bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response V = Response Victory
Authors: Ferguson Scott
Published: August 2014

The success of pollution response hinges on public perception. If the community and stakeholders perceive a response as successful, it is deemed successful. The challenge for spill responders, then, is managing perception, ideally through a robust campaign to convey the response “story” in a way that gives the public a clear view of the response work. The “Response V” is a concept that provides the structure upon which such a campaign can be built. Starting with standard ICS framework, it is comprised of two essential elements for success – operational excellence on one side of the “V” and outstanding perception management on the other. Responders do well on the Operational side, with years of experience using proven methods, combined with systems that seek better ways to perform. The other side of “V” has not yet been fully developed during spill response. The need for information has changed within recent years, as have distribution channels, to a breadth and pace that often far exceeds current response organizations' ability to meet demands. Federal On-Scene Coordinators, as well as their Unified Command (UC) partners, face stronger pressures to grasp a situation within minutes and report it up their chain of command, taking time away from their focus on response. Complimentary is the pressure to gather accurate incident information and convey it to the public. If response managers do not start communicating immediately, others will, and likely with inaccurate and lasting misperceptions. During an incident, the responsibility for perception management lies primarily with the Joint Information Center (JIC). Part of the “Response V” concept promotes a number of elements to expand the current JIC model, including: clear, established relationships with Liaison Officer staff; creation of a Public Volunteer Officer to liaise with the Volunteer Unit; creation of a Public Opinions Officer to ensure external perspectives are monitored and conveyed to the UC. Other elements of the “Response V” JIC expansion include:Phone banks with trained staff to quickly answer questions with accurate information.Teams of trained people continually communicating through social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) with accurate, credible information.Field teams to videotape and narrate response activities, streaming them to a UC-approved website.Information centers for the public to get “hands on” incident information.Fully integrated teams of JIC and Liaison staff to manage VIPs, community meetings and outreach.
Emergency Response Planning – Does Your Plan Address a Sound Sampling, Analytical, and Quality Assurance Program?
Authors: Claycomb Daniel P. , Vitale Rock J. , Forman Ruth L.
Published: August 2014

As a result of recent highly publicized incidents, energy producers have recognized the need to place an emphasis on the preparation and planning for the services required to successfully guide the critical chemical and scientific data collection activities that are needed in response to an oil spill incident. In preparing for an emergency response, the need to develop guidance that specifies the types of samples and proper methods of collection, analyses, and documentation required when responding to an oil spill should be in place. This information can be used by responders to assess potential impact to human and ecological health; to determine fate and effect; to identify source, age, and degree of weathering; and to maximize defensibility of data. The guidance needs to span the early stages of a spill response through the subsequent stages of preservation and retention of samples.

This poster will report on lessons learned on recent emergency response incidents, as they relate to collaborating efforts to help ensure that the proper processes are being followed and data quality is being maintained from sample collection through data reporting. This collaboration needs to include efforts on preparing project control documents (e.g., standard operating procedures, sampling plans, and health and safety plans) and conducting oversights of field activities for compliance with these documents; developing a laboratory program that includes laboratory auditing, data verification and validation, and proper quality control requirements; and implementing a program-wide, enterprise-level data management system. Each of these processes will help ensure that the data generated are of known and acceptable quality; the data can be used for the intended purpose; and that the data are readily available to project personnel and federal, state, and local environmental officials.
New Models for Water-in-Oil Emulsion Formation
Authors: Fingas Merv
Published: August 2014

Research has shown that asphaltenes are the prime stabilizers of water-in-oil emulsions and that resins are necessary to solvate the asphaltenes. Research has also shown that many compositional factors play a role including the amount of saturates and the properties of viscosity and density. These factors can then be used to develop models of emulsion formation. A review of the formation processes of these emulsions and water and oil types is given. This applies to all four water-in-oil types: stable, meso-stable, unstable emulsions and entrained water. The differences among these four types are high-lighted. A number of other techniques have also been used to model emulsions including neural networks. These are noted and compared to the regression models. A data set of more than 400 oils and their water-in-oil mixtures are used for the comparison. Numerical modeling schemes for the formation of water-in-oil emulsions are reviewed. New models are based on empirical data and the corresponding physical knowledge of emulsion formation. The density, viscosity, asphaltene and resin contents were correlated with a stability index. The establishment of an index for emulsion stability enables the use of this value as a target for the optimization of regressions to form a new model. The predictions of the new model are much simpler and better than old models and some that have been in the literature for some time. The new model is more accurate than the old models, although some improvement could still be made. The benefit of the new model is that it is more accurate and simpler than former regression models. The different approaches to these models and older regression models are highlighted.
30 Years of Turning the New Kids on the Block into Competent Oil Spill Responders
Authors: Burton Sharon
Published: August 2014

