving the capability to respond in the event of a spill. Exxon's response effort is widely acknowledged as the largest peacetime industrial mobilization ever in the United States and possibly in the world. Exxon immediately accepted responsibility and committed resources and personnel to clean up the environment affected by the spill

The Valdez spill is the most studied ever. The cleanup involved the use of technology not previously applied to large spills. Many of these applications are now the subject of ongoing international research programs aimed at improving the ability to respond. This paper, written by several Exxon scientists who conducted technical studies in support of the cleanup, summarizes many of the technical learnings and advances that came out of the spill, and subsequent research studies with emphasis on how these apply to today's spills. This paper discusses only the response and cleanup. Exxon also initiated a number of programs to mitigate impacts on people, communities and wildlife affected by the spill.
Development and Implementation of Guidelines for Federal On-Scene Coordinators for Protecting Historic Properties
Authors: Thorman Jan C. , Bergmann Pamela
Published: January 2013

In 1997, the National Response Team completed a Programmatic Agreement on Protection of Historic Properties during Emergency Response under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. This agreement, which was drafted by a National Response Team ad hoc committee consisting of representatives of National Response Team member agencies, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, has important ramifications for federal On-Scene Coordinators and responsible parties conducting spill response in the United States.

The purpose of the Programmatic Agreement is to ensure that historic properties are appropriately taken into account in planning for and conducting emergency response to oil spills and hazardous substance releases under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. The agreement provides a uniform, nationwide approach to considering and protecting historic properties before and during an emergency response. Signatories, which include the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency, agree to implement this Programmatic Agreement or to develop and then implement regional Programmatic Agreements that are consistent with the nationwide Programmatic Agreement and the National Historic Preservation Act.

As of September 1998, implementation of the nationwide Programmatic Agreement and development of regional Programmatic Agreements were just beginning by Regional Response Teams and federal On-Scene Coordinators throughout the United States. The Alaska Regional Response Team, whose development of regional cultural resources guidelines in the early 1990s led to the development of the nationwide Programmatic Agreement, had begun preparing a document on implementation of the nationwide Programmatic Agreement in Alaska.

The emergency response provisions of the nationwide Programmatic Agreement were implemented for the first time in the November 1997, M/V Kuroshima spill near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The major lesson learned from this incident with regard to the nationwide Programmatic Agreement is that its provisions are workable and can contribute to the overall success of the response.
Cooperative Oil Spill Training—It's in Your Own Backyard
Authors: Peschel Jim E.
Published: January 2013

In August 1997 the training and education workgroup of the Northwest Area Committee sponsored an Oil Spill Control Course specifically tailored to responders in the Pacific Northwest. The training provided management skills to supervisory field staff within the Operations Section of the Incident Command System. The course focused on personnel and equipment resources located in the Puget Sound region. The syllabus was designed, coordinated, and developed by a consortium of Federal and State regulatory agencies as well as the primary Oil Spill Removal Organizations in the Northwest region. Each agency participated without expending additional training costs by exchanging services-in-kind for quotas. An added benefit of this cooperation was the opportunity to train alongside responders from other agencies and organizations while using the actual equipment available within the region.

The course used lectures and field exercises to focus on the Northwest Area Contingency Plan, Geographic Response Plans, oil product identification, shoreline countermeasures, cleanup techniques, and protection strategies typical within the Puget Sound operating environment. By using local instructors, actual equipment, and realistic scenarios, the local response community can continue to benefit from this type of tailor-made training and focus on the actual needs of the host community.
Shipboard Emergency Preparedness—A Systems Approach
Authors: Jones Barry D. , Whitlock Jane S.
Published: January 2013

Oil spills resulting from shipboard incidents can have devastating effects on people and the environment. As a result, most response strategies by governmental agencies are naturally predicated toward combating those effects. Paradoxically, from a shipping industry perspective a spill of whatever magnitude is the “symptom” of a shipboard safety system failure, rather than its “cause.” The global introduction of the ISM Code provides a real opportunity for companies to improve safety at sea and protect the environment. The authors' approach to shipboard emergency preparedness is a “systems” one, which integrates the “human element” and preventative programs with day-to-day and emergency operations. It takes account of routine operations in navigation, cargo handling and maintenance. Furthermore, it offers performance indicators (how are we doing?); effective hazard identification, incident reporting and follow-up; audit and management review; all of which are inherent parts of robust safe routine and emergency/recovery operations. Effective emergency preparedness training backed up by good systems and, most of all, real and pro-active management commitment to safe operations ensures the prevention of incidents. This is ultimately the best oil spill cleanup strategy available.
The Shoreline Supervisor (Beachmaster) Role
Authors: Buckingham Craig R.
Published: January 2013

