bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONFIRMING RESPONSE EFFECTIVENESS: AN OVERVIEW AND GUIDE TO OPERATIONAL MONITORING
Authors: Mearns Alan J.
Published: January 2013

Monitoring is a common, if generally implicit, part of spill response. However, there are no general guidelines for designing and carrying out spill response monitoring. With a few notable exceptions, as in shoreline assessments, monitoring rules are made up as the response progresses. Important rules of monitoring, such as those concerning adequate controls, are often left out or remain ill-defined, leading to unjustified product claims. As a result, there is often considerable debate and confusion about the effectiveness of protection and cleanup actions as well as the need to move on or terminate the response.

A framework has been developed to help make monitoring an explicit process in spill response management. This framework forces (1) clear identification of the objectives of prevention and cleanup strategies, (2) selection of meaningful and useful end points, to quickly document effectiveness, (3) an appropriate strategy (statistical or otherwise) for collecting and reporting needed feedback information, (4) an often-overlooked quality assurance/quality control plan, (5) a data or information management plan, and (6) confirmation that a decision was (or was not) made based on monitoring results. The most important aspect of an explicit monitoring plan is that it forces not only clear definition of “how clean is clean enough,” but also how this measure will be operationally documented. Elements of this process are indeed covered in many past responses and in some recent documents. Nevertheless, there is a critical need to develop additional rapid response tools for chemistry, biology, and toxicology and for a more thorough operational monitoring guide for spill response.
NATIONAL DRILL OF THE VENEZUELAN OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN
Authors: Villoria Carlos , Gomez Elia , Tavel Nelson García
Published: January 2013

In November 1993, the first drill of the Venezuelan national oil spill contingency plan (VNCP) was carried out to evaluate both the response capability of the plan to cope with an emergency and the effectiveness of the regional response organization to manage the given scenario.

During four days of intensive work, 800 participants, evaluators, and controllers of the drill made decisions and took actions to mobilize resources and pollution countermeasure equipment for cleanup operations.

To measure the effectiveness of the response actions, 23 oil spill response processes were evaluated based on flow charts or decision trees designed for each process.

In summary, the drill covered all areas related to response actions in the case of an oil spill (alert, notification, evaluation, decision-making, mobilization, field response, and postmortem), evaluating the ability of the VNCP to cope with a major emergency and identifying weaknesses in order to improve the response capability.
SHIP ESCORT RESPONSE VESSEL SYSTEM (SERVS) FISHING VESSEL OIL SPILL RESPONSE TRAINING
Authors: Ulvestad Dennis A. , Kelly N. Vincent
Published: January 2013

During the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup it became obvious that fishing vessels were a valuable asset. Their value was recognized by the Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS), and they have become an integral part of the SERVS response capability. SERVS is a world leader in oil spill prevention and response and is charged with meeting the requirements of the Prince William Sound Tanker Oil Discharge Prevention and Response Plan. The Prince William Sound response plan and the Nearshore Response Plan both require a trained group of oil spill technicians to operate a fleet of small boats. Fishing vessels and their crews are in an ideal position to fulfill this function. SERVS and Prince William Sound Community College (PWSCC) are in the third year of a fishing vessel crew training program. Prince William Sound Community College, as part of the University of Alaska system, has developed a partnership with SERVS that included the codevelopment of a fishing vessel training program. The three major goals of this training are to teach vessel crews to safely operate the equipment they will employ to contain and clean up a spill, to provide general health and safety training, and to give participants an insight into their responsibilities within the SERVS oil spill response organization. The first year provides basic instruction. Each subsequent year reviews the first year and presents new material on equipment operation. The classes are structured to include both classroom and on-water training utilizing the fishing vessels.
DELIVERING OIL SPILL HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING FOR BEACH CLEANUP: INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT WORK1
Authors: Penn Paul
Published: January 2013

The California Conservation Corps provides trained workers for oil spill cleanup. Delivering effective training that exceeds the requirements of applicable regulations and meets the educational needs of the students has necessitated minimizing the traditional classroom component and introducing nontraditional educational methodologies into the curriculum.
HEAVY OIL SPILLS: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND
Authors: Castle Robert W. , Wehrenberg Fred , Bartlett Jeremy , Nuckols Jason
Published: January 2013

Heavy oils include those low API gravity (LAPIO) petroleum hydrocarbons that will sink below the water surface, either to the bottom or to some level in the water column. While there is a tendency to ignore spilled oil that is no longer visible at the surface, submerged oil may resurface or be transported onto shorelines where it can present unexpected and reoccurring cleanup problems.

