bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jenis dan habitat “lalat mata bertangkai” (Diptera: Diopsidae) di bogor
Authors: Sopian Sopian , Hidayat Purnama
Published: December 2017

Stalk eye flies (Diptera: Diopsidae) is an insect family which has unique eye morphology. Their eyes are in the distal end of a long stalk. The information of species and their habitats is still very limited in Indonesia. Therefore, the objectives of this research were studying species diversity, habitat, and distribution areas of stalk eye flies in soroundings in Bogor. The sample sites are classified into three areas; lowland, middle, and upland. The flies ware taken with two methods: net sweeping and direct capture, then parts of the body were measured. The observation of stalk eye flies activity and behavior was done in the morning, midday, and afternoon. The result of observation indicated that stalk eye flies were found almost in all areas, from lowland to upland. On 15 survey locations, stalk eye flies were found in 10 locations with the same habitat. The species are Cyrtodiopsis dalmanni and Teleopsis sp.. C. dalmanni was found in 5 locations, and Teleopsis sp. in 9 locations. The observation result of stalk eye flies activity and behavior indicated that the number of stalk eye flies which captured in three period of time were not obviously different. Result from measuring stalk eye flies bodyparts indicated that the average size of male and female flies was not obviously different, except the male stalk is longer than female. In addition, C. dalmanni stalks are longer than Teleopsis sp. stalks.
Patogenisitas Beberapa Isolat Cendawan Entomopatogen Metarhizium spp. terhadap Telur Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Trizelia Trizelia , Syahrawati My , Mardiah Aina
Published: December 2017

Metarhizium spp. merupakan salah satu jenis cendawan entomo-patogen yang dapat digunakan untuk mengendalikan hama Spodoptera litura. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mempelajari patogenisitas isolat Metarhizium spp. terhadap telur Spodoptera litura. Isolat Metarhizi-um spp. dikoleksi dari rizosfer tanaman kubis, bawang merah, bawang daun dan cabai. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua isolat yang diuji bersifat patogen terhadap telur S. litura. Mortalitas telur S. litura berkisar antara19,79%-75,70%, tergantung pada isolat. Larva instar I mati setelah 3 hari keluar dari telur dengan mortalitas tertinggi sekitar 58,65%. Isolat Mt-Kb merupakan isolat yang paling virulen dengan mortalitas telur dan larva instar I tertinggi dibandingkan dengan isolat lain.
À rebours des systèmes: esthétiques du chaos-monde et de la chaosmose chez Édouard Glissant et Félix Guattari
Authors: Azérad Hugues
Published: December 2017

This article aims to unravel the anti-systematic components of Glissantian thought, which revolves around the notion of chaos-monde. It draws on a wide selection of Glissant's writings, including his lesser-known work of ethno-poetics and eco-poetics, 'Le risque total est de
l'enfermement et de la fixité', published in Esthétiques du pire (2011). After staking out the key elements of the chaos-monde, the article will turn to Félix Guattari, whose seminal work Chaosmosis will be shown to be a crucial missing link that helps
place Glissant's aesthetics of chaos in its political and historical context. In keeping with the Glissantian poetics of Relation, the two thinkers will be brought into dialogue, eliciting a politics of friendship that will shed new light on their respective takes on beauty and aesthetics.
Cet article retrace les composantes anti-systématiques de la pensée glissantienne, qui prend son inspiration dans ce que Glissant appelle le chaos-monde. Pour ce faire, nous puiserons dans la diversité de ses écrits, mais surtout dans le texte d'éco-esthétique
et d'ethno-poétique 'Le risque total est de l'enfermement et de la fixité' dans Esthétiques du pire (2011). Une fois posés les jalons du chaos-monde glissantien, nous ferons intervenir la figure de Félix Guattari et sa théorisation révélée
dans Chaosmose, qui apparait comme essentielle pour replacer cette notion de chaos dans son contexte poético-historique. Ce sont non seulement ces deux univers théoriques et esthétiques qui seront mis en relation dans cet article, mais aussi une certaine politique
de l'amitié, dont le modèle pourrait ouvrir une nouvelle approche de chacun de ces penseurs fondamentaux.
Time-dependent methods to evaluate the effects of urban sprawl on groundwater quality: a synthesis
Authors: Stevenazzi Stefania
Published: December 2017

