bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MANAGING RISKS DURING RESPONSE USING THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM TO MANAGE RISK AND IMPROVE SAFETY
Authors: de Bettencourt Michael 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Safety is often viewed as a separate and distinct aspect of incident response that is not directly tied to the development of strategies and tactics. Safety often becomes a function more oriented towards regulatory compliance than with the actual safety of the response workers. The Safety Officer ends up performing audits of field activities and conducting safety briefings without input to the decision making process. A Safety Officer functioning in this myopic way may satisfy the requirements of the safety laws and regulations, but may not contribute in a positive way to the reduction of risk to the responders.
By function, the Safety Officer is the risk manager for the response organization. The Safety Officer does not simply assure that the requisite safety briefings are carried out and evaluate safe practices in the field during operations, but also must help the spill management team weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various strategies and tactics before they are put into the Incident Action Plan. As the risk manager for the response, the Safety Officer must be intimately involved in the development of the strategies and tactics that ultimately become written assignments in the Incident Action Plan. While this may seem straight forward, the practical considerations of integrating risk management into the complexities of an accelerating planning process while working with the high energy personalities of a spill management team can make this task daunting.
This paper examines the role of the Safety Officer, emergency response risk management, and identifies methods to better integrate safety considerations into the planning process.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM STANDARDS FOR U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S OIL SPILL PROGRAM
Authors: Worley Ray , Keller Mark 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The Oil Program Center at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters is developing geographic information system (GIS) standards to aid EPA's 10 regions in developing and implementing GIS. GIS can support spill response, contingency planning, risk analysis, training and exercises, inspections and enforcement actions, reporting, incident analysis, cost recovery, and outreach. By developing and promoting standards, the Oil Program Center hopes to ensure that GIS development is targeted at the broadest practical user base and considers all aspects of EPA's oil program. In addition, GIS standards will promote consistency between EPA regions, promote data sharing, reduce duplication of effort, and focus attention on using GIS as an analytical tool rather than just as a mapping tool. The standards also may promote greater consistency between the Oil Program Center and other offices within EPA; for example, standards promote watershed-based analysis, which is consistent with other offices' use of watersheds as units of analysis. The standards address the following issues: Minimum essential data elements Data verification and accuracy standards Standard symbols and icons System design and data structure
Because the specific needs of regions differ, the GIS tools that they develop will reflect these differences. GIS data standards, however, will promote compatibility across the regions to facilitate collaboration and expand prevention, preparedness, response, and outreach capabilities.
PORT PARTNERSHIPS IN TAMPA BAY1
Authors: Buysse Beverly A. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
In August 1993, Tampa Bay, Florida was the scene of a devastating collision between a freighter and two barges. All three vessels came together in a moment of panic that left Tampa Bay looking like a war zone of burning and sinking wrecks. Parts of Tampa Bay were strewn with heavy fuel oil after the August 10 accident between the 345-foot Philippine-flagged freighter Balsa 37, which had been headed out of Tampa Bay, and two tug/barge units, Seafarer/Ocean 255 and Fred Bouchard B. No 155. This collision resulted in an explosion that burned out of control until the Tampa Fire Department extinguished it later that evening. Since the time of this collision, there have been major improvements made in firefighting response capabilities in the Tampa Bay area. The multi-level response community has been exercised extensively, including an exercise involving the evacuation of a cruise ship. Another exercise noted improvements to the response resources and capabilities in a field training exercise where the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO) Tampa, Tampa Fire Department, Tampa Port Authority, and Hvide Marine Towing deployed equipment to the scene of a simulated shipboard fire. The Tampa Port Authority supplied a 210-foot roll on-roll off (ro-ro) barge with a 78-foot beam capable of loading 73,230 pounds (32.1 long tons). The barge provided easy mobilization for the Tampa Fire Department to load four engine companies, a foam trailer, one Emergency Medical Service (EMS) vehicle, and all had sufficient room to work. Hvide Marine Towing provided a tug to deploy the ro-ro barge in a stern tow. This exercise demonstrated the joint cooperation and partnership between federal, state, city, and private industry to work together and improve the marine firefighting response posture in Tampa Bay.
With every level of government under budget constraints, it is important to look for multi-purpose equipment and resources that will get the job done. Tampa Port Authority's ro-ro barge has presented itself as a unique firefighting resource that can be used as a platform to carry the fire engines from the city or county. The barge can reach any part of the port quickly and can handle a vessel or waterfront situation, thus improving the marine firefighting response posture in the port.