Factors influencing sinking and movement of sunken oil must be considered to guide heavy-oil spill contingency planning and response. Procedures that have been used successfully or show potential application for the location, mapping, and recovery of submerged oil should be included in planning. Decision diagrams are useful in the identification of appropriate procedures and technologies for varying oil characteristics and environmental situations. These decision diagrams include consideration of sunken oil assessment procedures, possible containment technology, and candidate recovery technologies.
SCIENTIFIC CRITERIA TO OPTIMIZE OIL SPILL CLEANUP
Authors: Sell David , Conway Lucy , Clark Tracy , Picken Gordon B. , Baker Jenifer M. , Dunnet George M. , McIntyre Alasdair D. , Clark Robert B.
Published: January 2013

Aberdeen University Research and Industrial Services (AURIS) undertook a joint industry pilot investigation on “Scientific Criteria for Optimizing Oil Spill Cleanup Operations and Effort” from October 1993 to March 1994. This project examined the worldwide scientific literature on the effects of oil spills, and experimental and natural clearances, on both rocky shores and salt marshes, to ascertain whether defensible scientific criteria could be used to establish the appropriate end point for oil spill cleanup operations. After exhaustive screening of the literature, the investigation found that ecological recovery of shore biota usually follows natural time scales of up to three years for rocky shores and five years for salt marshes, regardless of cleanup. Cleanup has a negative or marginal influence on these time scales, so there is little scientific justification for shore treatment. It may be justified, however, by socioeconomic factors relating to recreation, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, visual amenity, or birds and mammals. In exceptional cases, where oil has formed heavy smothering deposits or toxic subsurface deposits, there are grounds for treatment to promote ecological recovery of the shore biota within the expected time scales.
JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN: LOGISTICS CONCEPTS, PROCESSES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN MAJOR OIL SPILL RESPONSE
Authors: Ives John R.
Published: January 2013

A comprehensive examination of the major logistics elements of a large-scale oil spill removal organization (OSRO) has been completed, focusing on the contingency support aspects of the organization—the development of oil spill logistics concepts, processes, and infrastructure. The key principles associated with command and control, contingency planning, and resource management were considered in the context of the most recent major response—the barge Morris J. Berman spill at San Juan, Puerto Rico. The manner in which sound logistics support strategies quickly injected organization into response processes, shaped available options, and influenced the success of a major oil spill cleanup operation was observed and examined.
DYNAMIC CONTINGENCY PLANNING WITHIN A COMMAND AND CONTROL FRAMEWORK1
Authors: Simmerman Jeff
Published: January 2013

In the development of the area contingency plan, the federal on-scene coordinator (FOSC) received a vast array of response expertise from the membership of each area committee. This expertise provided a wealth of response knowledge vital in contingency planning. Additionally, each agency in the area committee could be involved in the response command structure. These agencies, each with very different policies and procedures, offer a unique challenge to the FOSC in implementing that area contingency plan.

Another challenge faced by the FOSC is ensuring that the operational expertise contained in the area contingency plan is available to each member of a diverse response organization, including personnel mobilized from agencies in areas outside the FOSC area of responsibility, who may be unfamiliar with both the contingency planning process and the command and control (C & C) structure they are augmenting.

The solution to both these challenges lies in arranging the area contingency plan in a format outline directly representing the C & C response structure determined by the FOSC and the area committee. This paper discusses the steps in the Savannah Area Contingency Plan and the evolution of its format; the operational and training advantages of this format; and the potential for this format to incorporate improvements.
TO IMPROVE THE RESPONSE TIME: A COMMUNITY DECISION
Authors: Patry Marc , Rivet Claude
Published: January 2013

The effectiveness of a good contingency plan requires trained personnel and specialized equipment and can only be improved through sound predetermined operational strategies, to which all impacted communities contribute. To achieve such a plan depends on the willingness of potential on-scene commanders to recognize the competency of all stakeholders within a community.

This conclusion was derived from many informational and training sessions held in small and large communities following the amendments to the Canada Shipping Act. This legislation requires any response organization wishing to obtain accreditation to have specific action plans to protect and clean up designated sensitive areas.

The results of these sessions defined both the sensitive areas and the most appropriate strategies for mitigating the impact of an oil spill. The sessions approach was used in Montreal, Quebec City, and Sept-Iles to plan for the protection of the St. Lawrence ecosystem which is made up of river, estuary, and ocean-type environments.
THE MORRIS J. BERMAN SPILL—MSRC'S OFFSHORE OPERATIONS1
Authors: McDonald James L.
Published: January 2013

The January 1994 spill off the coast of Puerto Rico may best be known for the oil it deposited on beaches of a prime resort area of this beautiful island during a peak tourism period. But we at the Marine Spill Response Corp. saw the spill as the first true field test, under reallife conditions, of one of our 16 specially designed, 208-foot oil spill recovery vessels.