When an oil spill occurs close to land it is highly likely that the cleanup of polluted shorelines is going to be required. Given this need it is somewhat surprising that more emphasis is not put into training personnel for such eventualities.

When planning for shoreline cleanup operations a fundamental requirement for a successful response is to have practical-minded people who can take charge of supervising the cleanup of polluted beaches. These people must be clear where they fit into a response organisation, understand their roles and responsibilities, be aware of the importance of timely resource planning, and be good communicators. The skills required for this role include common sense, improvisation, record keeping, and leadership. Safety, waste minimisation, command, and control are among the more important issues to address.

This paper describes a 3-day modular training programme specifically developed to focus on the Shoreline Supervisor's role. It identifies the success factors that a Shoreline Supervisor should aspire to and also the tasks that are so vital in the daily planning cycle.

Plans work well when the people expected to make them work are given the resources to succeed. Shoreline Supervisor training is one of those essential resources.
The ICS Planning Process Exercise: A New Exercise Tool
Authors: Cadd Theodore L. , Slyman Paul M. , Maizer Lillian M.
Published: January 2013

The authors propose a structurally different kind of exercise where the participants not only become familiar with the plans being exercised but also have the time to learn their positions within the Incident Command System (ICS) response structure. The ICS Planning Process Exercise (IPPE) also allows for contingency plan validation.

In the more familiar exercise types—tabletop exercises, functional or field exercises, and full-scale exercises—players come together for a period of time to execute the exercise. There is usually no time allowed for detailed reading of the plans or anything but the most cursory training for their assigned responsibilities within the response structure. The IPPE is an exercise conducted over a period of weeks or months at a reduced cost to the companies and agencies involved, with time built in for training and contingency plan familiarization. Moreover, assumptions made by the contingency plans or during the other style of exercises are validated or challenged as needed.

The IPPE is intended to test plans and train people. The primary goals of the IPPE are to validate plans, to become familiar with plans, and to familiarize ICS personnel with their assigned positions such as Section Chief, Division Supervisor, Situation Unit Leader or any other identified responsibilities.
Gulf Coast Oil Spill Plans: Remediation and Restoration Adequacy
Authors: Douligeris Christos , Tebeau Pete , Baca Bart
Published: January 2013

This paper describes the results of a research effort commissioned by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to study the role of the oil spill contingency planning process in addressing two key elements of spill response: remediation and restoration. The analysis focuses on the role of contingency planning in optimizing the success of these two processes, and specifically how key shoreline remediation and restoration decisions are addressed and implemented in the Gulf Coast region.
A Model Grassroots Approach for Incident Command System Implementation1
Authors: Gautier Peter , McAllister Carol , Plourde Kristy L.
Published: January 2013

Two years ago, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) formally adopted the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) as doctrine for response management to oil and hazardous materials incidents. USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO) San Francisco Bay has aggressively implemented ICS as the way it conducts spill response in addition to how it carries out many of its routine operations. In a comprehensive effort to improve readiness through ICS, the MSO has established an ICS implementation team. This team constructed an ICS-based organization chart, referred to as a Watch Quarter and Station Bill (WQSB), crafted a training program, prepared ICS equipment and supply “go kits” for spill deployment, and developed administrative measures to maintain and track the program. The MSO's training program is two pronged, consisting of ICS classroom training to teach best practices alternating with process tabletop exercises to reinforce lessons learned from responses. Each session is open for attendance by state and federal trustees as well as local USCG operational units. In this way, the MSO reaches out to the local response community to establish ICS expertise and enhance response relationships. The MSO's implementation plan has proven to be extremely valuable in building the knowledge of personnel, building relationships and better preparing everyone for future spills.
Microcosm Study of Bioremediation of Oil-Contaminated Freshwater Wetlands
Authors: Purandare Jaydeep A. , Huang Tiehong , Suidan Makram T. , Johnston Ben , Venosa Albert D. , Pier Paul
Published: January 2013