Freshwater resources are threatened worldwide with unknown and unpredictable fate, due to non-stationarity and change of water cycle dynamics, and increasing demand resulting from population growth and economic expansion. Thus, practical actions, strategies and solutions are necessary to ensure the short-term and long-term provision of adequate, affordable, accessible and safe freshwater supply to meet the needs of the growing human population and ecosystems. Since the mid-1950s, Europe is experiencing the phenomenon of urban sprawl, characterized by an unplanned incremental urban development, no more tied with population growth (EEA 2006). Impacts of urban sprawl threaten both the natural and rural environments and the quality of life for people living in cities, with worsening of air quality, and surface- and groundwater quality and quantity. For the protection of groundwater, the European Union issued a series of Directives (Water Framework Directive, 2000/60/EC; Groundwater Directive, 2006/118/EC) that require member states to achieve a good chemical status of their groundwater bodies and the identification of areas where groundwater suffers increasing trends in contaminant concentrations. In order to cope with EU Directives, a time-dependent approach for groundwater vulnerability assessment is developed to account for both the recent status of groundwater contamination and its evolution in the Po Plain area of Lombardy Region (northern Italy). Such approach takes the advantages of a Bayesian spatial statistical method to assess groundwater vulnerability and satellite scatterometer data to delineate urban areas and monitor their evolution. The proposed approach can determine potential impacts of contamination events on groundwater quality, if policies are maintained at the status quo or if new measures are implemented for safeguarding groundwater resources.
The behavioral effects of antibiotic treatment on the snailBiomphalaria glabrata
Authors: Allan Euan R.O. , Blouin Michael S.
Published: December 2017

Schistosomiasis is a detrimental neglected tropical disease that is transmitted by Planorbid snails. Understanding the transmission and control of this disease requires an extensive understanding of these intermediate hosts, which is only achieved by the effective rearing and study of species such asBiomphalaria glabrata. This species is the intermediate host forSchistosoma mansoniin the New World, and is also the main model for studying schistosomes in mollusks. Antibiotics are used routinely inB. glabratatissue culture, and occasionally on live snails. Here we show that standard doses of three common antibiotics (penicillin, streptomycin and gentamicin) drastically diminish the activity of healthyB. glabrata, but that treated snails recover rapidly when placed in fresh water. Ampicillin treated snails did not show altered activity. We suggest that researchers keep these apparent toxicities in mind if a need for antibiotic treatment of live Planorbid snails arises.
Improving preparedness for marine mammal oil spill response and assessment in the United States
Authors: Wilkin Sarah M. , Ziccardi Michael , Sullivan Laurie , Schwacke Lori , Chivers Susan , Brosnan Tom , Stratton Elizabeth , Wright Sadie , Rowles Teresa
Published: December 2017

Several recent oil spills in the United States have had the potential to impact large numbers and multiple populations of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), namely the Macondo-252/Deepwater Horizon oil spill from April 2010, the Texas City Y event in March 2014, and the Refugio Beach oil spill in May 2015. In each of these spills, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and partners have engaged in significant activities during and following the spills, to both respond effectively to minimize impacts and assess the effects of oil spills on marine mammals. Experience gained during these spills has led to improved preparedness for future events with potential involvement of marine mammals. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has developed the “National Pinniped and Cetacean Oil Spill Response Guidelines,” which are available online. These guidelines provide a broad national overview of response activities, a proposed organizational structure, and considerations to identify, recover, treat, and sample oiled and potentially oiled marine mammals. Further development of a response framework includes regional preparedness plans for marine mammals, based on the national guidelines but with regionally appropriate modifications to reflect local considerations, including species likely to be impacted, geographic concerns, and understanding of local cultural practices. Efforts are underway to improve training opportunities through a national exercise plan and to track trained and qualified individuals for potential deployment. For assessment, NMFS and NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) have partnered to develop the “National Marine Mammal Oil Spill Assessment Guidelines” to facilitate early, efficient, and effective assessment of impacts from oil spills on marine mammals as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process. This paper will outline the current status of these products and their role in marine mammal assessment and response in the U.S., raise awareness of marine mammals within oil spills, and identify potential resources for marine mammal response and assessment in other countries.
CFD simulation of the behavior of droplet rising in water column with the effect of surfactant
Authors: Gao F. , Zhao L. , Boufadel M. C. , King T. , Robinson B. , Lee K.
Published: December 2017

Surfactant decreases the oil-water interfacial tension and thus oil droplets breakup into smaller ones and are dispersed into the water column. This paper presents the analysis of surfactant (premixed with oil droplet and bulk separately) on the oil droplet behavior in the water column. We implemented additional equations to account for the oil-water interfacial tension due to the presence of surfactant and those equations were incorporated into FLUENT by using UDF (User Defined Function). The streamlines around the oil droplet show major recirculation both inside and outside the oil droplet. It is noticed that the surfactant concentration is higher at the bottom and edges of oil droplet due to the shear effect. The presence of surfactant affects the deformation process of oil droplets of different diameters: Oil droplet with larger diameter (e.g., 4 mm in diameter) deforms into flat shape and breaks up. Tip-streaming is noticed and the droplet continue to rise up in jelly-fish like shape. However, much smaller droplets (e.g., 20 μm in diameter) only deform into oval shape and do not continue to breakup under the condition of same initial surfactant concentration. The presence of surfactant also deceases the rising speed of oil droplet compared to the terminal velocity of clean oil droplet. The results may be valuable to help us to apply surfactant to oil spill in a more efficient way.
Physical and Chemical Characterization of In-Situ Burn Residue Encountered by a Deep-Water Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Shigenaka Gary , Meyer Buffy , Overton Edward , Miles M. Scott
Published: December 2017