So how do you make an Oil Spill Responder? Well basically you need a bucket, a shovel, a willing and able volunteer and an oil spill – voila! Simplistic but true you have someone who is responding to an oil spill. So how do you take a complete novice and develop them into a competent Oil Spill Responder – step-by-step. By using a variety of training and learning methods that extend beyond conventional classroom training courses, we can develop the capability, skills and confidence needed to be a competent Spill Responder.
Marine Oil Spill Simulation: A Scenario-Based Classroom Application of Meteorology and Oceanography to Environmental Protection
Authors: Vlietstra Lucy S. , Mrakovcich Karina L. , Tebeau Peter A. , Hall Gregory J.
Published: August 2014

Predicting oil spill impacts and designing an effective response requires knowledge from several disciplines, including environmental chemistry, meteorology, oceanography, and marine ecology. In this poster, we describe an interactive computer modeling exercise that expands student understanding of principles in the natural sciences by applying them to an oil spill response scenario. The exercise is based on the software package, GNOME v.1.3.7, available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Students begin by selecting one of numerous coastal locations in the United States and an oil product to be spilled (e.g., medium crude, diesel fuel, No. 6 fuel oil). They predict oil drift trajectories by accessing surface weather analysis charts, upper air charts, and marine forecasts produced by the National Weather Service as well as real-time oceanographic data available from NOAA's Data Buoy Center and the Tides and Currents database. Students consult the Atlas of Pilot Charts from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency to evaluate any influence of large-scale currents. Drawing from knowledge of the chemical properties of oil, weathering processes, leeway, Ekman dynamics, tides, and geostrophic flow, students forecast the amount and location of oil remaining after 48 hours. Predictions are tested in GNOME, which simulates an oil spill with the chosen characteristics, at the chosen location, under the same environmental conditions. Based on the model results, students evaluate environmental impacts by referring to Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps for affected coastlines. These maps are available from NOAA's Office of Prevention and Response and contain site-specific information on shoreline habitat sensitivity, conservation status of biological populations, and location of vulnerable coastal infrastructure. Students prioritize areas for protection and design a response plan with appropriate clean-up countermeasures. Response plans are communicated to the instructor in the form of a recommendation addressed to the Captain of the Port. This exercise has been successfully incorporated into several courses at the Coast Guard Academy, with modifications to accommodate various audiences and learning objectives. All versions include multidisciplinary and collaborative learning techniques, higher-level cognitive thinking, and communication requirements. Data and software packages for this exercise are freely available from federal government websites, making possible its widespread use at other colleges and agencies seeking to provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore scientific concepts in the context of environmental protection.
Determining the Need for Treatment of Oiled Marshes: Rates of Recovery and Treatment Options by Oil Type and Degree
Authors: Michel Jacqueline , Rutherford Nicolle
Published: August 2014

A synthesis of the literature on impacts of oil on marshes was conducted as a joint project by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and American Petroleum Institute. The goal was to summarize the scientific literature and experience from past spills in a format that balances between too much detail and too many generalizations. Sufficient data were compiled for 32 oil spills and field experiments to generate recovery curves and identify influencing factors controlling the rate of recovery. Recovery was longest for spills with the following conditions: Cold climate (e.g., Metula, Arrow, Amoco Cadiz); sheltered settings (e.g., Metula, Arrow, Gulf War, Nairn pipeline, Mill River); thick oil on the marsh surface (e.g., Metula, Amoco Cadiz, Gulf War); light refined products with heavy loading (e.g., Florida, Bouchard-65, Exxon Bayway); heavy fuel oils that formed persistent thick residues (Metula, Amoco Cadiz, Gulf War); and intensive treatment (e.g., Aransas Pass, Amoco Cadiz, Golden Robin). Recovery was shortest for spills with the following conditions: Warm climate (e.g., many spills in Louisiana and Texas); Light to heavy oiling of the vegetation only; Medium crude oils; and Less-intensive treatment. For many spills, recovery occurred within 1-2 growing seasons, even in the absence of any treatment. The decision to conduct treatment operations in oiled marshes needs to be based on the best understanding of the likely tradeoffs. Recommendations are made for treatment based on the following oiling conditions: Free-floating oil on the water in the marsh; thicker oil (> 0.5 cm) on marsh surface; thinner oil (<0.5 cm) on marsh surface; heavy oil on vegetation; and light to moderate oil on vegetation.
Geographic Response Planning in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Ferguson Tracy , Hanewich Steve , Rich Leonard , Shupe Danielle
Published: August 2014