Use and transport of petroleum products can result in serious contamination of freshwater habitats via leakage, spills, aerosols, and runoff. Little development of bioremediation strategies has occurred for enhancing degradation of petroleum products in situations involving contamination of freshwater wetland ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate different inorganic mineral nutrients for their ability to enhance biodegradation of crude oil in contaminated wetlands on a microcosm scale. Aquaria of 10-gallon capacity, filled with wetland soil and planted with species of emergent wetland plants, were used to simulate natural wetlands. Two levels of water coverage were studied: (1) water level even with soil surface, and (2) water level 10 cm above the soil surface. Six treatments were evaluated in duplicate for each water level: unoiled, no-nutrient control; oiled + no nutrient control; oiled + nitrate addition; oiled + nitrate + phosphate addition; oiled + ammonia addition; and oiled + ammonia + phosphate addition. Thus, 24 aquaria were set up for each sampling event (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 weeks) totaling 144 aquaria. Nutrients were applied once each week. Nitrate, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and conductivity were measured before and after nutrient addition. Biodegradation was tracked by GC/MS analysis of hopane-normalized crude oil components from the sacrificed aquaria over the 32-week experimental period. Results indicated that: (1) the rates of biodegradation of the alkanes and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were higher for all treatments in the high-water level microcosms compared with the low-water level microcosms; (2) the highest rates of alkane and PAH degradation were measured in the high-water level microcosms receiving nitrate and phosphate; (3) the treatments with nitrate and phosphate showed nearly a 90% reduction of alkanes and a 50% reduction of PAHs as compared to nearly a 50% reduction of alkanes and 40% reduction of PAHs by the oil with no nutrients control for the high-water level; (4) the nitrate and phosphate addition treatments, for both water levels, showed good plant growth and the highest plant and root densities as compared to the other treatments. This information is being used in the design of a mesoscale experiment as part of the second phase of this study.
Resolving Conflict in Applying the Washington State Natural Resource Damage Assessment Compensation Schedule-Spill Volume Determination in the Absence of Volumetric Methods
Authors: Mora David , Challenger Greg
Published: January 2013

Many jurisdictions rely upon compensation formulae for environmental damages caused by oil spills in lieu of protracted in situ studies. Formulae often rely on quantity and physical properties of the oil. The State of Washington Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) compensation schedule is primarily based on quantity spilled. The quantity spilled is multiplied by relative values or scaling factors related to general environmental effect and habitat vulnerability indices. Using the formula, a range of $l–$50 dollars per gallon is possible. Spill volume estimation is therefore an important and sometimes controversial issue, especially when spilled volumes are not quantifiable by conventional volumetric methods.

While methods of estimating spilled oil from recovery equipment, on the water, and along the shoreline are available, quantifying oil that may be bound to items in the waste stream presents many challenges and must address difficulties such as evaporative oil loss, water bound to recovered materials, varied types of absorbent materials and oiled debris among others. Attempts to quantify recovered oil from the M/V Nosac Forest (1993), Tosco Ferndale (1997), and M/V Anadyr (1998) oil spills yielded reasonable but uncertain results. Questions remain with respect to the accuracy of oil recovery estimates and the cost-effectiveness of the approach. Utilizing assumptions is necessary in any oil volume estimation technique and can be the basis for contention. However, utilizing a collaborative investigative process, where both state and responsible party investigators participate, can alleviate many potential concerns. While uncertainty remains, a collaborative process can lead to consensus and a cost-effective approach to spilled-oil estimation techniques in the absence of conventional volumetric methods.
Assessment of Potential Oil Spill Recovery Capabilities
Authors: Gregory Christopher L. , Allen Alan A. , Dale Dean H.
Published: January 2013

Clean Coastal Waters, Inc. (CCW) is an oil industry funded Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) whose capabilities have been classified by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of California. The current method of rating response equipment does not provide for insightful management of the organization's mechanical recovery equipment. CCW has therefore utilized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Mechanical Equipment Calculator™ (MEC) to provide an alternative assessment of CCW's oil spill recovery capability. The MEC provides a more realistic view of spill recovery capability and it allows for manipulation of recovery system components to maximize their effectiveness.