While deemed successful, the operations in the offshore environment—an area little covered by oil recovery manuals—highlighted a number of important considerations, which may be grouped into three areas: impact of physical factors, both human and natural; flexibility in execution of procedures to suit the specific situation; and issues involved in the decontamination process.2

Being aware that the enhancement of policies and procedures is a continuing effort, we can apply knowledge gained during the Morris J. Berman spill to recommend—and, where appropriate, implement—measures to make operations still more efficient and effective in response to future spills.
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS—TANK BARGE MORRIS J. BERMAN SPILL1
Authors: Stanton Edwin M.
Published: January 2013

The tank barge Morris J. Berman grounded on January 7, 1994, spilling at least 750,000 gallons of low API fuel oil onto the most heavily used beaches of San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the height of tourist season. The vessel's condition deteriorated rapidly due to heavy ocean swells. Most of the discharged oil was blown directly ashore into three natural containment basins. The rest beached in varying quantities along 65 kilometers of shoreline on the north coast from Loiza to Punta Borinquen. On January 8, lightering and salvage operations commenced, the barge was removed from strand on January 15, towed offshore, and scuttled approximately 28 kilometers north of San Juan in 1,000 fathoms of water. Response operations were complicated by the large quantities of oil that sank while retaining its original viscosity and remaining highly mobile. This required a technically, logistically, and financially demanding cleanup operation involving diving, dredging, sand removal, sand washing, sand replacement, and biodegradation.
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO STATE HAS GONE BEFORE1
Authors: Boland William , Bontadelli Pete
Published: January 2013

The Marine Safety Division of the 11th Coast Guard District and the California Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response are pursuing new avenues to assure that federal, state, and local efforts in California achieve the goals of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990. Coordination of the seven California area committees, publishing detailed area contingency plans, and the implemention of a memorandum of agreement on oil spill prevention and response highlight recent cooperative successes. In 1994 a joint Coast Guard/state/industry incident command system task force drafted an ICS field operations guide and incident action plan forms that meet National Interagency Incident Management System and fire scope ICS requirements.
SENSITIVITY MAPPING WORLDWIDE: HARMONIZATION AND THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT USER GROUPS
Authors: Baker Jenifer M. , Spalding Mark , Moore Jon
Published: January 2013

Prospective user groups of sensitivity maps for oil spill response have a variety of needs related to different categories of oil spill, ranging from localized tier 1 spills at fixed installations (such as oil terminals) to catastrophic tier 3 spills. The latter may affect large areas and possibly more than one country. Uses of maps range from planning practical site-specific shore cleanup to strategic planning on a regional scale for “passing ship” scenarios in remote areas. The paper discusses different map types, map scales, categories of information to be included, and symbology, bearing in mind the requirements of different users. Reference is made to international examples. A considerable degree of harmonization of approach for sensitivity maps worldwide can be achieved. However, given that resources can vary tremendously from one region to another, it seems better to promote a broad consistency with respect to symbology rather than an exhaustively detailed scheme to cover every possible resource worldwide.
IMO-OPRC INFORMATION SYSTEM1
Authors: Ohne Kiyoshi
Published: January 2013

To facilitate response activities of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its member states with respect to oil pollution in the Persian Gulf, the IMO Oil Pollution Co-ordination Centre (OPCC) was established in February 1991. During such operations and other relevant activities, it was recognized that databases on national contact points and the type of assistance member states could offer would be valuable and should be developed. In addition, the OPCC has developed other databases and utilized them when the OPCC responds to oil pollution emergencies and provides general advice concerning oil pollution preparedness and response to member states. These activities are related to some of the requirements assigned to IMO under the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (the OPRC Convention). The convention will enter into force on May 13, 1995.
DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE NATIONAL RESPONSE SYSTEMS1
Authors: Thompson Edmond P.
Published: January 2013

A commonsense approach is proposed for the provision of guidance to developing countries engaged in the formulation of national oil spill response systems. Key to the concept is the development of the system by the country's own professionals with the help of an international assistance team (IAT). The membership of the IAT is custom designed to suit the culture and technical needs of each country.

The international assistance team provides the training necessary to the professionals from the receiving country who will draft the national response policy and oversee the drafting of the national contingency plan. The IAT then enters into a partnership with this core group to complete the remaining response system development. The involvement of the IAT decreases as the program progresses towards self-sufficiency.

The program's goal is to develop a sustainable response system. The planning process will follow already established, internationally accepted practices such as risk assessment and identification of sensitive areas to protect. In cases where the identified risks and sensitive areas necessitate a larger system than the country can sustain, bilateral and regional agreements will be sought to guarantee rapid assistance in the event of a spill. The program is compatible with the concept of “twinning,” where a developed country enters into partnership with a developing country, thereby increasing the sustainable level of response.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) FOR IMPACT ASSESSMENT, ECOLOGICALLY SOUND MEASURES, AND DOCUMENTATION OF OIL SPILLS
Authors: Törling Gustav , Fejes Jonas
Published: January 2013

The geographic information system (GIS) is an objective and standardized oil spill impact assessment tool. In addition to the impact assessment, the GIS provides a helpful tool for judging the size of the impact, choosing environmentally sound cleanup techniques, and planning resources utilization. All information put into a GIS, including daily activity reports, will constitute the essential base for claims from the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC Fund).

Impact assessment. Before cleanup activities start, an impact assessment is made. The impacted area is geographically defined in the field with the detailed geographic position system (dGPS) and maps. Type of coastline, spill volume, and type of oil are documented for each impacted area. If necessary, photos and other information concerning the impacted area are included in the GIS.

