bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisions to the OSRO and Prep Guidelines: What's that about?1
Authors: Pond Robert G. , Gelzer Claudia C. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The Coast Guard's Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) Classification Program Guidelines and National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) Guidelines are periodically reviewed and revalidated. The OSRO program, managed by the National Strike Force Coordination Center (NSFCC), affords plan holders relief from having to include extensive equipment lists within already lengthy plans. It also gives government plan reviewers a national standard against which to evaluate response contractors listed in plans. The PREP Guidelines offer a cycle of internal and external exercises to be followed in the preparedness cycle of plonning and assessment by government and industry members of the response community. For years, these programs enjoyed support from both government and industry. Recently, however, response community rumblings revealed growing doubt about the usefulness of these standards in assuring response readiness. This skepticism threatened to undermine both programs. The government responded by engaging industry through a series of meetings and public workshops to examine concerns and identify solutions. In the process, two critical findings revealed what had changed: 1) While initial regulatory momentum was high following enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, industry and government plan holder focus had been slowly diverted to competing priorities; 2) The OSRO and PREP Guidelines, originally envisioned as tools to guide plan holders, had become a vehicles for plan holder acceptance of NSFCC evaluations of OSRO adequacy without local user analysis, and of OSRO exercises as sufficient without plan holder participation or oversight. The Coast Guard's response has been to overhaul each program's policy guideline to clarify the original intent of the response plan regulations. The success of these efforts hinges on their effectiveness to reemphasize that ultimate accountability falls on the shoulders of plan holders at the local level under active government oversight.
Slaying the Paper Tiger
Authors: Klumpp Christopher J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
California's Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) and Plan-Holder Unannounced Drill Programs have provided an opportunity for state, Federal, and industry representatives to work together to ensure that the best achievable response for the State of California is attained. As a result of the success of these two initial programs, the Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) considers unannounced drills to be the cornerstone of response resource assessment. Unannounced drills present an opportunity to practice and improve how the OSROs and plan-holders (tank vessels, non-tank vessels, and facilities) respond to oil spills by testing contingency plans, reviewing the systems approach, and revealing issues that may hamper an oil spill response. The OSRO unannounced drills test the OSRO's response capabilities for the first six hours of a response, while the plan-holder drills test the owner/operator's ability to initiate a response to a spill incident, based on the owner/operator's contingency plan, for the first three hours of a response. Unannounced OSRO and plan-holder drills both require government agency notification, equipment activation and deployment, and response resources to be operated. Since the only way to evaluate how a plan-holder's team will respond in an emergency is to evaluate them in a non-emergency, adding the element of surprise allows the state to better make the determination as to the adequacy of their preparedness. Non-tank vessel, tank vessel, and facility operators are also required to conduct to plan-holder initiated drills, and these have also been highly successful. Part of the success of these drills is that they have revealed potential problems, for which plan-holder-initiated solutions or OSPR regulatory fixes have been identified and proposed. Through this process, the California Unannounced Drill Program has evolved from being planning standard-based to performance standard-based for OSROs. Under new legislation that reflects the OSRO performance requirements (Government Code 8670.29), plan-holders must now contract with one or more state-rated OSROs to meet contingency plan requirements and an OSRO will only be granted a state rating by participating in unannounced drills.
New Norwegian Policy on Use of Dispersants
Authors: Vik Ann Mari 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
On the 1st of January 2002 the Norwegian Ministry of Environment introduced new regulations regarding the use of dispersants in oil spill response at sea. The Norwegian policy is to allow the use of dispersants when this means of response gives the best environmental results. Compared with former regulations this extends the possibilities of using a broader range of combat methods well suited for different spill scenarios. A thorough analysis has to be done in advance and the criteria for use must be documented in a contingency plan. Specific tests are required to make sure the dispersants are low toxic and effective (oil type specific). The regulations state that use of dispersants is prohibited unless well planned and documented. Whenever an oil company or other enterprises handling considerable amounts of oil, plans to use dispersants as a means of combat, the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority will consider the criteria for use described in their contingency plan. In oil spills where use of dispersants is not pre-planned the polluter or organization in charge of the operation at sea has to apply to the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority to get permission to disperse. This application has to include weather conditions, water depth, oil type, toxicity and effectiveness of the dispersant, and a Net Environmental Benefit Analyze. The large amount of documentation required compared with the short windows of opportunity means that in practice the use of dispersants has to be pre planned to be successful.
The Chemical Baseline as a Key to Defining Continuing Injury and Recovery of Prince William Sound
Authors: Boehm Paul D. , Brown John S. , Page David S. , Burns William A , Neff Jerry M. , Maki Alan W. , Bence A. Edward 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Studies of records and data pertaining to anthropogenic and natural sources of petroleum, and specifically of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), have indicated a generally constant background, with episodic input spikes of bioavailable PAH to the marine environment of Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska. The Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) was one such PAH spike. However, hundreds of smaller spills, occurring prior to and since the EVOS, contribute a background of bioavailable petrogenic PAH to PWS. The widespread historical and contemporary uses of PWS by man have left chronic, sizeable, and widespread petrogenic and pyrogenic PAH fingerprints and bioavailable PAH at many locations in PWS. Evidence from mussel samples, taken both prior to and since EVOS, and from subtidal sediments, indicates that bioavailable PAH are a constant feature of the PWS system. While EVOS may continue to add some bioavailable PAH to highly localized areas, most PAH inputs to the PWS marine environment are unrelated to EVOS. Such findings indicate that biological, sublethal effects studies, which rely on tissue body burdens and biomarkers as leading indicators of continuing effects from EVOS (e.g. CYP1A-P450, etc.) may have been misinterpreted, as they are confounded by this easily detectable, significant, and continuing background of bioavailable PAH. Therefore measurements of exposure to PAH as indicating lingering effects from EVOS, 13 years after the spill, are speculative and ignore the baseline PAH from non-EVOS inputs.
Shoreline Surface Washing Agent Test and Evaluation Protocol for Freshwater Use in the Great Lakes Region1
Authors: Robertson Darrell R. , Maddox Jason H. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Although opportunities exist to use shoreline surface washing agents for oil spill removal in freshwater environments, this response technique is seldom tried because little is known about its insitu effectiveness and toxicity. In January 2000, the Federal Region V Regional Response Team chartered a Subcommittee of international, federal, state and industry representatives to develop a protocol for evaluating the test use of shoreline surface washing agents in freshwater environments on oil spills of opportunity in the Great Lakes Region. Currently, mechanical and manual recovery are the primary means of oil spill cleanup in freshwater environments which can be costly, labor intensive, and often results in limited oil recovery. Oil recovery inefficiency is related to shoreline composition and complexity that allow oil to cover, fill, and penetrate the substrate. Responders, with limited options, may compromise their efforts by leaving residual oil in the environment or expend a substantial effort sanitizing the shoreline, which can be more detrimental to the environment. The application of shoreline surface washing agents may improve recovery efficiency and ameliorate long term harm to freshwater shorelines if properly applied. Surface washing agents may also reduce labor requirements typically associated with diminishing returns from continued mechanical or manual cleanups required to achieve similar oil removal results. The RRT V Subcommittee developed a protocol for conducting small-scale insitu tests on the effectiveness and toxicity of surface washing agents to gain experience and confidence in its utility as a response tool in freshwater environments. The resulting protocol guides the user in assessing physical criteria, constraints and special considerations needed to determine if the use of two surface washing agents is appropriate. The protocol also includes procedures for test preparation and application and provides effectiveness, water quality and toxicity monitoring guidelines, data collection, booming, and oil recovery procedures.
Determining Dispersant Efefctiveness Data for a Suite of Environmental Conditions
Authors: Chandrasekar Subhashini , Sorial George , Weaver James W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Chemical dispersants are used in oil spill response operations to enhance the dispersion of oil slicks at sea as small oil droplets in the water column. To assess the impacts of dispersant usage on oil spills, US EPA is developing a simulation model called the EPA Research Object- Oriented Oil Spill (ER03S) model (http://www.epa.gov/athens/research/projects/erosl). Due to the complexity of chemical and physical interactions between spilled oils, dispersants and the sea, an empirical approach to the interaction between the dispersant and oil slick may provide a useful or practical approach for including dispersants in a model. The main objective of this research was to create a set of empirical data on three oils and two dispersants that has the potential for use as an input to the ERO3S model. These data are intended to give an indication of the amount of dispersal of these oils under certain environmental conditions. Recently, the US EPA developed an improved dispersant testing protocol, called the baffled flask test (BFT) which was a refinement of the swirling flask test. Use of this protocol was the basis of the experiments conducted in this study. The variations in the effectiveness of dispersants caused by changes in oil composition, dispersant type, and the environmentally related variables of temperature, oil weathering, and rotational speed of the BFT were studied. The three oils that were tested were South Louisiana Crude Oil, Alaska North Slope Crude, and Number 2 fuel oil. Two dispersants that scored effectiveness above 85% by the BFT were selected for this study. A factorial experimental design was conducted for each of the three oils for four factors: volatilization, dispersant type, temperature and flask speed. Each of the four factors were studied at three levels except for the dispersant factor where only two dispersants were considered. Statistical analysis of the experimental data were performed separately for the three oils. Analysis of variance was conducted to determine which factors, or set of factors, were related to the percent effectiveness. Empirical relationships between the amount of oil dispersed and the variables studied were developed.
Managing Risk Issues vs. Managing Risk: Energy Pipeline Communications & Public Awareness Programs
Authors: Roth Alan T. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The oil and gas pipeline industry is increasingly proficient in responsibly managing operational risks to public and employee safety and the environment. However, all too often we are less competent at managing risk-related issues. Potential consequences of poor risk issues management can include seriously tarnishing corporate reputation, triggering expensive regulatory censure, loss of investor confidence, negative impacts on employee morale and significant new landowner compensation costs, to note just a few. One need only look at recent examples from other industries to see that sometimes the possible outcomes can even be catastrophic: the cost of the Mad Cow Disease issue to the UK beef industry, the effects of the collapses of Enron and WorldCom on the accounting / financial consulting industry and on big business generally, or the massive class action awards against silicon breast implant makers. With respect to our own industry, the Exxon Valdez oil spill that happened 14 years ago is still one of the most commonly-evoked buzzwords of environmental disaster and an enduring symbol of the risks associated with the marine transportation of oil. This paper provides advice and information about understanding the differences between – and making competent use of – the methodologies of risk communication and crisis communication in issues management for oil pipeline companies. The knowledge gained, if applied appropriately, can help steer a pipeline operator / owner away from – or out of – damaging entanglement in a risk management controversy stemming from an incident such as an oil spill.
Preparing to Minimize the Environmental Impact of Terrorism
Authors: Gugg CDR Paul , Austin John H. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The EXXON VALDEZ grounding in 1989 served the response community with an abrupt reminder of the importance of preparedness for maritime incidents. As a result, such incidents would no longer be viewed as simply human or economic tragedies but also as environmental catastrophes. The October 12, 2000 attack on the USS COLE at its berth in Aden, Yemen and the attack on the French tanker LIMBURG off the coast of Yemen two years later made it clear that terrorists are aware of the vulnerability of ships and port targets and are capable of operating in the marine environment. Finally, the attacks on September 11, 2001 erased any notion that terrorism was limited to developing nations, Europe or the Middle East. In addition to their horrific toll on human life and property, terrorism-spawned events have environmental impacts that must be addressed in our response plans. These impacts may be the primary or secondary goal of the perpetrators, particularly where environmental attributes like marine resources are readily accessible, highly valued, and serve as a symbol of a nation's culture and prosperity. This paper is intended to suggest the concept of environmental response preparedness as a means of minimizing the impact of terrorism when the best laid plans and protective measures have been compromised. The authors also suggest that preparedness is, in itself, a form of deterrent to terrorist acts. Equally important, the paper promotes the use of terrorism scenarios in preparedness exercises and proposes a balanced approach to readiness that can be sustained for the long haul. The paper not only recognizes the value and applicability of “all event” response agencies and management systems but also illustrates some of the important differences and challenges the subject events introduce. Among the differences cited are: stakeholder composition; attention to crime scene investigations; secondary attack hazards; and the need for adherence to established safety procedures in the midst of high op-tempo and emotionally charged national emergencies. The topic is timely. It is special due to the magnitude and international significance of the consequences it discusses and the impetus it presents toward actively deterring terrorism's impact, effectiveness and likelihood. It is unique because it calls attention to the need for a change in focus through the established lens of interdisciplinary coordination among agencies and stakeholders that have mature and well-practiced response systems.
Damage Assessment and Restoration Following the JULIE N Oil Spill: A Case Study
Authors: Mauseth Gary S. , Csulak Frank G. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
On September 27, 1996, the T/V JULIE N inbound with a cargo of 8.8 million gallons of #2 fuel oil struck the Million Dollar Bridge, spanning Portland Harbor between Portland and South Portland, Maine. The incident resulted in a spill of approximately 180,000 gallons of oil, which spread throughout a large area of Portland Harbor. The marine and coastal resources of Portland Harbor and the Fore River, including water resources, shellfish, wetlands, sediments, and birds were exposed and/or injured by the oil. The spill also had an adverse impact on several different public use services. The natural resource trustee agencies (including the State of Maine, NOAA, and the Department of the Interior) and Amity Products Carriers, Inc. (Responsible Party, RP) conducted a cooperative natural resource damage assessment to assess and restore natural resources exposed and/or injured by the spill. The trustees and RP operated under an initial verbal agreement to cooperate until a written agreement was executed over a year after the incident. The cooperative process and lessons learned are described in the paper. Particularly positive components included cooperative data collection and active collaboration on study design and endpoints. The trustees expended $782,860 in assessment costs. The RP expended an additional $169,101 in cooperative laboratory and field investigations, as well as $364,720 in consultant costs. The total assessment costs were $1,316,681. The trustees and the RP were then able to successfully negotiate a $1 million dollar settlement for the purpose of planning, implementing, and overseeing selected restoration projects. These projects included reducing the discharge of PAH's into the Fore River, wetland and bird habitat restoration, and construction of a recreational trail along the Fore River. The RP sought compensation from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund under the limitation of liability provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Compensation included expenses beyond statutory liability for response, NRDA assessment, and damages to natural resources among others.
The Effect of Varying Salinity and Temperature on the Dynamics of Orimulsion in Water
Authors: Fingas Merv , Wang Zhendi , Landriault Mike , Noonan Jordan , MacKay Ron 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Studies have shown that Orimulsion behaves somewhat predictably in saltwater (33 ppt NaCl) and freshwater, driven by buoyancy to rise in saltwater and sink in freshwater, but behaviour in brackish water (20 ppt NaCl) is difficult to predict. Temperature has also been indicated as having an influence on Orimulsion behaviour. The current study extended experimentation to lower temperatures and a large number of salinity values, ranging from fresh to saltwater. This study resulted in information on the behaviour of Orimulsion spills in salt, fresh, and brackish water with salinity values ranging from 0.1 to 33 °/oo at temperatures of 5 and 15 °C. Depletion rates and characteristics were determined by adding Orimulsion to a 300-L tank of water, taking a time series of samples, and determining the concentration of bitumen and the particle size distribution. Changes in bitumen concentration and particle size distribution as a function of time were also measured. Resurfaced bitumen was scraped from the top of the tank and weighed to determine the amount rising. Using these data, simple equations were developed to describe and predict the concentration of bitumen in the water column as a function of time. Similarly, nomograms showing the amount of oil on the bottom and on the water surface are presented.
Sustainable Development and the US
Authors: Walker Ann H. , Warren Steven R. , Scholz Debra , Boyd John 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
In the late 1980s, the United Nations recognized that industrial activities of the 19th and 2(20th centuries were responsible for global pollution-related problems, and presented a future threat to life-sustaining qualities of the environment. While difficult to document in a perfectly quantifiable and defensible case, the evidence was sufficiently strong for the UN to create a global initiative for sustainable development. Many countries around the world now have institutionalized programs for sustainable development. Target projects and procedures to implement incremental changes in the way the natural elements necessary for life are sustained for their support of, and use by, future generations by managing growth and pollution are underway. The United States has a number of initiatives in various agencies that primarily consist of discrete government-government or government-industry partnerships. Nonetheless, the concept of sustainable development in the US remains ambiguous in terms of its widespread understanding and adoption by the public and private sectors, which are responsible for activities that can cause pollution, or indirectly affect the ability of the environment to sustain future human populations, lifestyles, and the economy. The US Environmental Protection Agency refers to some of its sustainable development initiatives as “Smart Growth” to more clearly and positively conveys the focus of these activities. It has been observed that sustainable development will not make a significant difference in the US, relative to the strides made in other countries, unless sustainable development programs become regulatory in nature. The US sustainable development initiatives are discretionary and essentially implemented according to the prevailing political will. Since the US economy is based on capitalism, and growth in profits is a pre-requisite to economic success, sustainable development programs will only be implemented if program managers in industry and government believe that these programs somehow tangibly benefit “the bottom line.” While exhibiting pioneering leadership in many areas, with regard to innovative and across-the-board programs for sustainable development, the US in fact may lag behind the rest of the world.