A major objective of this assessment was to examine each system's performance using realistic oil slick conditions. Three representative oil slick conditions, ranging from light to heavy concentrations, were selected as input for the computerized simulation and evaluation of each recovery system's potential performance. The relative contribution of each system was examined under real-world conditions including actual times for notification, mobilization, transit, recovery and offloading of recovered oil and water.

A secondary objective of the assessment was to investigate methods by which each system's recovery rate could be enhanced while operating in open water with widespread slick conditions representing as little as a barrel of oil per acre (i.e., with average oil thicknesses of a few hundredths of a millimeter). This investigation indicated the need for several changes to the CCW equipment inventory in order to maximize system performance. Clean Coastal Waters is currently experimenting with real-world application of these enhancements and has already incorporated several important modifications into its recovery systems. Such modifications include: the matching of onboard pumps with expected oil encounter rates; the adjustment of system swaths to better utilize potential recovery capabilities; and, the inclusion of multiple, secondary storage units at key locations for improved overall performance.

The third objective of the assessment was to evaluate the utility and effectiveness of the MEC. The MEC was determined to be an effective tool for characterization, evaluation and management of response capabilities. CCW will continue to use the MEC to assist its member companies in managing recovery systems during training, exercises, and actual spill response activities.
Maintaining (and Improving) Emergency Response Preparedness in an Incident-Free Environment
Authors: Hughes John F. , Osen Holly E. , Fritzsche Carl J.
Published: January 2013

In the OPA 90 era, companies have developed large and capable response organizations able to respond to major spills anywhere in the world. During the formative years of such organizations it was relatively easy to maintain focus on their important missions of response planning, resource acquisition and training. As these organizations reach a more mature stage it is increasingly difficult to maintain such a focus, especially in the absence of major incidents. Nearly 10 years after OPA 90, organizations are at or approaching this mature state and most have not had to respond to a major incident.

This paper discusses the challenges presented in maintaining and improving emergency response preparedness during incident-free periods. The existing organizational structure and the organization's current environment are used as the starting point for developing solutions. A variety of creative solutions are discussed which involve using quality tools in ongoing programs, broadening the scope of the organization and using response resources in non-traditional roles. Techniques for maintaining management support for response programs, utilizing risk management tools and controlling program costs are also covered. Finally, the importance of maintaining focus on the mission of response, of program integrity and of leadership in response organizations is examined.
Large-Scale Oil Spill Removal and Well Plugging at Lake Oologah, Oklahoma
Authors: Franklin Richard , Banipal Ben , Rotan Dean
Published: January 2013

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently forged a cooperative partnership with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) and the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) to address substantial environmental threats posed by hundreds of leaking oil wells near Lake Oologah, Oklahoma. The leaking wells are part of a large, aging, and declining oilfield in and around Lake Oologah. Since the field began production in the early 1900s, many wells have been either incorrectly plugged and abandoned or were not plugged and abandoned at all. As a result, hundreds of wells are discharging or threatening to discharge crude oil into tributaries of the Lake Oologah watershed.

Based on the enormity of the site (approximately 26,000 acres or 42 square miles), EPA developed a pilot project to mitigate the threats posed by these wells. As part of the pilot project, EPA identified leaking wells in two 640-acre sections using remote sensing techniques (color infrared aerial survey) and ground truthing. Once the wells were identified, the three agencies began jointly conducting a large removal action. EPA, with assistance from OCC, is plugging and abandoning wells that are discharging or threatening to discharge oil to navigable waters of the United States. In addition, OERB is removing surface equipment, tanks, and flow lines, and oil-contaminated soils.
Considering “Best Response” Capabilities in Area Contingency Plans1
Authors: Ott Gary L. , Haynes David C. , Pond Robert G.
Published: January 2013