2017-185 ABSTRACT

The response technique of in-situ burning was used to great effect during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. An estimated 220,000-310,000 bbl of surface oil was consumed by operational in-situ burn activities. Post-burn residues were not recovered, as most were denser than seawater and sank after the burns. However, late in 2010, a relatively small deep-water shrimp fishery operating on the shelf north of the Macondo wellhead encountered tarballs on or near the bottom at around 200 m. We physically and chemically characterized samples of these submerged tarballs to confirm them as originating from Deepwater Horizon burns and to understand the features that distinguish them from other residual oil types encountered during the course of the spill response. The chance intersection between a commercial fishery and residues from the in-situ burn operations suggest that the fate of in-situ burn residue should be factored into future spill response tradeoff analyses.
PREDICTION OF OIL DROPLET MOVEMENT AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION: LAGRANGIAN METHOD AND VDROP-J MODEL
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhao Lin , Shaffer Frank , Golshan Roozbeh , Boufadel Michel , King Thomas , Robinson Brian , Lee Kenneth
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT (2017-306):

During subsurface oil releases, oil disperses into droplets whose trajectories depend on the droplet size. We report the measurements of the droplet size distribution (DSD) obtained from the release of diesel at 135 GPM from a horizontal pipe in the Ohmsett tank. The DSD was predicted using the model VDROP-J and matched the observation. Subsequently, the movement of the droplets was tracked using a Lagrangian Particle Tracking (LPT) approach. Various forces affecting the migration of the droplets were considered, these include drag, buoyancy, lift, and added mass force. It was found that the lift force is negligible. The added mass force was negligible for droplets smaller than 500 μm.

Visual observation and modeling indicated that large droplets (larger than 300 μm) tend to separate from the plume and migrate upward independently, which affects, not only the DSD of large droplets but also the resulting daughter droplets. This is an issue that has not been addressed in the literature. Our findings indicate that the DSD is needed to better predict the trajectory of oil blowouts.
Oil plume simulations: Tracking oil droplet size distribution and fluorescence within high-pressure release jets
Authors: Conmy R.N. , Robinson B. , King T. , Boufadel M. , Ryan S. , McIntyre C. , Abercrombie M. I. , Lee K.
Published: December 2017

Optical measurements have been used during oil spill response for more than three decades to determine oil presence in slicks and plumes. Oil surveillance approaches range from simple (human eyeball) to the sophisticated (sensors on AUVs, aircraft, satellites). In situ fluorometers and particle size analyzers were deployed during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Gulf of Mexico oil spill to track shallow and deep subsea plumes. Uncertainties regarding instrument specifications and capabilities during DWH necessitated performance testing of sensors exposed to simulated, dispersed oil plumes. Seventy-two wave tank experiments were conducted at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. Simulated were oil releases with varying parameters such as oil release rate, oil temperature (reservoir temp ~ 80 °C), water temperature (<8 °C and >15 °C), oil type, dispersant type (Corexit 9500 and Finasol OSR52) and dispersant to oil ratio (DOR). Plumes of Alaskan North Slope Crude (ANS), South Louisiana Crude (SLC) and IFO-120 oils were tracked using in situ fluorescence, droplet size distribution (DSD), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and benzene-toluene-ethylbenzene-xylene (BTEX). For the lighter SLC, bimodal droplet size with mean diameter < 70 μm was achieved for 1:20 and 1:100 DOR, regardless of water temperature. Similarly, the medium ANS crude exhibited mean droplet diameter <70 μm, but was bimodal only for the 1:20 treatment. Bimodal distribution was not achieved with the heavy IFO, but droplet < 70 μm were observed for 1:20 warm waters, indicating poor dispersibility of the high viscosity oil even for jet releases. Results offer valuable information on the behavior and dispersibility of oils over a range of viscosity, DOR and environmental conditions. Findings have implications for fate and transport models, where DSD, chemistry and fluorescence are all impacted by release variables. This research was supported by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
METACOGNITIVE DECISION MAKING IN OIL SPILL RESPONSE-BEHAVIORAL BIAS IN RELATION TO PERCEIVED RISK
Authors: Kimrey LT Christopher M.
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-205

Catastrophic events like Deepwater Horizon, Exxon Valdez, major hurricanes, and other such anomalies have a tendency to overwhelm the initial crisis management leadership due to the chaotic nature of the event. The inability to quickly and accurately make critical assessments about the magnitude and complexity of the emerging catastrophe can spell disaster for crisis managers long before the response ever truly takes shape.

This paper argues for the application of metacognitive models for sense and decision-making. Rather than providing tools and checklists as a recipe for success, this paper endeavors to provide awareness of the cognitive processes and heuristics that tend to emerge in crises including major oil spills, making emergency managers aware of their existence and potential impacts. Awareness, we argue, leads to recognition and self-awareness of key behavioral patterns and biases. The skill of metacognition—thinking about thinking—is what we endeavor to build through this work.

Using a literature review and cogent application to oil spill response, this paper reviews contemporary theories on metacognition and sense-making, as well as concepts of behavioral bias and risk perception in catastrophic environments.

When catastrophe occurs—and history has proven they will—the incident itself and the external pressures of its perceived management arguably emerge simultaneously, but not necessarily in tandem with one another. Previous spills have demonstrated how a mismanaged incident can result in an unwieldy and caustic confluence of external forces. This paper provides an awareness of biases that lead to mismanagement and apply for the first time a summary of concepts of sense-making and metacognition to major oil spill response.

The views and ideas expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard or Department of Homeland Security.
AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR NEAR-REAL TIME PREDICTION OF OIL SPILLS FROM EU SATELLITE-BASED DETECTION SERVICE
Authors: Fernandes Rodrigo , Campuzano Francisco , Brito David , Juliano Manuela , Braunschweig Frank , Neves Ramiro
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-244:

The state-of-the-art in both operational oceanography, remote sensing, and computational capacity, enables now the possibility of developing near-real time, holistic automated services capable of dramatically improving maritime situational awareness to responding to oil spill emergencies.

Based on the European satellite-based oil spill and vessel detection service – CleanSeaNet (EMSA – European Maritime Safety Agency), which distributes oil pollution detection standardized notification packages in less than 30 minutes, a new automated early warning system (EWS) for near-real time modelling and prediction of the detected oil spills was developed. This EWS provides 48-hour oil spill forecasts + 24-hour backward simulations, delivering results 5–10 minutes after the reception of the oil spill detection notifications. These forecasts are then distributed in multiple formats and platforms (e.g. Google Earth, e-mail).

The oil spill fate and behaviour model used in this EWS is part of MOHID modelling system, and is coupled offline with metocean forecast solutions, taking advantage of autonomous models previously run in multiple institutions. The system is currently able to integrate various metocean forecasting systems, being agnostic about the data sources and applied locations, as long as their outputs comply with commonly adopted formats, including CF compliant files or CMEMS (Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service).

The EWS is currently operational in western Iberia, supporting Portuguese Maritime Authority, and is being expanded to neighbourhood regions (from Spain and Morocco) with high resolution metocean models (MARPOCS project funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection). Taking advantage of the coupling of MOHID oil spill model and CleanSeaNet, an oil spill hazard assessment is made in the Portuguese continental coast, based on the cumulative analysis of drift model simulations from previously detected spills using metocean model data, for a period between 2011–2016.

Although this EWS doesn’t replace on-demand operational oil spill forecasting systems, it supports maritime authorities with a fast first-guess forecast solution, allowing:Anticipation of tactical response (including visual inspection of the spill) and mitigation of the pollution episode;A more effective identification of the pollution source, and in case of suspected illegal spill, earlier actions towards effective prosecution of the polluter;In the other hand, the hazard assessment generated is a valuable instrument for the development of efficient planning and prevention strategies.

The EWS can be connected to any satellite-based detection service (inside or outside Europe) as long as the detected oil slicks are automatically distributed in a structured and standardized data format similar to CleanSeaNet.
Investigations of skeletal layer microstructure in the context of remote sensing of oil in sea ice
Authors: Courville Zoe R. , Lieb-Lappen Ross , Claffey Keran , Elder Bruce
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT (2017-159)

The Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology – Joint Industry Program (JIP) funded a controlled basin experiment in November 2014 to assess the relative capabilities of a variety of oil in ice remote sensing techniques. An 80-cm sheet of level salt-water ice was grown in the Test Basin facility at the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire. The basin ice was representative of natural level sea ice grown under quiescent conditions. This created a controlled baseline environment to compare different sensors with a manageable number of variables. The sensor testing spanned a two-month ice growth phase and a one-month decay/melt period. The detailed physical and electrical properties of the lab-grown ice sheet were monitored over the course of the experiment.

Analysis of preliminary sensor data revealed that the skeletal layer--the soft, porous band of new ice crystals at the growing ice water interface--plays a significant role in the process of incorporation of oil into the ice sheet, with oil infiltration occurring between the small lamellae structures. In addition, the underwater sensors, particularly acoustic sensors, appeared to be very sensitive to skeletal layer properties, especially the surface roughness of the ice/water interface and the density of the skeletal layer.

Preliminary X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) data collected as part of the experiment demonstrated a qualitative scale dependence of sensor response to the skeletal layer microstructure. We used a cold-hardened Bruker SkyScan 1173 micro-CT scanner, housed in a −10 °C cold room, to generate full 3-dimensional x-ray images of the sea ice samples. We have demonstrated that the system is capable of distinguishing areas of void space, brine, ice, and oil at 40 micron resolution. The micro-CT scans were used to characterize the skeletal layer of the ice, including measuring density, thickness, orientation and spacing of the lamellae at 39 – 71 micron voxel resolution.

Characterizing the ice structure with high resolution micro-CT imaging may resolve some of the ambiguity in the sensor measurements and lead to improved accuracy of the numerical models that predict sensor performance in different oil and ice scenarios.
Response considerations when marine spills affect coastal agriculture
Authors: Cariglia Nicky , Laruelle Franck
Published: December 2017

Agriculture can also be an integral economic activity to many coastal communities, but the vulnerability, and sensitivity, of this sector to marine oil spills is not well documented or understood. In ITOPF’s experience, oil spills affecting agriculture are less common than those that impact fisheries and mariculture. As a result, knowledge and capability to effectively respond to cases when agriculture is a key vulnerability, are frequently lacking. Many agricultural activities are wholly land-based and not dependent on the interaction between the land-sea interface. As such, they are buffered and unlikely to be directly impacted by oil spills. However, in many countries around the world, tidal agriculture is an important contributor to the economy, closely dependent on the intertidal zone at the land-sea interface, and these industries can be highly vulnerable to oil spills. Specific activities that have been considered as tidal agriculture for the purpose of this paper include; salt production, rice cultivation and the rearing of high value/speciality livestock (e.g. salt marsh lamb).

In almost fifty years since ITOPF’s establishment, a number of cases attended on site have involved tidal agriculture as a key vulnerability that has influenced the nature and direction of a response. A review of these cases has shown some recurring themes in the main considerations and challenges associated with clean-up and impact mitigation. Using case studies of oil spills ITOPF has attended in Asia, Europe and South America, this paper will discuss these key considerations in turn, and describe, through the case studies, how they were resolved or addressed. This paper will also summarise the findings to provide general guidance for responding to oil spills where tidal agriculture is an important industry.
In Situ Burning and Ecological Recovery in an Oil-Impacted Phragmites australis Tidal Freshwater Marsh at Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
Authors: Zengel Scott , Weaver Jennifer , Nixon Zachary , Wilder Susan L. , Dauzat Jeff , Sanfilippo Chris , Miles Scott , Jellison Kyle , Doelling Paige , Davis Adam , Wall Steven
Published: December 2017

In situ burning of oiled marshes is a response method that can be more effective and less damaging to the marsh environment than more intrusive manual and mechanical methods, given appropriate conditions for burning. In situ burning has been examined for a variety of oiled marsh types and vegetation species; however, little to no published data are available for in situ burning of oiled Phragmites australis marshes (common reed, Roseau cane). In late May 2014, a pipeline spill occurred in Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana, releasing an estimated 4,200 gallons of South Louisiana crude oil into a semi-permanently flooded Phragmites tidal freshwater marsh located on the Mississippi River Delta. Due to the remote location, degree of oiling, and difficulty of oil removal within the dense vegetation, an in situ burn was conducted in early June 2014 while the marsh was flooded. In order to examine the effectiveness and environmental effects of in situ burning for this marsh type, and ecological recovery over time, we monitored oiling conditions and ecological metrics for more than two years, comparing sites from three oiling/treatment classes: (a) reference (not oiled or burned), (b) oiled-and-not-burned, and (c) oiled-and-burned. The burn was effective in rapidly removing much of the gross oiling from the marsh, and also reduced residual oiling on the marsh vegetation. Oil concentrations in marsh soils were initially elevated in the oiled-and-burned sites, but were similar to reference conditions and below background levels after three months. Initial oiling and burning drastically affected the marsh vegetation and a common marsh invertebrate; however, overall ecological recovery was relatively rapid and habitat quality in terms of native plant species composition and wildlife value was enhanced by burning at a local scale, at least for several years. Based on these findings, in situ burning appears to be a viable response option to consider during future spills in marshes with similar plant species composition, environmental setting, and oiling conditions.
Data Management, Sharing, and Dissemination at Drills and Spills
Authors: Muskat Judd , Gustafson L “Guphy”
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT # 2017-234

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) has drafted a “Data Management and Sharing Plan” document for use in drills and oil spill response in California. Implementation of this plan will help to avoid compartmentalized isolation of information within the ICS units and sections, will facilitate data dissemination throughout the broader response community, and provide continuance throughout staff changes over a prolonged response. The OSPR document is a modified version of a document first created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R)1. In May of 2015 the OR&R document was adapted by OSPR and OR&R for use at the Refugio Pipeline Spill in Santa Barbara, California. This was the first use of such a document at an oil spill response in California. That document version has been subsequently revised by OSPR. The OSPR document retains all of the components of the original OR&R version but has been re-formatted in order to replace technological jargon with plain English to accommodate Incident Commanders and others less familiar with Geographic Information System (GIS) specific technical terms. The document addresses the use of a GIS based Common Operational Picture (COP), specific essential elements of information to be collected, data management, data sharing, requirements for field reporting, data quality control, data file formats, and data archiving. The current OSPR document is designed as a template for regular use by California’s State on Scene Coordinator (SOSC), and can be easily filled out and modified to the specific needs of any oil spill response incident.
Remotely-Sensed Oil and Shoreline Interaction Modeling
Authors: Nixon Zachary , Michel Jacqueline , Zengel Scott
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT No. 2017-233

The broad adoption of remotely sensed data and derivative products from satellite and aerial platforms available to describe the distribution of spilled oil on the water surface was an important factor during Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill both for tactical response and damage assessment. The availability and utility of these data in describing on-water oil distribution provide strong temptation to make estimates about on-shoreline oil distribution. The mechanisms by which floating oil interact with the shoreline, however, are extremely complex, heterogeneous at fine spatial scales, and generally not well described or quantified beyond broad conceptual or spill-specific empirical models. In short, oil on water does not necessarily lead to oil on adjacent shorelines. We combine data derived from NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) using a variety of satellite platforms of opportunity describing the remotely-sensed, daily composite anomaly polygons representing oil on water over multiple months with ground observations made in the field, collocated in time and space extracted from a newly compiled database of ground survey data (SCAT, NRDA and others) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Because this new compiled dataset is very large (100,000s of observations) and spans a wide range of habitats, geography, and time, it is particularly suitable for inference and predictive modeling. We use these combined datasets to make inference about the relative influence on shoreline oiling probability and loading of distance from on-water oil observation via multiple distance metrics, shoreline morphology, water levels and ranges, wind direction and speed, wave energy, shoreline aspect and geometry. We also construct predictive models using machine-learning modeling methods to make predictions about shoreline oiling probability given observed distributions of on-water oil. The importance of this work is three part: firstly, the relationships between these parameters can assist hind-cast modeling of shoreline oiling probability for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Secondly, these data and models can permit similar modeling for future spills. Lastly, we propose that this dataset serve as a nucleus that can be expanded using data from subsequent or future spills to allow iteratively improvements in shoreline oil probability modeling using remotely sensed data, as well as an improved understanding of oil-shoreline interactions more generally.
Improved SCAT data workflow to increase efficiency and data accuracy
Authors: Graham Andrew , Gmur Stephan , Scott Travis
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT #2017-302

Traditional Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) data workflows typically entail collecting data in the field using notebooks, handheld GPS units and digital cameras, transcribing these data onto paper forms, and then manually entering into a local database. Processed data are pushed to a SCAT geographical information system (GIS) specialist, ultimately providing exports as paper and electronic versions of maps, spreadsheets and reports. The multiple and sometimes iterative steps required can affect the dissemination of accurate and timely information to decision makers and compound the potential for introducing errors into the data. To improve this process a revised SCAT data workflow has been developed that decreases data processing steps and time requirements while increasing data accuracy in several facets of the process. The workflow involves using mobile data collection devices in the field to capture attribute data, photographs and geospatial data. These data are uploaded to a web-enabled database that allows field team members to complete, review and adjust their data, along with data manager approval before presentation to others in the response. For response personnel with internet access and proper login credentials, SCAT data, including photographs, reports and results can be searched for by attribute, time or location, and reviewed online in form view or on a web map. For traditional SCAT spatial analysis products, approved data can be exported and processed in a GIS as normal, but can also be returned to the web-enabled database to be viewed on a map or distributed via web mapping services (WMS) to other web GIS data viewers or common operating pictures (COPs). Field testing of the improved workflow shows decreased data processing time for data, a more robust yet streamlined quality assurance and quality control process (QA/QC), and easier more inclusive access to the data relative to traditional paper forms and data processing. While the improved workflow entails a steeper learning curve and a heavier reliance on technology than traditional SCAT workflows, the benefits are significant.
Improving Oil Spill Response capability during times of downsizing and budget cuts: A glance at the Norwegian way
Authors: Jensen Ståle
Published: December 2017

How can we continuously develop and improve large scale emergency preparedness, such as oil spill response, in times of low oil prices, budget cuts and downsizing?

NOFO (Norwegian Clean Seas Association For Operating Companies) has found its path, through modernization and cooperation.

When there are spills of crude oil from the petroleum industry at the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) NOFO will perform the oil spill response (OSR) on behalf of the owner of the spill, in practical terms becoming the company’s OSR branch during the incident.

NOFO was founded in 1978, as a response to the large blowout at the Bravo field the previous year. Focus on offshore OSR technology and combat strategies has been the main motivation during our almost 40 year’s existence. The last decade has included a significant improvement in our competence and training on near-shore and beach OSR, simultaneously maintaining the unique offshore segment.

As part of improving NOFO capacity within large scale, and / or long duration spill situations (e.g. Macondo), NOFO have embraced and implemented ICS (Incident Command System), thus improving our capabilities and capacities through the whole range from offshore to shoreline OSR. Through 2015 and 2016 ICS training and ICS adaptions of previous organizational systems has been prioritized, and new ones have been developed. NOFO personnel have participated in numerous training sessions and exercises with our member companies (operators on the Norwegian continental shelf) nationally and internationally.

Through strategic choices of planning and collaboration both internally in NOFO and between NOFO and the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA), Global Response Network (GRN), other oil spill Response Organizations (OSROs) and cooperating partners, the number of exercises has increased, the value and output of exercises is improved, and thus the capacity and capability of NOFOs whole range OSR in improved.

At the same time, on behalf of our members, NOFO have consumed less money year after year. NOFO is developing and improving our proven OSR capacity and competence, from offshore to shoreline, through increased efficiency, high focus on exercise training, and cooperation with other OSR agencies.
Effective Planning for Dispersant Operations – Making Decisions, Analyzing Options and Establishing Capability
Authors: Coolbaugh Thomas , Nicoll Andy , Montgomery Aaron , Varghese Geeva , Heathcote Lucy
Published: December 2017

Within the oil spill response community, dispersant use is considered to be a key tool for the treatment and mitigation of oil spills. As a response technique, the benefits of dispersant application have been long proven, particularly in the case of large offshore spills such as those associated with the Sea Empress (UK, 1996), Montara (Australia, 2009) and Macondo (USA, 2010) incidents. Compared to other spill response techniques, dispersant application has less operational constraints associated with adverse weather conditions and can be rapidly applied from an aerial platform for larger spills far offshore. These reasons render dispersant application a critical tool in the toolbox for many offshore operators.

Developing a successful dispersant application strategy requires comprehensive planning. For an offshore operator with a subsea well blowout risk, a number of elements should be carefully considered to ensure the successful execution of the dispersant application strategy. The decision making process should include a detailed evaluation of the oil type, release scenario and location, and the consideration of these parameters against the larger environmental and socio-economic needs of the stakeholder community. Once dispersant application is established to be a viable response option using a process such as Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA), the operator also needs to ensure that it is adequately resourced in terms of application platforms (vessel vs aircraft), monitoring techniques and supporting logistics. Well planned and detailed operational strategies are critical for successful subsea and surface dispersant operations, especially in the unlikely event of a large offshore spill.

This paper summarizes the various operational considerations an offshore operator needs to assess during the preparedness stage for developing a viable dispersant application strategy. Drawing on the authors’ experiences in developing and implementing various preparedness projects globally, the different aspects of the dispersant planning process, including oil spill modelling to support decision making, ascertaining dispersant effectiveness for the oil type, selecting appropriate application techniques, establishing necessary logistical support and the setting up of an incident management team to support dispersant operations, will be discussed in detail. The goal of the paper is to build upon prior dispersant strategy discussions and provide an operationally focused blueprint for planning and implementing an effective dispersant application strategy in support of offshore operations.
Comparative threat from LNG and fuel oil maritime accidents
Authors: Lehr William J. , Simecek-Beatty Debra
Published: December 2017

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates a 3–4% increase in U.S. production levels of natural gas in 2017 from 2016 production rates, themselves increased from 2015. While much of this increase will be used domestically or sent by pipeline to Mexico, some will need to be shipped as a cryogenic liquid to distant ports on specially designed ships. Spill responders are familiar with the hazards faced from unplanned fuel oil releases but have less experience with the threat of a large maritime liquefied natural gas (LNG) accident. Fortunately, considerable new research has been done assessing such threats.

Based upon such research, it is now possible to compare expected hazards from fuel oil and LNG tanker accidents. The paper compares behavior of both fluids in no-fire and fire-involved scenarios. LNG shows significantly different behavior than traditional oil products in either situation. In the no-fire case, LNG presents less of a direct environmental chemical hazard than fuel oil since methane, its main hydrocarbon constituent, is relatively benign compared to many of the hydrocarbons in typical fuel oils. However, it offers new safety threats to crew and vessel due to (1) its cryogenic behavior and (2) over-pressure caused by rapid phase transition of liquid to gas.

The fire/explosion hazards between the two fluids are also quite different. While fuel oil fires have larger footprints and can generate a large airborne particulate hazard, LNG burns relatively cleanly with little soot. However, heat radiation from LNG is much larger, increasing the risk of secondary fires and increased damage to the vessel itself. Moreover, confined natural gas or LNG undergoing rapid phase transition can lead to an internal detonation overpressure in the vessel, also expanding the damage. Experts are divided on a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) risk from LNG maritime operations.
CBR-Spill RISK: Model to Calculate Crude-by-Rail Probabilities and Spill Volumes
Authors: Etkin Dagmar Schmidt , Horn Matthew , Wolford Andrew
Published: December 2017

Abstract ID: 2017-142 – Evaluating risks from crude-by-rail (CBR) traffic for Environmental Impact Statements or contingency planning purposes requires quantification of both the probabilities and potential impacts from spill events. Despite publicity surrounding CBR accidents of the last few years, there are actually relatively few incidents to analyze for projecting spill probabilities and volumes. This paper presents a method (CBR-SpillRISK) to calculate spill probability and volumes for CBR risk evaluation using historical freight rail accident and tank car release data with adjustments specifically for CBR factors is presented. These factors include: CBR unit trains are operated differently from other freight trains with respect to maximum speed; CBR unit trains act differently with respect to lateral stability; operators plan to make capital improvements on rail lines; and a number of safety improvements for CBR have been, or will be, implemented due to federal and state regulations.
Recovery of a Toxic Cargo from a Sunken Tank Barge: Lessons Learned and Policy Implications
Authors: Elliott Jim
Published: December 2017

In December 2015, operations were successfully completed in the recovery of a highly toxic cargo from the sunken tank barge ARGO in Lake Erie. The ARGO, constructed in 1911, sank in 1937 with a cargo of benzol that contained a high percentage of the carcinogen benzene. The ARGO was previously listed as the highest environmental risk in the Great Lakes by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Remediation of Underwater Legacy Environmental Threats (RULET) study. To recover the cargo, salvors designed a diver directed hot-tapping and pumping system to pump the remaining high benzene cargo from the sunken barge at a depth of approximately 50-feet below the lake’s surface. The cargo off-load system included pumping the cargo to a series of storage tanks onboard a barge equipped with designed-for-purpose inert gas and vapor recovery systems to ensure the safety of the public and responders. Working in a Unified Command that included the Coast Guard, U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the salvage crew achieved all operational objectives – from safely conducting around-the-clock cold-water contaminated water diving operations to collecting environmental and barge hull samples for further analysis. The ARGO case study will provide lessons learned to assist future responders in safely performing subsea oil removal operations. Additionally, the case study will frame the discussion of current submerged oil recovery regulations and guidance, including the 2016 American Petroleum Institute (API) sunken oil detection and recovery guidance and the U.S. Coast Guard’s guidance on the classification of Oil Spill Removal Organizations (OSRO) that perform non-floating oil detection and recovery operations.
POST-RELEASE MONITORING OF OILED BROWN PELICANS FROM THE 2015 REFUGIO OIL SPILL
Authors: Fiorello Christine , Jodice Patrick , Lamb Juliet , Satge Yvan , Mills-Parker Kyra , Jaques Deborah , Henkel Laird , Golightly Richard , Ziccardi Michael
Published: December 2017

A great deal of effort and resources is expended on the cleaning and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife, but the ultimate fate of these animals is often unknown. Post-release monitoring is essential for improving methodology and directing resources to those animals most likely to survive after release. The Refugio oil spill occurred in May 2015, spilling approximately 100,000 gallons of oil on the California coast near Santa Barbara. Brown pelicans were the most common avian species affected. We instrumented 12 oiled pelicans with solar-powered satellite GPS tags at the time of their release following cleaning and rehabilitation. An additional 8 control (unoiled) pelicans from a nearby area were similarly instrumented and released immediately. All birds survived for at least 12 weeks. In the first 6 months after release, distance traveled and movements were similar between rehabilitated and control pelicans. Several individuals traveled >5000 km, migrating to northern California or central Oregon in the late summer and early fall. In the spring, most birds traveled south, some as far as southern Baja California. Mortality was documented among both rehabilitated and control birds; however, the majority of birds that stopped transmitting were never found. Lack of transmission could represent mortality, tag or battery failure, or tag loss. After at least 40 weeks of tracking, 5 birds (3 rehabilitated and 2 control) were still transmitting. Based on presence in breeding colonies, none of the birds appeared to breed. These results demonstrate that brown pelicans can survive and travel long distances following oiling and rehabilitation.