VESSEL-BASED DISPERSANT APPLICATION: NEW APPROACHES, EQUIPMENT, AND LOGISTICS
Authors: Ross Sy , Belore Randy , Trudel Ken 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The paper consolidates the findings of a number of projects recently completed at S.L. Ross Environmental Research Ltd. that provide new information on dispersant use, particularly in the area of vessel-based application systems. Included are discussions of: (1) various advantages that vessel-based systems have over aircraft-based systems in certain spill situations; (2) comparison of application platforms over a range of spill scenarios; (3) recent research on single-nozzle dispersant application systems for use on vessels; and (4) a recent study showing the potential inefficiencies associated with the application of popular modern dispersants in diluted form.
APPLICATION OF DISPERSANTS TO MITIGATE OIL SPILLS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO: THE POSEIDON PIPELINE SPILL CASE STUDY
Authors: Stoermer Scott , Butler George , Henry Charlie 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The Poseidon Pipeline spill case study provides an excellent example of coordination within the Unified Command during response to an offshore oil spill where dispersants were used as the primary mitigation tool. Dispersants are an effective tool to mitigate oil spills if certain specific criteria are met, including an acceptable oil type, the application of dispersants is a preferred environmental trade-off to potential shoreline impacts, rapid approval is possible, and a dispersant delivery system is available. In the Gulf of Mexico, offshore pre-approval has been given to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) by the Regional Response Team (RRT). If the FOSC determines that the oil threatens sensitive coastal areas, he can grant approval quickly. As demonstrated in the Poseidon Pipeline spill case study, good field intelligence; accurate aerial observation information; close coordination between the responsible party (RP), state, FOSC, and their spill management teams; readily available dispersant application resources; and trained observers and monitoring teams are key elements to effective and environmentally beneficial dispersant applications.
SPILLS OF NONFLOATING OILS: FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE1
Authors: Michel Jacqueline , Spaulding Malcolm L. , Michel Keith , MacKinnon Malcolm , O'Brien James , Palmer Stephen 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The Committee on Marine Transportation of Heavy Oils was formed by the National Research Council's Marine Board, in response to a congressional mandate that requested the U.S. Coast Guard to assess the risk of spills of oil, which may sink or be negatively buoyant, and the ability to clean them up. The study was also to assess clean-up technologies and identify and appraise technological and financial barriers that may prevent the prompt response to such discharges. The specific objectives of the study were to: (1) assess the threats posed by the marine transportation of group V oils by characterizing the trade in such oils and, in general terms, the resources at risk; (2) assess the adequacy of cleanup technologies for spills of group V oils and recommend research needs to develop new technology, as appropriate; and (3) identify barriers to effective response and recommend technological, financial, or management measures that would prompt effective response to spills of group V oils. This paper presents an assessment of the principal barriers to the effective response to spills of nonfloating oils, and the committee's key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
IMPROVING THE SHORELINE ASSESSMENT PROCESS WITH NEW SCAT FORMS
Authors: Michel Jacqueline , Yender Ruth , Owens Edward H. , Sergy Gary , Martin R. D. , Tarpley John A. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The shoreline assessment process is an integral component of oil spill response, providing assistance in decision-making and documentation for shoreline cleanup. The process consists of developing cleanup recommendations and target cleanup endpoints, providing standard methods for conducting field surveys and collecting data, designing reporting activities, and setting procedures for shoreline inspection and post-treatment sign-off. Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Environment Canada have recently revised their guidance manuals and forms, making them more effective and consistent. New, third-generation, forms have been generated, including: (1) a standard shoreline assessment form, (2) a “short” form, (3) a tarball form, (4) a wetlands form, and (5) a revised sketch map base. Environment Canada has also generated a tidal flat form and variations of the basic forms for lakes, rivers, streams, arctic coasts, snow and ice, coral reefs, and mangroves. The changes have been made to remedy problems encountered with previous forms, particularly frequent failures by teams to properly record all of the required information; perceptions that the forms were too complex; the need for a good “short” form that meets immediate, operational demands in the face of extremely short time frames; and use of different forms by different groups.
The NRDA Process can be Timely and Productive for All
Authors: Latham Michael , Hoffman F. David , Martin Curtis 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
On August 24, 1998, there was an accidental hose failure at Tesoro Hawaii Corporation's (“Tesoro Hawaii” or “Tesoro”) single-point mooring (SPM) about a half mile off Barbers Point, near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The incident released approximately 117 barrels of bunker fuel. Immediate containment and clean up efforts were commenced, but on September 5, 1998, tarballs began to come ashore on Kauai. Shoreline impacts were observed between Kilauea Point to Makahuena Point on the eastern shore and between Makaha Point and Mana Point on the western shore of Kauai. To avoid the costs and delays associated with litigating resource damages that may have resulted from the release and any associated civil penalties, the Trustees and Tesoro Hawaii entered into a cooperative Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) protocol. The Trustees and Tesoro Hawaii conducted a phased approach focusing on injury determination and quantification using technical working groups (TWGs) composed of Trustee and Tesoro Hawaii representatives. Resource injuries considered were for seabirds, marine environment (opihi), marine mammals (Hawaiian monk seal), and human use. To expedite the process, it was agreed that time and money would best be spent identifying and scaling restoration projects. Coordination of effort was key to cost-effectiveness of the assessment and avoiding duplication of studies. The Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment were accomplished within two years, including public participation. Restoration actions were undertaken promptly following execution of the Consent Decree. One of the initiatives developed by this collaborative effort was a derelict net removal project (the “Project”). The Project met the goals of the Trustees by compensating for interim losses to shoreline, intertidal and subtidal habitats and the biota in those habitats and by addressing potential injury to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Learnings from the Texas Nearshore Dispersant Demonstration Project
Authors: Aurand Don , Clark James , Jamail Robin 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
This project defines circumstances where a dispersant demonstration might be considered for an estuarine oil spill in Texas. In seeking approval for a spill of opportunity demonstration project, we developed criteria defining a viable dispersant response for consideration by the Region VI Regional Response Team. This paper presents the criteria and their rationale developed for Galveston Bay and Corpus Christi Bay, along with the results of recent training exercises. The criteria define the size and general location of an oil spill that might be considered appropriate for a trial dispersant application, and implementation of response and monitoring within a 2-hour window from notification. They are based on descriptions and characterizations of the habitats and species at risk in coastal areas, concentration and duration of dispersed oil plumes that might be generated in a response, potential impacts of these exposures, and the environmental trade-off between implementing mechanical response and a dispersant response. Because the dilution potential is constrained in shallow water environments, spill size has significant impact on the magnitude and duration of potential exposure regimes for water column organisms. Spills of 250 bbls or less pose minimal concern for water column communities with potential net benefit to other coastal resources. The trade-offs were not so obvious for larger spills. The exposure regimes and potential impacts for water-column organisms that would be maximally exposed during a dispersant operation were compared to the exposures and potential impacts for organisms and habitats exposed to floating oil and oil stranded on shorelines, at levels that could result during a mechanical recovery operation. These potential impacts are compared on a spatial and temporal basis, and with consideration for potential rates of recovery.
Selecting Spill Response Options for Exploration Operations in Developing Regions
Authors: Russell Marcus 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The oil industry is continually seeking to identify new areas for exploration to increase its reserves. The major international oil companies are investing millions of dollars in ever more technologically advanced drilling programmes which will ensure future levels of production. In doing so the industry is increasingly moving into frontier regions to explore new development areas. The governments in these areas require the industry to plan and prepare for potential oil spill incidents. Issues for industry to consider include what level of response should be available to support exploration activities and what options are available to deliver this response. The aim of this paper is to review the potential risks associated with drilling operations during the exploration phase, set against a backdrop of legislation requirements and increasing environmental awareness. The paper will investigate the options for spill response during exploration operations and their respective benefits and limitations. The paper will also discuss the drivers in the decision making process for selecting which strategy is the most appropriate for each potential scenario
The Area Remediation Assessment Team Approach to Integrated Land Oil Spill Restoration
Authors: Castle Robert W. , Malamma Kevin D. , Ammann Michael J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Land oil spills can expose wide areas of land to contamination, particularly if they occur during periods of high floods. These open, rural areas are often used as agricultural or range land and can present difficult access issues. In terms of the overall response effort this can mean that assessment and remediation can be be difficult and costly. This presentation describes a procedure for a one step assessment, cleanup and restoration decision-making process that was developed in response to the 1995 Arroyo Pasajero pipeline oil spill in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Named the Area Remediation Assessment Team (ARAT) approach, it is similar to the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team (SCAT) concept, which was developed during the Exxon Valdez incident. Like SCAT, ARAT uses a standardized nomenclature and evaluation procedures that are implemented by stakeholder assessment teams. These teams and procedures are used to evaluate the nature and extent of contamination and identify appropriate response actions. ARAT, however, combines cleanup and restoration decision making into a single process.
Implementing a Geographic Information System as a Geographic Response Plan and Beyond…
Authors: Cooper Robert 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
In a continuous effort to improve oil spill management, the Ninth Coast Guard District is utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to integrate data, coordinate information, and implement actions with incident planning and response. During an incident, initial team goals are to minimize response times in order to more effectively bring resources to bear thus creating a more effective outcome, which reduce impacts and overall costs. The Ninth Coast Guard District's GIS system enables the user to make informed, quick decisions during an incident by diminishing the guesswork of the response action process. During the planning phase, and for specific areas, several objectives can be completed prior to the actual incident in order to assist in decision-making when an incident occurs. Some of these objectives include 1.) The integration of the Incident Command System,2.) Development of an Incident Action Plan, 3.) Pre-approved on-water and shoreline removal strategies, 4.) The use of Shoreline Pre-Impact Assessment Team (SPIAT) information. Finally, the GIS allows effective assimilation of field data and information as it becomes available thus providing the response team efforts with an accurate and up-to-the-minute picture of actual conditions. The Ninth Coast Guard District is continually conforming to and taking advantage of the latest technology offered. Our goal is to meet the ever-changing response methodologies and enhance the multifaceted resources available to the responder. Involvement from all stakeholders including federal, state, tribal, local and from the private sector undoubtedly helps drive a very effective environmental and economical response.
Decanting Tests at Ohmsett with and Without Emulsion Breakers1
Authors: Buist Ian , Potter Steve , Lewis Alun , Guarino Alan , Devitis Dave 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes a multi-year research program to address the decanting of water from oil spill fluids recovered by skimmers. The first series of tests, with two weir-type skimmers at Ohmsett, was conducted to study the rate and amount of free water separation that can be expected in temporary storage containers. The goal of this study was to predict the best time to decant water back into the boomed area and optimize the available onsite storage space. The results indicated that “primary break” (the initial separation of the recovered liquids) occurred within a few minutes to one hour, depending on the physical characteristics of the oil. Rapidly decanting this free water layer may offer immediate increases of 200 to 300% in available temporary storage volume. Initial oil concentrations in the decanted water also depended on the physical properties of the oil; they ranged from 100 to 3000 mg/L These declined by a factor of approximately 3 after one hour of settling, and by a factor of approximately 5 after one day. The second series of tests was undertaken to develop a more complete understanding of the use of emulsion breakers injected into an oil spill recovery system at both lab-scale (at SL Ross) and mid-scale (at Ohmsett). The experiments were designed to assess the injection/mixing/settling regimes required for optimum water-removal from a meso-stable water-in-oil emulsion with an oil spill demulsifier. The use of a demulsifier injected into a recovery system, combined with decanting, did substantially reduce the volume of water in temporary storage tanks and the water content of emulsions for disposal/recycling.
Oil Spills and Safety – Community Outreach and Education in Oil Spill Response
Authors: McCreery Scott , Myers Michael , White Anita 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
In the summer of 2001, an oil spill into the Strait of Georgia occurred from a tank vessel docked at the BP Cherry Point Refinery. The resultant sheen impacted approximately three miles of pristine beach. While the spill volume was relatively small, odors from the spill of mixed slop materials were strong enough to prompt several residents to evacuate their homes. In response to this experience, the BP Cherry Point Refinery developed a community outreach program focused on educating local residents about the nature of oil spills, including oil spill response and issues of public health and safety. Rooted in both research and past experience with risk communication, this approach provides a model for engaging local communities in educational efforts to ensure public health and safety in the event of a spill, and for addressing public perceptions regarding response effectiveness.
Integrated Spill Modeling for Impact Analysis
Authors: Bennett James F. , Johnson Walter R. , Marshall Charles F. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the potential use of computer models to estimate environmental impacts from oil spills. Computer simulation models for oil spills have long been used for risk analysis and have continually improved over the past few decades. Beyond risk analysis, however, these modeling tools could contribute to the estimation of the environmental impacts such as species mortality and shoreline contact. Proposed activities such as offshore oil and gas exploration and development can be analyzed using models that integrate spill-simulation capability with environmental resource and toxicological data.
To estimate the potential use and reasonableness of such models for oil-spill impact analysis, the authors have applied a commercially available state-of-the-art spill model using previously unavailable historical winds and currents data and spill events extracted from the oil-spill record for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). This is one of the first efforts to bring together such complete data sets for modeling effects on so broad a geographic and temporal scale. Such information is valuable in determining the reasonableness and appropriateness of model use for impact analysis of future exploration, development, and production activities.