The paper proposes that planning should focus on those critical success factors inherent in a “Best Response.” Our common objective is to be prepared to clean up a spill while doing the least harm to people and the environment. Despite this common goal there are considerable differences across the United States in the commitment of resources to the oil spill planning and preparedness process. These differences result in a wide variety of Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) that may indicate different response capabilities. On the West Coast, oil spill plans contain detailed resource information and response strategies. By comparison, the East Coast plans are considerably less detailed. However, any demand that both West Coast and East Coast plans should have the same level of detail should first consider the question, “What kind of planning leads to success?” This paper stresses that we must first identify priorities and important factors needed to achieve success and produce a “Best Response.” In our opinion, ACPs should be evaluated based on their capability to achieve Critical Success Factors during an actual response.
Medical, Occupational, and Environmental Health Considerations for Oil Spill Response Personnel
Authors: Thayer Evan C. , Snoeks Ilse
Published: January 2013

Oil spill response workers can face a variety of health concerns when a spill occurs in a remote area. Potential food, water, and disease hazards need to be addressed for both fly-in supervisory personnel and local cleanup crews.

Pre-spill planning activities should consider a variety of scenarios covering a range of spills in the geographic areas of responsibility. Topics to address should include medical screening of oil spill response team members, vaccination/shots, travel kits, special clothing needs, disease control informational handouts, food and water sources, evaluation of medical personnel and facilities and identification of medical evacuation plans.

Activities occurring during the spill cleanup period might include medical screening of food handlers and local workers, confirming the availability of local medical facilities and evacuation routes, conducting routine clinic operations, checking the sources and handling of food and water, checking housing conditions, implementing a disease vector control program, and providing training related to local environmental hazards.

Post-cleanup activities would include safe disposal of medical and other waste, providing post-spill medical exams, and documenting lessons learned during the spill. Successfully controlling health issues during a spill may only be possible if an appropriate level of planning is conducted.
Safeguarding the Public Interest: A Look At Government Policies That Affect the Opa 90 Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and Oil Spill Costs1
Authors: de Bettencourt Michael , Merrick Gary , Deal Timothy , Travis Bob
Published: January 2013

U.S. government policies concerning the management of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) may be responsible for increased costs of oil spill cleanup in the United States. By not requiring measures of effectiveness and efficiency, and by enforcing policies that are disincentives to cost control, the government may be encouraging increased oil spill removal costs.

The costs of an oil spill have increased substantially since the enactment of OPA 90, this despite improved spill response techniques and contingency planning. Rising costs have been attributed to:The government's acute sensitivity to public concerns about spill cleanupThe increased costs of natural resource damageThe inefficiency of spill response management

This paper discusses the steps necessary to curb rising cleanup costs by changing policies relative to the management of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund OSLTF and by instituting measurements of spill response efficacy. Section I of the paper describes the current state of OPA 90 and the OSLTF. Section II outlines measurement and evaluation of oil spill responses using a Best Response model currently being developed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Section III describes several disincentives currently in place under policies of the OSLTF managers that have an effect on allowing increased costs for oil spill response.
The Oil Spill Risk-Ranking Methodology
Authors: Dixon Caroline , Rath Robert H.
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a methodology to semi-quantitatively compare and rank oil spill risk in various parts of the world from a wide variety of facilities and operations. A risk-based comparison of facilities is useful for identifying the greatest potential risks to the company, and establishing the appropriate priorities for response planning, training and exercises. Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd. (BHP), working with Risk Management Associates, has developed a methodology to semi-quantitatively rank facilities by the relative risk of a spill, and the potential business impact. Utilizing the oil spill risk-ranking methodology (OSRisk method), the relative risks of an oil spill are calculated in terms of the likelihood a release will occur, and the severity of the release, using the equation: Risk = Likelihood × Severity. A Facility Assessment Form has been developed to gather the necessary information from facilities located in different areas of the world. The OSRisk method provides tables and spreadsheets to simplify the risk-ranking calculation process using the data gathered.
Bioremediation of Oil-Contaminated Fine Sediments
Authors: Swannell Richard P. J. , Mitchell David , Jones D. Martin , Petch Stuart , Head Ian. M. , Lee Kenneth , Willis Alyson , Lepo J. E.
Published: January 2013