The Chesapeake Bay contains over 11,684 miles of shoreline and 4,479 square miles of surface area. It is a vibrant natural resource providing crucial habitat for fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and abundant economic benefit for the region. Since 2011, several Area Committees within the Fifth Coast Guard District (Virginia and Coastal Maryland Area Committee and Upper Chesapeake Estuary Area Committee) have developed Geographic Response Plans for their respective Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) encompassing the bay and its tributaries.
Wildlife Response Management during a Federal Incident
Authors: Murgatroyd Rhonda , Kott Alexis , Malizzi Lawrence
Published: August 2014

The last days of August 2012 brought Hurricane Isaac's wind and water energy to south Louisiana impacting many parishes with destruction of property and leaving behind severe flooding, making response difficult in some locations. After search and rescue efforts ensuring safety of the people in the areas had been completed, surveys by boat and aircraft began to reveal impacts to wildlife from petroleum product of unknown origin. As in past natural disaster response activations, wildlife professionals expected oil impacted animal cases to remain minimal; however, there was confirmation from some response crews on site that there were in fact affected animals. Given that there was no named Responsible Parties, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC), took the lead in activation of the Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSROs) and the wildlife personnel to conduct recovery and rehabilitation efforts in coordination with the State of Louisiana. All costs associated with these activities were covered by the National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC), which is managed by the USCG as promulgated under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Wildlife Response Services, Inc. (WRS) supported by Matrix New World Engineering, Inc. (Matrix), was mobilized on September 2, 2012 to set up a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (Center) in Belle Chase, Louisiana. The Center was set up in the Bricor Trucking Warehouse and the team had the Center operational the morning of September 3, 2013and received its first animal in the afternoon of that same day. During the response the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) was responsible for oiled wildlife recovery and transport to the Center. Over the course of the response 7 live animals were cared for, most of which were cleaned and eventually released back into the wild. The Hurricane Isaac response demonstrated the leadership of the USCG in organizing oiled wildlife recovery and rehabilitation jointly with LDWF and WRS, as well as with the OSROs. This is a model for responses to future natural disasters.
Experimental study on friction loss of W/O emulsion in pipelines and its reduction methods.
Authors: FUJITA Isamu , MATSUZAKI Yoshitaka
Published: August 2014

In the turbulence of ocean wave, spilled oil takes sea water as small droplets dispersed in it, which is referred to as W/O emulsion. The resultant W/O emulsion has very high viscosity and changes its rheological behavior to cause various difficulties encountered in oil spill response fields such as clogging of pipe line due to too much friction.

We conducted experimental researches focusing on friction loss of high viscosity W/O emulsion in pipe line flow. Our research covers the following topics:(1)The rheological change of W/O emulsion and its effect on friction loss of the pipe line flow.(2)Friction loss reduction methods.

(1)As for the rheological change, we tried to propose a formulation which gives the friction loss of the W/O emulsion in the pipe line flow. Assumption of the W/O emulsion as pseudo-plastic fluid lead us to a new friction loss prediction formulation which well agrees to the experimental data.

(2)As for the friction loss reduction methods, two methods, which are water injection and surfactant injection, were experimentally tested and evaluated.

In the water injection study, transport experiments using high viscosity emulsion of real C-heavy oil were carried out in three types of pipe at various flow rates. Pressure drop was measured and correlated with the water injection ratio. A new formulation providing the pressure drop was proposed based on an assumption that the oil and water system forms CAF (Core Annular Flow). The formulation, which is not qualitative but quantitative expression, has shown good agreement with the experimental measurements and also indicates that the best water injection ratio exists for the pressure loss reduction.

In the surfactant injection study, we measured friction loss reduction effect in various cases of chemical agents and pipe diameters. The chemical agents, diethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, sorbian laurate were tested as well as some dispersant products. We found that very small amount of surfactant injection can promotes the emulsion breaking inside the pipe and provides drastic reduction of the friction between the emulsion and the pipe wall.

The water injection method and the surfactant injection method were applied to the practical use in oil recovery vessels in Japan.
IPIECA/OGP GUIDE TO OILED SHORELINE OILING ASSESSMENT (SCAT) SURVEYS
Authors: Owens Edward , Dubach Helen
Published: August 2014

This new IPIECA/OGP Guide explains why and how an effective oiled shoreline assessment program is necessary and appropriate to support the planning, decisions making and implementation process for a shoreline response for the initial response to the completion of treatment o cleanup operations. Some of the key elements of the Guide include:• how a SCAT Programme fits into the Shoreline Response Programme and is vertically and horizontally integrated within the response management organization;• how the key components of a shoreline assessment program are integrated into the data generation, decision process, and implementation and closure stages of a shoreline response• the importance of segmentation, as part of pre-spill planning when possible, to divide the shoreline into operational working units and as the foundation for a data base;• identification of the information needs, and expectations, of the decision makers and the flow of information from the documentation generated by the field teams, through the data base, to support the development of treatment options and constraints, treatment end points, and finally into the inspection and closure process;• types of data (maps, tables, reports etc.) that are generated;• lines of communication and support for field Operations regarding (a) guidelines for treatment techniques and strategies, (b) operational environmental, cultural and socioeconomic limitations, (c) treatment priorities, and (d) the application and understanding of Shoreline Treatment Recommendations (STRs) (the shoreline treatment “work orders”);• participants and design elements of a Shoreline Assessment Programme Plan and ;• checklists for the key participants of a SCAT Programme (SCAT Coordinator, Field Team Leads, SCAT-OPS Liaison, Logistics Coordinator, and SCAT Data Manager) for each of the initial (“reactive”) planning, and completion (“closure”) phases of a typical response operation. The SCAT process provides a strategy for completion without which a spill response would be unable to ensure a timely end, which may lead to misuse of resources and negative environmental impacts due to excessive treatment. Shoreline assessment surveys provide valuable information and support for decision makers, planners and operations, no matter the size of the spill, the scale of the response or the environmental setting, to effectively treat or clean oiled shorelines by accelerating recovery without causing additional harm to the environment.
Two-Volume Contingency Plans in Alaska Provide Focused Information for Responders & Regulators
Authors: Miner Lydia , Klieforth Robert , Hogan Eppie
Published: August 2014

Oil discharge prevention and contingency plans (ODPCPs) have been required under Alaska statutes and regulations for oil exploration, production, storage, and transportation facilities since 1992. BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. (BPXA) has prepared and submitted their North Slope ODPCPs (Milne Point, Endicott, Greater Prudhoe Bay, and Northstar) as a single volume for each facility under these requirements. However, in 2011, when the four plans were renewed, BPXA elected to present their ODPCPs in two volumes for each facility. The purpose of this organizational change from one to two volumes was to focus information in each volume; the first volume is a stand-alone Emergency Action Plan for spill responders, dedicated to spill response planning and preparedness, and the second volume is dedicated to spill prevention requirements and procedures.

The 2-volume edition allows BPXA's plan writers, operators, and regulators to concentrate on specific response or prevention topics and regulatory compliance. The 2-volume plan is easier to use and revise through the amendment process.

This approach is allowed under Alaska regulations and was embraced by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Federal regulators (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, US Environmental Protection Agency, US Coast Guard, and US Department of Transportation) have reviewed and approved the 2-volume response plans as well.

According to regulators, with such large ODPCPs, the effort to maintain publication efficiency during public review creates a potential risk of confusion or lack of sufficient detail, which may lead to comments that focus on form or style, rather than content. Working with two volumes circumvented this potential problem.

Due to the size and lengthy history of the facilities, an comprehensive Alaska regulations governing the contents of ODPCPs, two volumes allowed BPXA to include all of the necessary information for the plans without creating a storage or ergonomic problem for the reviewers. Regular users of the ODPCPs at the BPXA facilities have found that working with a smaller, more focused volume is more efficient.
Mapping Oil for the Destroyed Taylor Energy Site in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Warren Christopher J. , MacFadyen Amy , Henry Charlie
Published: August 2014

The Marine Pollution Program of NOAA/NESDIS's Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB) consists of manual detection and mapping of oil slicks through the use of available moderate to high resolution visible imagery such as MODIS (NASA), Landsat-7 (USGS) and SPOT-5 (CNES). Prior to 2012, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery from ENVISAT (ESA) was acquired in addition to visible imagery for satellite-based oil spill detection. Frequently oil spills are small in size and short in duration, but there have been times when events have continued to persist for weeks, months and even years. Located approximately 10 miles southeast of the Mississippi River Delta in the Gulf of Mexico resides the former location of the now destroyed Taylor Energy oil rig. This platform was damaged in 2004 during the passage of Hurricane Ivan and since then small surface oil slicks and sheens have been observed in satellite imagery originated from the site. Surface slicks or sheens associated with this source are frequently detected in satellite imagery analysis (>110 images since August 2010). Slicks are typically aligned along the isobaths (southwest to northeast) with typical dimensions of 0.5–2 km by 10–30 km varying with wind conditions (i.e. longer slicks tend to be more visible in satellite under winds generally <10 kts). The distribution of slick detection has two peaks, one in May with secondary maxima in September. This is primarily due to the advantage of having sun-glint, which enhances the ability for surface slick detection during the months from April to October in the Gulf of Mexico. On several occasions overflight reports have confirmed the presence of oil sheens at this location, matching very well with satellite analyzed maps. Geographic Information System (GIS) shapefiles and Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files depicting the location of the observed oil from satellites are disseminated to NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) Emergency Response Division (ERD), U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and several local and state agencies. NOS/ERD uses these analyses in their surface oil trajectory models in an effort to improve the model's performance.
Mobile Treatment and Rehabilitation Enclosure (MTRE) for small pinnipeds
Authors: Long Brett , Arnold Chip , Goertz Carrie , Majors Lee
Published: August 2014

The North Slope of Alaska is a demanding and harsh environment. Being prepared for an oil spill involving wildlife in this region requires training, innovation, and partnerships. For the past three years animal care groups, industry oil spill response organizations, and federal agencies have been collaborating to prepare for such an event.

Protocol development is an essential and initial process to accomplish response goals. In 2011, protocols were developed for the care of oiled affected phocid seals in Alaska, focusing on the need for remote, deployable operations in the arctic. While developing these protocols, authors drew from their experiences caring for pinnipeds at their facility as well as from involvement in the statewide marine mammal stranding network. As the only institution authorized to rehabilitate stranded marine mammals in Alaska, we are uniquely positioned to assist in mitigating risks associated with possible oil exposure to these animals.

Finding resources to treat oiled wildlife is a challenge on the North Slope, especially for medium to long term care. With that in mind, we designed and developed a Mobile Treatment and Rehabilitation Enclosure (MTRE). This deployable enclosure and pool with a life support system meets Animal Welfare Act holding specifications for small pinnipeds including harbor seals, spotted seals, ringed seals, and ribbon seals. The enclosure is designed to be assembled by 2 to 4 individuals and ready for use within 12 hours. While it is purpose built for small pinnipeds it would also be appropriate for short term, triage care of other marine mammals such as walrus calves, polar bear cubs, and sea otters. As a test of our oiled pinniped protocols and the MTRE this system was deployed during the mutual aid drill on the North Slope in August of 2013.
Effect of Dispersant on Molecular Composition and Fate of Oil Exposed to Sunlight in Seawater Systems
Authors: Ray Phoebe Z. , Tarr Matthew A. , Chen Huan , McKenna Amy M.
Published: August 2014

Oil spilled in aquatic systems is exposed to sunlight, resulting in important photochemical processes. Photochemistry likely plays a major role in the fate of oil spilled in areas with sunlight exposure, especially since high molecular weight aromatics are readily photodegraded but are resistant to biodegradation. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the water soluble compounds that are produced as a result of photoegradation, a study was performed to identifiy the water soluble compounds produced from sunlight irradiated oil films. Macondo Well oil was used in this study. A dark and irradiated sample were compared. The irradiated water fraction showed a large amount of oxygenated compounds produced. We utilized FT-ICR MS to identify water soluble compounds from irradiated oil on water. These results will enhance understanding of what type of water soluble compounds are formed in the water as a result of photodegradation and photooxidation. Work performed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory was supported by NSF Division of Materials Research through DMR-11-57490, BP/The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative to the Deep-C Consortium, and the State of Florida. Work performed at the University of New Orleans was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (CHE-1111525) and BP/The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative.
Development and Application of Eco-friendly Oil Stimulant on Oil Spill Control Training
Authors: Sung Mina , Chung Jane , Kim Dae-il , Ha Chang woo , Han Jong-In , Kim Sung Yong
Published: August 2014

We developed mimetic materials for oil spill drills of the Korean Coast Guard. Two selection criteria were adopted: physical properties and eco-friendliness. To make the drill effective, a mimetic substance candidate must have similar physical properties to crude oil, in terms of buoyancy, transportability, and significant color contrast. To minimize the possible impact on the marine environment in general and marine industry in particular, it must also be eco-friendly and non-toxic, as a major portion tends to be evaded from cleaning/capturing devices. Considering these, therefore, we selected natural oils extracted from marine biomass and presented results obtained from lab evaluations and field tests.
Combining Best Available Technology: A Systems Approach for Effective Mechanical Oil Spill Response
Authors: Hout Tony , Parkin Tony , Smith Samantha , Ward Regina
Published: August 2014

The toolbox of oil spill response resources now available includes alternative options for organizing, managing, and conducting a response. Best Available Technology (BAT) for Tracking & Surveillance provides an enhanced capability to direct on-water assets when over-flight information may be unavailable. Containment booming systems have the ability to be towed beyond traditional containment boom towing speeds, increasing oil encounter rates. Advances in skimming technology have led to higher oil recovery rates and higher skimmer efficiency rates, and therefore help reduce on-water storage requirements. The ability to combine this BAT into a single recovery system provides for timely and effective on-water response. Using BAT systems allows Operations Section Chiefs to organize a response into geographically defined divisions as opposed to traditional on-water groups with Task Force Leaders (TFLs) making autonomous, in-field decisions. This is an important enhancement in oil spill response. When conditions preclude over-flights for oil trajectory information, new surveillance BAT may still provide TFLs with information to assist in continuing efficient operations. With oil spill response vessels (OSRVs) with high skimming and storage capabilities operating at the source of the spill, TFLs can direct BAT recovery systems into heavily impacted areas away from the source. Each system can consist of: one TF leader vessel with BAT tracking and surveillance assets and an assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR); two advanced containment booming systems with assigned vessels; and [any number of?] highly efficient skimmers. Combining these response assets with adequate on-water storage of recovered liquids, the TF leader is better able to direct each recovery system into the thickest parts of the oil to maximize on-water encounter and recovery rates.
A Longitudinal Study of the Mental and Behavioral Health Effects Expressed in Lower Alabama Areas Affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Kahn Mattie , Selwyn Candice N. , McCullars Adrianne C. , Var Mai , Smith Phillip N.
Published: August 2014

On April 20th, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. This spill affected approximately 181 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline and impacted the livelihood of residents within Lower Alabama. Previous studies have shown increased behavioral health symptoms following high magnitude natural disasters. Symptom expression typically adheres to one of several trajectories: recovery, evidenced by gradual declines in symptoms over time, or delayed disruptions in functioning, evidenced by gradual increases in symptoms over time. However, very few existing studies have investigated the long term behavioral health effects of a large-scale technological disaster. Surveillance of mental and behavioral health symptoms over time can inform needed resiliency-restoring and recovery-related service provision resources. Using health surveillance methodology, plots were developed to depict the trajectory of behavioral health symptoms expressed by service-seeking Alabama Gulf Coast residents (n = 3,731 people) within impacted areas of Mobile and Baldwin counties. The presented data represents information gathered from disaster- deployed mental health service providers (e.g., number of patients treated and their behavioral health symptoms) in order to monitor fluctuations in behavioral health indicators across the recovery period. Six distinct time points were included in the analyses (6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months post-spill) Results demonstrate a period of recovery between 6 months and 18 months post-spill as evidenced by a gradual decline in behavioral health symptoms. However, beginning around 18 months post-spill and continuing through Year 3, delayed disruptions in functioning were evidenced by gradually increasing reports of behavioral health symptoms over time. Plots of symptom type and frequency will be presented as these demonstrate the need for programs such as the Gulf Region Health Outreach Program (GRHOP).Overall, the current study offers insight into the pattern of behavioral health responses experienced by Coastal Alabama residents over the three year period following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Results suggest that behavioral health symptoms in need of treatment still persist, with a trend of increasing symptoms present over the past year and a half. Several factors may be impacting continued symptom expression including ongoing litigation related to the oil spill, a lack of behavioral health care capacity within the Gulf Coast region, and the large percentage of individuals within the region who are experiencing on-going poverty and a lack of access to affordable health care.
Inspection Technologies and Crisis Management: Field Automation lessons from the field
Authors: Smith Donald P.
Published: August 2014

The task of capturing accurate information from the field and sharing it with response teams, incident commanders, command posts, regional offices, and internal/external agencies in a timely manner is a goal that has been difficult to achieve, especially on large-scale events. Growing fiscal constraints necessitate that solutions be part of a stable reusable system that is easily used by responders/inspectors, and also easily expanded when additional support and complexity become necessary. However, the various types of events/activities can be very challenging for both responders and inspectors. Government agencies are not always homogenous; their regional branches may collect different details on the same object, leading to incompatibilities between regional information. If the various agencies' engaged in data collection and dissemination does not standardize their efforts, then, information meltdown occurs. Ultimately, the data that were collected and disseminated become untrustworthy and unreliable. In some cases, this can compromise enforcement actions. Once information is collected, it also requires processing and distribution to different internal, external, non-profit, and private agencies. Recent mobile technologies that are available through smart phones and tablets offer solutions that allow quick customizations, scalability, and low-cost alternatives to data collection/dissemination. The concept of ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) helps agencies to utilize existing equipment/infrastructure and to standardize policies and minimize training/software needs. These technologies can be utilized during all phases of Disaster Management – mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and day-to-day inspection activities. This shifting paradigm offers opportunities for all field-deployed personnel to share data in a near real-time environment. Over the past few decades, we have been actively involved in developing field inspection applications and establishing an infrastructure for Disaster Response/inspection programs that has allowed EPA to successfully manage field data collection. This poster intends to share these efforts and to demonstrate their effectiveness. The following is a list of issues that will be covered by the application of field automation: cost sharing, rapid application deployment, ease of training, Internet sharing, data quality, and data dissemination.
Oil Spill Preparedness & Response Compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Reducing Action Agency Exposure to Future Litigation
Authors: Sligh Kevin
Published: August 2014

The Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior's U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (FWS), and the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) have partnered since 2001 through the Interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations. Under the authority of the National Contingency Plan, coastal and inland zone area committees, Coast Guard FOSCs & EPA OSCs fill a vital role in determining if certain proposed actions affect listed threatened and endangered (T&E) species or designated critical habitats (CH) and have a responsibility to initiate and coordinate either an informal, emergency, or formal consultation between the FWS & NFMS, also known as the “Services.” One of the best practices learned by the Coast Guard and EPA after the recent lawsuit and subsequent 2013 settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity on the use of pre-authorized use of dispersants in California is that Coast Guard FOSCs and EPA OSCs in concert with their respective area committees should make all efforts to engage the Services in the consultation process when there is a possibility of an action that could affect T&E species or designated CH. The norm in the past has been to delay the consultation process until the emergency response phase, often necessitating an emergency consultation during an actual spill or release that could affect T&E species or designated CHs. In the future, area committees, FOSCs, and OSCs at the start of each area contingency plan's quadrennial review and update, should engage the consultation evaluation process. This poster is about the ESA Section 7 consultation process to proactively mitigate and avoid potentially adverse affects to ESA-listed species and designated CH using the consultation process associated with complying with the Act, avoiding jeopardy, and reducing future Coast Guard and EPA exposure to future litigation.
Application of Online Spill Simulation and Response Management System in the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Shen Haiwei , Zhang Xiongping , Shen Hong , Chen Yizhong , Shao Yiping , Mulanaphy Nicole , Lu Shiqiang , Lin Weiqing
Published: August 2014

Yangtze River estuary is one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world connecting China to the world and coast to inner China. In the middle of the Yangtze River estuary, there is a Qing Cao Sha reservoir providing drinking water to more than 10 million people in Shanghai. Frequent spills near the estuary possess a great threat to drinking water safety to the megacity. Scientists in RPS ASA and SAES have built an online spill simulation and response management system for the Yangtze River Estuary. The online system integrates oil/chemical spill models, operational hydrodynamic model, online met-ocean data, response and resource database with an interactive mapping system. It has been successfully used to simulate the spill trajectory and fate of the spill to coordinate with spill response team.

Here we introduce this online system and present an oil spill response case in the Yangtze Estuary in June 2012 where the model simulation results matched extremely well with the field data observed by the local response team.
Standardizing Incident Command System Training Internationally in the Public and Private Sector
Authors: McGrath CDR Gabrielle , Hall Christopher J.
Published: August 2014

During the wildfires in California in the 1970s, the Incident Command System (ICS) was developed to create a standardized approach for firefighters to use in order to conduct an efficient response effort. Over the last 44 years, this system evolved into an all-hazards system used all over the world to mitigate a myriad of incidents from hurricanes to terrorist attacks to oil spills. Although ICS was developed as a standard system, both internationally and within the United States, this system and the training on this system were not always implemented or conducted in the same manner. The size and scope of the response which followed the 2010 Macondo Well Blowout (Deepwater Horizon) reinforced the need for continual, standardized training in ICS. Public and private sector response organizations have all become engaged in this effort to standardize the training used to prepare responders to participate as members of an Incident Management Team. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) model for ICS is now recognized as this standard internationally. Changes in the regulatory landscape since the implementation of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 have served to increase NIMS ICS acceptance and utilization among federal, state and local government agencies, as well as U.S.-based private industry. Recently, response organizations from around the world have begun training in NIMS ICS. This global standardization will enhance the response posture of the entire response community. Examples of training and exercises conducted all over the world will illustrate the initialization of international standardization of ICS.
Lessons Learned Developing the Response Action Record for the Deepwater Horizon Endangered Species Act Biological Assessment
Authors: Odell Jessica , Coley Travis , Anderson Douglas
Published: August 2014

In an oil spill response environment, urgency looms, and virtually every action is geared toward immediate needs. Clean-up, safety, and listed species protection are at the forefront of the collaborative efforts carried out by an incident management team. However, these needs do not complete the obligation of the Federal Action Agency responsible for the event. This agency must also complete an Endangered Species Act (ESA) Biological Assessment (BA). To do that for a spill of national significance, it is paramount that response personnel track certain details about their daily operations. Unfortunately, in the BA for the Deepwater Incident Response, the action record had to be reconstructed forensically. Although operational permits to work, otherwise known as Shoreline Treatment Recommendations, used standard geographic references and response action terms, they are merely prescriptions for activity and provide only maximum default assumptions. To gain vital insight into more specific temporal elements such as frequency, intensity, and duration, daily response reports were required. These reports were not gathered into a central geodatabase along the way. They were printed to paper, boxed, shipped to a documentation unit, and scanned into image files. These files were organized into approximately 30,000 document sets of up to 4,000 pages each. Qualitative document content analysis was used to distill the needed details from these image sets into a database. This technique for generating the needed data for an effects analysis is arduous. However, the process of its development has produced valuable lessons learned. Here we present the needed schema design and architecture to promote a seamless transition on future responses from the urgency of immediate need to inevitability of post-spill ESA obligation.
POLLUTION RESPONSE IN POST DISASTER RECOVERY- BEST PRACTICES FROM HURRICANE SANDY
Authors: Kimrey LT Christopher M. , Doucette CDR Eric J.
Published: August 2014

Operational Planning is the controlled process of quickly transitioning from chaos to calm; the ability to quell the unknown and create an environment of known, manageable hazards. The most notable challenge during all-hazards operations is moving emergency response operations forward in a concerted effort in somewhat nebulous and demanding environments, yet in accordance with all-hazards frameworks, laws and standing agency policies. Hurricane Sandy post-disaster response operations provided just the right test for that capability- an austere environment, an expansive geographic area, joint agency operations and latent hazards.

Nevertheless, Hurricane Sandy post-disaster response operations, particularly those supporting Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF-10), proved infinitely successful, largely due to the deliberate operational planning and data processing methodologies developed to establish the clearest possible operational picture. Developed protocols, established later as a best practice, combined federal policies and regulations on pollution response operations and disaster response into a single operating standard for ESF-10 pollution response activities in support of Coast Guard Sector New York Unified Command operations in New York and New Jersey. Environmental response operations encompassed eight geographic Divisions and included thousands of potential pollution sources. This paper highlights specific methodologies for analyzing and prioritizing threats post-response, coordinating efforts across a joint-agency landscape and mounting an expeditious and efficient environmental response campaign in a concerted, unified manner.
BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC OIL DEGRADATION AFTER THE DEEPWATER HORIZON DISASTER LEADS TO FORMATION OF RECALCITRANT OXYGENATED HYDROCARBONS: NEW INSIGHTS USING GC×GC
Authors: Aeppli Christoph , Nelson Robert K. , Carmichael Catherine A. , Valentine David L. , Reddy Christopher M.
Published: August 2014

We found that biodegradation, as well as photooxidation, of Macondo well (MW) oil led to rapid formation of recalcitrant oxygenated hydrocarbons (OxHC) after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. These compounds, which appear to be an abundant product of natural oil degradation, are poorly characterized in terms of molecular composition. We used various bulk and molecular techniques to characterize the OxHC fraction of weathered MW oil. Furthermore, we compared the characteristic disappearance of various petroleum hydrocarbons to gain insights into on-going biotic, as well as abiotic, oil oxygenation processes, that ultimately determine the fate of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment. We found that biodegradation as well as photooxidation was responsible for the observed degradation of alkanes and PAHs in MW oil. Furthermore, we identified labile as well as recalcitrant biomarker compounds; these labile biomarker compounds should be used with caution for oil fingerprinting.
Shoreline Bioremediation Model (SBM) - A Graphical User Interface for Simulating the Biodegradation of Beached Oil
Authors: Torlapati Jagadish , Geng Xiaolong , King Tom , Boufadel Michel , Lee Kenneth
Published: August 2014

We developed a user-friendly numerical model, Shoreline Bioremediation Model (SBM), to simulate the biodegradation and bioremediation of oil entrapped within shorelines. The model takes oil properties and environmental conditions as input and produces variation of oil concentration with time, up to several years from the time of the spill. SBM is equipped with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). The accessibility and easy-to-use interface allow the user to quickly produce several biodegradation and bioremediation scenarios before they are implemented at the contaminated shoreline. The model has been calibrated to predict the biodegradation rate of saturates and aromatics, but it can be also used to predict the biodegradation rates of individual oil components and to decide on bioremediation studies in shorelines based on the enhancement due to biostimulation (addition of nutrients) or bioaugmentation (addition of hydrocarbon degrading organisms). The GUI provides the oil concentration with time along with best case and worst case scenarios, which is commonly needed for decision making.