Determination of cleanup method. Documented information from the impact assessment is analyzed together with databases containing ecological sensitivity maps, cleanup methods, and experience. The analysis made using the GIS will suggest what cleanup method/s should be used and how best to use resources. The cleanup method(s) chosen by use of the GIS is presented in digital maps and tables of resources needed.

Daily activity reports. All daily activities are documented in the GIS. These include time spent, costs, site, amount of oil cleaned up and method used for cleanup, transfer of oil, and waste disposal. Total and specific cost for each impacted area is calculated daily.

Commanders report. The GIS provides the commander with a total report of all actions taken during the cleanup operation. The report contains total costs, claims, experience, geographical location, date and time, and an impact assessment.

Advantages of the GIS. The GIS provides a standardized and objective impact assessment for each contaminated area and at the same time suggests what cleanup method to use. The system can present daily reports of information and activities undertaken, and easily specify the cost for each activity. The GIS also can present a final report immediately upon completion of the work.
TRACE METALS AND BIOMARKERS IN OIL: A TOOL FOR IDENTIFICATION OF SPILLS
Authors: Gadi Ranu , Kapoor S. , Rawat H. S. , Chandra K.
Published: January 2013

The western offshore oil activities contribute significantly to India's hydrocarbon requirements. Oil spills in the sea cause serious problems to marine ecology and oil installations. Since weathering effects interfere with most of the matching methods now in use, a crude fingerprinting method is needed to identify the sources of oil spilled on the west coast. The ratios of n-alkanes and isoprenoids, along with trace elements, apparently are independent of weathering effects and thus could be especially useful in the matching of oil to its source.
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE OIL SPILL GIS AND TRAJECTORY MODELING
Authors: Martin Robert D. , Moosavi Mehrdad M. , Smith Lee A.
Published: January 2013

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has developed elements of an oil spill decision support system that integrate a trajectory model, a real-time environmental monitoring network, and a customized geographic information system (GIS) application. Through applied research, the GLO is striving to improve the reliability of oil spill trajectory modeling by improving the quality and timeliness of the environmental inputs. A GLO-developed GIS user interface facilitates the quick and efficient production of high-quality maps, to provide spill response managers with timely environmental and other spill-related information.
TRENDS IN OIL SPILL RATES FOR FOUR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS
Authors: Thomas Gail , Yoshioka Gary , Kaiman Brad
Published: January 2013

A paper presented at the 1981 International Oil Spill Conference analyzed spill data in four regions of the United States that carry heavy oil traffic and focused on spills of more than 10,000 gallons in the years 1974 through 1977, to determine what differences, if any, exist in the spill rates. The findings of that earlier study are compared with more recent (1990–1993) data from the Emergency Response Notification System and the Oil Spill Intelligence Report to show how the patterns have changed.
MSRC SHUTTLE BARGE SYSTEM FOR SHALLOW-WATER OIL SPILL CLEANUP
Authors: Dowell George W. , Coudon Tom
Published: January 2013

When the U.S. Coast Guard stipulated that 20 percent of oil spill response requirement had to be capable of use in shallow water, MSRC began the design of a new system. To meet the recovery capacity requirements, early decisions mandated that the system be operable in two feet of water with a swift current, capable of beaching without damage, road transportable without permits, and comply with all Coast Guard rules for documentation and inspection. The resulting shuttle barge systems are stored, on trailers, at 15 coastal U.S. sites, and in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SIMULATION-BASED OIL SPILL RESPONSE MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Authors: Barry David C. , Gallagher John J.
Published: January 2013

Since June 1993, the Center for Marine Environmental Protection and Safety has operated (and integrated into its industry-oriented training programs for the Oil Pollution Act of 1990) a Nor-Control Oil Spill Management Simulator.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITIES AT CEDRE
Authors: Kantin Roger , Albrecht Michel , Blanc Joseph , Tiercelin Claudine Le Mut
Published: January 2013

French response capabilities in case of accidental water pollution are based on CEDRE's expertise in mitigation of both oil and chemical spills in marine and inland waters. As an association under the Ministry of the Environment, CEDRE acts for national organizations (such as the French Navy or Civil Security) or for private companies (oil and shipping companies). Its help can be provided from a distance (by phone/fax) or on the scene of the operation.
ELECTRONIC DESKTOP MAPPING: ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY ATLASES OF THE GREAT LAKES
Authors: Baker Philip , Rowe Christine
Published: January 2013

Environmental sensitivity atlases of the Canadian shorelines of Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron have been completed in digital (desktop geographic information system) and paper formats for use in responses to spills of oil and other hazardous materials. These atlases allow responders to work from a common basis to rapidly identify the resources at risk during a spill and their relative priorities for protection and cleanup.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN TO QUANTIFY CHEMICALLY DISPERSED CRUDE BIOAVAILABILITY TO PHYTOPLANKTON
Authors: Younghans-Haug Christopher O. , Wolfe Martha F. , Tjeerdema Ronald S. , Sowby Michael L.
Published: January 2013

A method for quantifying the influence of dispersants on petroleum bioavailability to primary producers in marine food chains has been developed, using the common marine alga Isochrysis galbana as the primary producer. Considerations pertinent to exposure media preparation, exposure chamber apparatus, and quantification strategies are presented.
SEABIRD RESTORATION: A REVIEW OF NEEDS AND OPTIONS
Authors: Divoky George J. , Harrison Craig
Published: January 2013

Seabird restoration plans require reliable estimates of the birds directly affected by a spill and the impact of that mortality on populations. They also require restoration techniques known to increase the rate of natural recovery. Unfortunately, restoration proposals have been hindered by damage assessments based on outdated and/or inappropriate data, exaggerated estimates of damages, and a lack of proven restoration techniques. Regular monitoring of seabird resources, knowledge of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing populations, and recognition of the typically limited role humans can play in seabird restoration will lead to the development of more realistic restoration plans.
BIOAVAILABILITY OF SEDIMENT OIL RESIDUES FOUR YEARS FOLLOWING THE MARTINEZ SPILL
Authors: Boehm Paul D. , Costa Helder J.
Published: January 2013

Transplanted bivalves were used as sentinel organisms to assess bioavailability of San Joaquin Valley (SJV) crude oil residues in impacted sediments four years following the 1988 Shell Martinez Refinery spill in Suisun Bay, California. Sediments, bivalves exposed for three months, and control (unexposed) bivalves were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for poly nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study documented a range of weathering stages, and a range of mixtures of SJV crude oil with another petrogenic source, pyrogenic PAHs, and diagenic alkyl PAHs in Peyton Slough intertidal sediments four years following the spill. Less-weathered SJV oil residues remaining in the estuarine sediments were more bioavailable than the intermediate or advanced weathered residues, and more bioavailable than the pyrogenic PAHs that comprise the background PAHs in the Suisun Bay sediments.
RESOLVING THE TOW SPEED THAT CAUSES BOOM OIL LOSS
Authors: DeVitis David S. , Hannon Larry
Published: January 2013

Oil loss boom testing at the Ohmsett test facility obtained first loss tow speeds that averaged 0.75 knots. These results supported flume testing and became a rule of thumb. About 1980 the OITC1 identified the fact that basin side wall and bottom clearances affected first loss performance. Investigations defined a relation between boom skirt depth and basin clearances. Evolution of test methods demonstrated 30 percent higher relative tow speeds. A protocol was developed, and recent testing has resulted in first loss tow speeds as high as 1.5 knots. First loss testing has progressed steadily at Ohmsett and current efforts focus on understanding hydrodynamic effects.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: KEY TO ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS
Authors: Tyler Andrew , Walker Mike
Published: January 2013

Recent developments in oil spill information systems have extended the accessibility of information to users in operational and planning environments through the integration of databases, predictive models, expert systems and advanced user interfaces. Such systems now represent the gateway to full “command and control” systems for oil spill preparedness and response.
INTEGRATED OIL CONTAINMENT AND RECOVERY SYSTEM
Authors: Allers Jan , Penny Stu
Published: January 2013

The primary goal of oil spill response crews is to prevent oil from going ashore. Thus, the measure of an oil spill recovery system's performance becomes the volume of spilled oil recovered per unit time. Throughout the 1980s and into the ‘90s, developments have been made which increase both the encounter and recovery rates of oil on water. The thesis of this paper is that the role of a recovery system is first to contain spilled oil and then to concentrate the oil such that skimmers may operate at their maximum rated capacity.
THE NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLAN PRODUCT SCHEDULE DATABASE
Authors: Thomas Gail F. , Moore Gary N. , Tyrance-Strickland Linda
Published: January 2013

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Emergency Response Division maintains the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule Database that allows users to view and compare product data quickly and efficiently. The current word processing format of the NC? Product Schedule Notebook does not allow for the rapid and efficient searching of toxicity and effectiveness data. Rapid access to NCP product data is vital to on-scene coordinators during the early stages of spills. The NCP Product Schedule Database provides the user with a mechanism to quickly view and/or print product data, comparison reports, and product lists.
BIOTREATMENT OF PETROLEUM CONTAMINATION IN OPEN SYSTEMS
Authors: Rosenberg Eugene , Legmann Rachel , Ron Eliora Z. , Griffin W. Michael , Merski A. Thomas
Published: January 2013

A new technology overcomes one of the major problems in applying biological based methods to oil spills in open systems, supplying nutrients in a form that remains associated with the oil for significant periods. The technology, System ET 20, uses specific bacterial strains that adhere to hydrocarbons and a unique oleophilic, controlled-release nitrogen and phosphorous source. Tests using crude oil indicate that System ET 20 can significantly degrade the aliphatic and aromatic fractions of crude oil. There is also some indication of significant attack on the polar components of the oil, although this fraction is difficult to monitor analytically.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE AEGEAN SEA OIL SPILL
Authors: Daniel Pierre
Published: January 2013

A numerical study of the trajectory of the Aegean Sea oil slick was made, using the Météo-France oil spill model. The model, configured for operation on a workstation, predicts the drift, spread, dispersion, and shoreline interaction of the spilled oil. Its main component is a hydrodynamic ocean model, forced by the wind fields of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric model. Model predictions were compared with results of aircraft and beach surveys.
NUTRIENT RETENTION IN THE BIOREMEDIATION ZONE OF A SANDY BEACH
Authors: Wrenn Brian A. , Suidan Makram T. , Strohmeier Kevin L. , Eberhardt B. Loye , Wilson Gregory J. , Venosa Albert D.
Published: January 2013

A tracer study was conducted on a low-energy beach in Delaware Bay to determine how the nutrient washout rate is affected by the tidal cycle. When tracer was applied during spring tide, it was reduced to background levels following a single high tide; but when it was applied during neap tide, tracer persisted in the bioremediation zone for a much longer time. The washout rate was found to be related to the extent of water coverage during high tide.
OIL SPILL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THE VENEZUELAN OIL INDUSTRY
Authors: Villoria Carlos , Pérez Rosa
Published: January 2013

In 1991, the Venezuelan oil industry, through INTEVEP, its research and development subsidiary, started a project to implement an oil spill decision support system (DEPET 4.0) for the Venezuelan national oil spill contingency plan. For this primary tool for taking spill response actions in operational drills and real emergencies, the industry developed a database of possible scenarios in predetermined sites and for natural resource damage assessment.

The system covers the entire Venezuelan coastline, with each of five management zones serviced by a separate base map and data.
ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT CANADA EMERGENCY OFFICERS IN OIL SPILL RESPONSE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Ladanowski Caroline
Published: January 2013

Environment Canada has established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their emergency response officers so that they can respond to environmental emergencies with a uniform and professional approach. The SOPs cover a wide range of issues due to the complexity and intricacy of spills and related emergency situations. The focus here is on procedures for responding to oil spills. These include, but are not limited to, conducting a preliminary assessment of the spill, determining lead government agency responsibility, assessing and addressing response and protection needs, ensuring appropriate information is documented and distributed to concerned groups, dealing with the media, obtaining legal evidence and support, arranging finances, and using and obtaining approval for implementing certain response technologies.
INTEGRATED HYDRODYNAMIC-OIL SPILL MODELING IN COASTAL WATERWAYS USING SPILLSIM
Authors: Hodgins Donald, O. , Solis Ruben , Martin Robert
Published: January 2013

In estuaries and coastal waterways oil spill models must be coupled with hydrodynamic models to give accurate slick predictions. Two case studies show how the UNIX-based SPILLSIM model can be used to advantage with either two-dimensional finite-element current models (Galveston Bay) or three-dimensional current models (Juan de Fuca-Strait of Georgia waterway).
PRINCIPLES OF WAR APPLIED TO OIL SPILL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Authors: Giesen John
Published: January 2013

The principles of war provide both nomenclature and insight into incident management. Understanding the National Response System infrastructure and organizational environment, together with the principles of war, allows rigorous study of historical lessons and their application to future spill incidents.
GETTING A “GRP:” THE GEOGRAPHIC RESPONSE PLANNING EFFORT IN WASHINGTON STATE
Authors: Heimowitz Paul
Published: January 2013

Geographic response plans (GRPs) lay out oil spill booming and collection strategies in priority order, as well as identify natural and logistical resources within a certain region. Nine draft GRPs currently exist for Washington's marine waters; another series is under development for the Columbia/Snake River system. Each GRP evolved from a workshop where a diverse set of participants designed protection strategies and priorities, based on information about sensitive natural resources and local currents and tides. Draft plans are now being refined through field verification and public review. Recent spills have confirmed the value of GRPs in enabling rapid resource protection.
MAJOR OIL SPILL INCIDENTS: LESSONS FOR RESPONSE PLANNING
Authors: Stalcup Dana , Yoshioka Gary , Kaiman Brad , Siegmann Lora , Masters Kate
Published: January 2013

It is abundantly clear that we have a great deal to gain by preventing damaging oil spills. But what defines such spills? What are their sources, sizes, and the most appropriate response measures? To understand better what factors may help to minimize the amount of damage caused by oil spills, the authors examined case histories of major spills as reported in the Proceedings of the International Oil Spill Conferences. Data on factors related to the facility or vessel, environment, and response efforts for these spills were reviewed to identify important influences on environmental damage.
SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING FOR SEASONAL VARIABILITY OF RIVER CURRENTS
Authors: Slyman Paul , Heinitz Eric
Published: January 2013

Response plans for the lower Columbia River will have to be amended to allow for the dramatic change in river currents resulting from winter precipitation and spring runoff and the presence of four major dams. Earlier response plans accounted for the seasonal variability of sensitive species as well as daily tidal fluctuations, but ignored the seasonal variability of river discharges. In the future, the Columbia River response community needs to be armed with strategies for both high- and low-flow river conditions.
ESTIMATING THE VOLUME OF OIL LEAKING FROM ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS
Authors: Mould Kevin , Watson Steve , Renga Mike , Siegmann Lora
Published: January 2013

An order-of-magnitude estimate of the volume of oil potentially leaking from aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) has two primary components: estimating a relationship between AST age and the probability of failure due to corrosion; and determining thresholds, based on current technologies and/or methods, below which oil leaking from ASTs would not be detected. A distribution of ASTs by five storage capacities (50,000, 200,000, 876,000, 1,000,000 and 4,000,000 gallons) and five age categories (0–10 years old, 11–20 years old, 21–30 years old, 31–40 years old, and 40 years old or older) was used to demonstrate the relationship between tank capacity, tank age, and volume of oil leaked.
AREA CONTINGENCY PLANS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE EVER-EVOLVING
Authors: White Carolyn M. , Donahue Patricia
Published: January 2013

The existence of area contingency plans, at least in draft form, for coastal and inland areas, combined with the National Contingency Plan's emphasis on and deferral to area committees, presents a timely opportunity for area committees to address vital response issues. By drawing upon each others’ plans, area committees can enhance their own plans and assist the development of a comprehensive and consistent system for oil spill response. This presentation identifies specific area committee responsibilities imposed under the National Contingency Plan. Materials to be available at the conference will suggest key issues for inclusion in plan revisions and offer helpful samples from existing plans.
SAFETY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION IN A LARGE OIL SPILL RESPONSE ORGANIZATION
Authors: Magasis Steven , Redden John , LeBlanc Dan
Published: January 2013

Improvements in oil spill and hazardous materials response organizations are designed to increase the effectiveness of response efforts. Parallel improvements in employee safety and health can be made by integrating some of the same organizational and technological systems developed to support the primary mission of response (for example, oil collection or site remediation). Examples can be seen in two safety programs developed by a large marine oil spill response organization: a vessel-based level-B site assessment and characterization system, and a computer-based spill operating system that integrates site-specific site safety plan (SSP) templates.
RISK MANAGEMENT IN OIL PIPELINES AND GAS PIPELINES
Authors: de Lima Buzelin Luiz , Alves Anibal José Constantino
Published: January 2013

Several methods have been developed by Dutos e Terminais do Centro-Oeste e São Paulo, a subdivision of Petrobrás's Transportation Department, to guarantee the mitigation of identified risks in pipeline installations, using a managerial approach rather than the traditional technical approach.
SHORELINE OIL FROM EXXON VALDEZ: CHANGE FROM 1991 TO 19931
Authors: Gibeaut James C. , Piper Ernest
Published: January 2013

During summer of 1993, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation surveyed 45 sites in Prince William Sound that were oiled by the March 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The data describe the oil's visual properties and extent. Comparisons provide estimates of oil reduction since 1991.

From 1991 to 1993, an estimated 50 percent reduction in the amount of asphalt, surface oil residue, and mousse was largely caused by manual removal and raking. Subsurface oil reduced by about 65 percent. Sites mechanically tilled or from which oiled sediment was removed improved the most, but natural reduction was still greater than 50 percent.
NOAA'S EXXON VALDEZ LONG-TERM SHORELINE ECOSYSTEM MONITORING PROGRAM—1990–1994 TRENDS
Authors: Mearns Alan J.
Published: January 2013

Halfway through a 10-year monitoring program, NOAA continues to track biological, chemical, and shoreline profile recovery at nearly three dozen sites in Prince William Sound, Alaska. By simple measures (percent visible oil, percent plant cover) all but three or four sites recovered in two to three years. However, by a more integrated biological, chemical, and physical profile, most previously oiled and treated sites are still recovering.
RECOVERY OF SAUDI ARABIAN SHORE BIOTA FOLLOWING THE GULF WAR
Authors: Jones David A. , Plaza Jaime , Watt Iain , al Sanei Mahmoud
Published: January 2013

Five months after the impact of oil on the shores of Dawhat ad Dafi and Dawhat al Musallamiya, long-term biological monitoring was initiated on permanent transects (PTL) on representative habitats and similar but uncontaminated control habitats outside the area. Upper shore biota was virtually eliminated on all oiled shores, while lower shores showed a 60 to 90 percent mortality, depending on the substrate type. By September 1994, species diversity comparable to that of controls was present on the mid and lower regions of impacted shores. Abundances are still generally lower for most species on affected shores, and abnormal population density fluctuations for some species are still apparent.
VISUAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND GIS IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Sheppard Stephen R. J. , Blatchford David R.
Published: January 2013

In an emergency, visual information is the most rapid and powerful means of communication available. Emerging computer-based technologies such as user-friendly geographic information systems (GIS), live-link monitoring, video CDs, and 3-D visualization have already proven effective in communications and decision support when appropriately applied to oil and gas operations.
MANGROVE RESTORATION: CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA, COASTAL OIL SPILL CASE STUDY
Authors: Ibáñez Mauricio
Published: January 2013

On June 26, 1990, an accidental oil spill occured at a refinery located in Cartagena, Colombia, affecting a 2.5 ha coastal mangrove area and killing all its associated fauna. A special manual cleanup program made it possible to restore part of the polluted soil without harming most of the mangrove plants nor affecting water exchange conditions in the site. Further comparative monitoring programs showed that the ecosystem was totally restored and has grown to a 10 ha forest which is now being used for coastal remediation research.
IS GROUND WATER PROTECTED AGAINST RELEASES FROM ABOVEGROUND STORAGE FACILITIES?
Authors: Mould Kevin , DeMarco Gregory , Frederick Robert
Published: January 2013

Growing concern about the threat to our nation's ground water from leaking above-ground oil storage facilities has prompted a reevaluation of regulatory and nonregulatory programs to prevent such contamination. Government and industry have begun efforts to address this concern.
CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR THE SALVAGE OF A BARGE CONTAINING BUNKER C OIL AND PCB: THE IRVING WHALE EXPERIENCE
Authors: Jarry Vincent , Theriault Eric , Percy Roger , Rivet Claude
Published: January 2013

To illustrate the Canadian approach in developing contingency plans, we will use the example of lessons learned in the framework of the Irving Whale recovery project. The Irving Whale sank in 1970, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada), between the Iles-de-la-Madeleine (Québec) and Prince Edward Island. The barge came to rest in 67 meters (220 feet) of water, and contained an estimated 3100 tons of Bunker C oil and 7.5 tons of PCB s (Aroclor 1242). The recovery operation was successfully completed in the summer of 1996. Descriptions of some of the various tools, strategies, and emergency measures implemented to protect the environment are presented, including: (1) a brief description of the coordination of scientific and technical advice; (2) the geographic information system used for resource mapping and a shore-line restoration guide; (3) remote sensing; (4) trajectory modelling for oil and PCB spills; and (5) wildlife protection activities. All of these tools were coordinated through two regional environmental emergencies teams (REETs) established in Canada. The two REETs (one for the Atlantic region and the other for the Quebec region) provided the lead government authority for oil spill response, in this case the Canadian Coast Guard, with scientific and technical advice on environmental issues related to the project
MODELING AIRBORNE LEVELS OF SOME VOLATILE COMPONENTS IN OIL SPILLS
Authors: Zhou Tianhong , Wong Kau-Fui V.
Published: January 2013

A Monte-Carlo particle model, along with a mass-transfer evaporation model, was used to investigate the air levels of some hazardous volatile components arising from oil spills. When the mathematical models were used to simulate the M/V Braer oil spill incident, the modeled air levels of C3-C8 hydrocarbons were consistent with the field measurement. Using these verified mathematical models, a series of numerical experiments were performed to investigate the possible air levels of the volatile components under various conditions, including the worst scenarios. The modeled results indicated that the exposures to most of the volatile hydrocarbons besides benzene and n-hexane were negligible, since the space with air levels of these volatile components higher than the exposure criteria only existed directly over the oiled surface. No overexposure air levels of these hydrocarbons were found within the human breath zone. However, for n-hexane, the exposure is possible, depending on the exposure limit adopted. For the sulfur compounds, like hydrogen sulfide, exposure exists, but the duration is very short.
UNITED KINGDOM TRAINING STANDARDS: IMPLEMENTATION AND ACCREDITATION
Authors: Bennett Bernard
Published: January 2013

To comply with the OPRC Convention, and having limited spill response training resources, the U.K. Competent National Authority for Oil Spill Response has elected to invite other training bodies to conduct training on their behalf. Standards were drawn up and training bodies were invited to submit course plans meeting such standards. Organizations will be vetted by an independent body, the Nautical Institute, and if successful, will gain accreditation. The U.K. course standard development took full account of IMO level training.
DEMULSIFYING DISPERSANT FOR AN EXTENDED WINDOW OF USE
Authors: Fiocco Robert J. , Lessard Richard R.
Published: January 2013

Recent data with a modern demulsifying oil spill dispersant (Corexit 9500) challenge old viscosity limits for the window of opportunity for dispersant use on viscous oils and emulsions. The demulsification capability of the dispersant to reverse and significantly reduce the viscosity of emulsified oil was demonstrated. This demulsification effect is a prelude to dispersion of the oil. In addition, high effectiveness was demonstrated on no. 6 fuel oil fractions with viscosities over 40,000 cP, well beyond previous indicated limits.
GETTING IT CORRECT, WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS INTERNATIONALLY
Authors: Neilson David E.
Published: January 2013

This paper addresses the international situation regarding oil spill preparedness drills or exercises. It attempts to cover the requirements of planning, developing, and managing exercises internationally. The paper discusses certain key points in the planning, development, and exercise-execution phases, and offers a process flow methodology for these important stages. Following the exercise, the debrief methods and collation of data to provide the exercise report are also discussed.