Bioremediation of oil contamination has been shown to be effective for cobble and sandy shorelines. To assess the operational limitations of this technology, this project studied its potential to treat buried oil in fine sediments. The effectiveness of bioremediation by nutrient enrichment with water-soluble mineral fertilizers was quantified experimentally with a randomised block design with three replicate blocks. Each block consisted of an untreated control plot, a plot treated with fertilizer alone, an oiled plot, and an oiled plot treated with fertilizer. The sediment in each plot was retained in mesh enclosures and buried at a depth of 0.15 m. Weathered and emulsified Arabian Light crude oil was applied to the appropriate plots at 3.7 kg.m−−2. Bioremediation success was monitored by examining in situ CO2 production rates; changes in residual hydrocarbons normalized to 17?(H), 21?H)-hopane; and response of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. Fertilizer treatments significantly increased the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (p = 0.0001) in the buried sediments. These conclusions were supported by in situ CO2 production data. Microbiological analyses showed that nutrient addition increased the numbers of hydrocarbon-degraders on the oiled plots tenfold. The results clearly showed that bioremediation can treat oil buried in fine sediment following a spill incident.
Environmental Defence: What More Can the Salvor Do?
Authors: Lacey Michael J.
Published: January 2013

Casualty response must be a team effort if it is to be successful. Equally, the hard decisions must be taken by the Salvage Master at the scene. This paper considers the ways in which the objectives of integrated response and efficient command decision making can be achieved in a spill situation.

The paper reviews the role of the Salvage Master, salvage strategies that aim to keep the pollutant in the ship, the integration of command and control functions in the light of the Salvage Master's central position, the questions surrounding responder liability, new developments in salvage contracts, and the role of the P&I Club in relation to the salvage function.

The paper explores these issues by reviewing a series of major salvage cases, including the Sea Empress, Nassia, and Nakhodka. The case studies provide an overview of each operation, consider the command and control issues and set out the lessons for the handling of future operations.
Using Remote-Sensing Technology (Color Infrared) To Locate Oil Spills At Lake Oologah, Oklahoma
Authors: Banipal Ben , Franklin Curtis , Rotan Dean , Franklin Richard
Published: January 2013

The Lake Oologah area of northeastern Oklahoma contains a large, mature, and declining oil field that has been active since the early 1900s. Many wells have been abandoned, but most of the abandoned wells have not been plugged or maintained according to state requirements. As a result, these wells are leaking crude oil to surrounding soils or directly into navigable waters of the United States. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) and Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) have been working together to address the substantial environmental threats posed by hundreds of leaking oil wells at the approximately 26,000-acre Lake Oologah site.

Based on the large area and insufficient well location data, EPA requested that Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E&E) develop an innovative method to identify well and potential surface spill locations. E&E used a state-of-the-art remote-sensing color infrared (CIR) aerial survey to collect digital aerial imagery. The historical aerial data were reviewed to refine the locations of potentially leaking wells identified by the remote-sensing technology. The CIR data were orthorectified to prepare topologically correct maps and further processed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and thematic mapping software to identify oil-contaminated areas. To confirm the CIR data and overall technical approach developed for the project, EPA and E&E performed ground truthing for a small portion of the site to identify leaking wells and stressed vegetation. Following ground truthing, a specific color spectrum was assigned to these features, and the data were processed to predict the locations of oil contamination sources throughout the site. Based on these results, an overall aerial assessment of site contamination is being developed to identify potentially leaking wells and minimize labor-intensive ground truthing efforts.
Integrated Area Contingency Planning On The Clark Fork Watershed
Authors: Wolf Martha A.
Published: January 2013

The Clark Fork and Flathead Basin Sub-Area consists of five counties in the state of Montana and the Flathead Nation. A section of pipeline running through the Flathead reservation was closed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, necessitating product removal from the pipeline in Missoula, Montana, shipment via train and truck over mountainous areas, and reinjection into the pipeline in Thompson Falls, Montana. The area also has hazardous material response issues demonstrating the need for an integrated hazmat and oil response plan. The Sub-Area Committee (sAC) consists of federal, state, tribal, local, and industry responders, planners and Natural Resource Trustees.

One week to the day after the first sAC meeting, a train derailment occurred in the designated area. Four cars containing chlorine, one car containing potassium cresylate, and one car containing sodium chlorate began leaking—resulting in one death, over 350 injuries, evacuation of the town of Alberton, closure of Clark Fork for all recreational activities, detour of air traffic and closure of 63 miles of Interstate 90 for 17 days. Thirty minutes after the Alberton derailment, another derailment occurred near Doxon, Montana (also in the planning area) releasing 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the Clark Fork River.

The plan consists of a core plan that contains the information vital to the response activities, and a volume that has all backup information that is not essential during the response. The plan is also in digitized format that runs off GIS maps. The maps contain all contacts, spill/release sources, available equipment, drinking water intakes, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, fish, wildlife and other sensitive environments. This plan is believed to be the tool that will insure smoother, more efficient responses in the future.
Using Computers To Manage Crisis Information Across An Organization
Authors: Fritz David E. , Stone John P.
Published: January 2013

Recognizing the importance of good communications in emergency response and crisis management (ER/CM), Amoco has built a communications infrastructure that provides crisis communications at several levels. It facilitates information flow from field response teams to supporting management while allowing interested company personnel to monitor the situation. The resulting system, known as the Crisis Management Information System (CMIS), is based on Lotus Notes 4.5 and can be accessed via Lotus Notes or a web browser from any site with access to Amoco's computer network. CMIS consists of data (Plans, Personnel, and Resource databases), actual crisis management capability (Incident database), and training (Exercise database). It is designed to provide universal access to timely and consistent information. Designed for the infrequent user, CMIS can be edited, updated, shared, or responded to with minimal training. CMIS has been successfully demonstrated in several recent real events and exercises. Opportunities for improvement have also been noted.
Technology: Are We Using It To Its Best Advantage?
Authors: Kitz Carl G.
Published: January 2013

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region X has combined the immense storage capacity of CD-ROMs with interactive software to develop a user-friendly tool to provide quick and easy access to digital information for use by oil spill response teams. These CD-ROMs, created specifically for spill planning and response, provide responders with hypertext links and powerful search capabilities allowing uncomplicated access to response information, regulations, nationally recognized standards, and area maps. This format enhances response time by reducing the time needed to access critical information and the volume of materials carried to the site by responders. The CD disk produced contains the Region X Area contingency plan, and select reference materials such as the NCP, OPA 90, and digitized maps and color photographs.
Integrated Incident Management System
Authors: Vidrine Grant , Dietrick Larry , Lautenberger Carl , Hutton Charlene
Published: January 2013

The North Slope of Alaska Oil Operators—ARCO, (Alaska), Inc.; BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc.; and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company—and their governing agencies—Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)—currently use some form of the Incident Command System (ICS) to manage oil spill incidents and exercises. Although the ICS principles are similar, the structure, terminology and forms are diverse.

The North Slope operators and regulatory agencies in Alaska are “thinking out-of-the-box” these days with the development of a new, all hazards, systems to maximize the use of resources on the North Slope. The new integrated Incident Management System (IMS) was designed to offer benefits such as standardized processes, forms and nomenclature, integrated organizational structures, common management/training, enhanced interactions, shared learning's, central coordination, standard Emergency Operation Center layouts, and access to equipment and personnel.
Caspian Region Challenges1
Authors: Tennant Kit
Published: January 2013

The Caspian Region is to all intents and purposes the birth place of the oil industry. Following the break up of the USSR and the ensuing conflicts much of the production facilities and infrastructure were not afforded a comprehensive maintenance and monitoring programme. With the independence of the oil producing states, the impetus of oil exploration and production has again gathered pace with many alliances being established between oil companies and between the oil industry and governments. The increase in production due to new fields and the improved production of existing fields has dictated that the methods of bulk crude oil transportation have had to be improved or put in place. Much of the focus on the oil transportation infrastructure has been on the renewal and repair of existing pipeline systems and proposals for new pipeline routes. Writing or updating existing contingency plans for pipeline routes as well as the coastline surrounding the Caspian Sea is also an area of great importance when considering the pristine nature of the aquatic environment. Further development in the Caspian Region is bringing together more oil industry players and governments. The contingency planning for such developments is in the fore of everyone's mind.
Rewriting The Regional Contingency Plan: Meeting The Needs of The Response Community
Authors: Ott Gary L.
Published: January 2013

The Regional Response Team (RRT) is tasked to develop and document regional goals and policies in one Regional Contingency Plan (RCP) in the format of the National Contingency Plan (NCP.) This poster presentation illustrates a four-part RCP. These four categories are based on the types of needs of the response community: strategic planning, administrative procedures, response policies, and RRT support to the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC).