bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tidal Flat and Sand Beach Remediation: Choosing Remediation Techniques to Speed Ecological Recovery of Habitats Still Impacted 20 Years after the Gulf War Oil Spill
Authors: Minter Thomas G. , Hale Jason A. , Cormack Christopher D. , Cotsapas Linos , Michel Jacqueline 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
After nearly 20 years of limited natural recovery following the Gulf War oil spill, surveys were conducted in 2009-2010 to identify where oil has persisted and ecological recovery has been slow along the Arabian Gulf coastline of Saudi Arabia. In 2011-2013, large-scale remediation projects were executed on 3 locations totaling 155 hectares of tidal flats and sand beaches to speed ecological recovery. Targeted remediation techniques were used as tools to meet the following goals: 1) increase suitable habitat for grazers and burrowing infauna; 2) reduce total petroleum hydrocarbon levels; and 3) improve physical processes (drainage) and reduce associated stressors such as ponding. Three principal techniques were developed and utilized along sheltered and moderately exposed tidal flats: 1) tilling of oiled sediments using tines (rake) or disc harrow attachment, followed by manual removal of remaining surface oil; 2) complete physical removal and disposal of the surface or cohesive subsurface oiling layers; and 3) tilling areas contained within berms while flooded to liberate liquid oil that was subsequently recovered by skimming/vacuuming. The first technique was considered appropriate when there was a well-defined gradient between hardened surface oiling and lightly oiled subsurface sediments, within sandy tidal flats, and where sediment conservation was a priority. This technique resulted in 20% additional oiled surface residue cover, which was removed manually. Resulting sediment loss was minimal. Goals 1, 2 and 3 were met. The second technique was preferred when there was a dry cohesive oiled layer either on the surface or beneath a layer of clean sand and where sediment conservation was not a priority. Excavation of oiled sediments resulted in high sediment loss by physical removal; however, goals 1 and 2 were clearly achieved. Additional re-grading including possible sediment replacement was required to achieve goal 3. The third technique was considered the optimal method when there was a high level of subsurface liquid oiling within tidal flats, and if sediment conservation was a priority. Goal 1 was achieved by breaking up surface barriers. To achieve goals 2 and 3, multiple tilling passes were required to liberate and remove liquid oil. Monitoring results show that while oil levels varied across remediated sites, a trend in reduction was common throughout. Short- and long-term ecological responses are being monitored.
TROPICS: 30-year Follow-up and Analysis of Mangroves, Invertebrates, and Hydrocarbons
Authors: Baca Bart , Rosch Eric , DeMicco Erik D. , Schuler Paul A. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
TROPICS (TRopical Oil Pollution Investigations in Coastal Systems) has been the seminal study on trade-offs for Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) for dispersant use in tropical ecosystems. The study began in 1983/84 with the identification of suitable tropical island sites in Bahia Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Panama that contained mangrove, seagrass and coral habitats in close enough proximity to establish three 30m X 30m test sites. Controlled releases of Prudhoe Bay crude oil (dosed at 1L/m2) and Prudhoe Bay crude oil pre-dispersed with Corexit 9527 (to maintain 50 ppm water soluble fraction), were introduced into the Non- dispersed oil (Site O) and the Dispersed oil (Site D) sites, respectively, for 48 hours. A nearby Reference site (Site R) was not treated with oil/dispersed oil. Treatments were designed to simulate a realistic oil spill in adjoining mangrove, seagrass, and coral habitats.
Following exposure and removal of oil, sites were studied periodically over 30 years for relative effects of dispersed and non-dispersed oil in coral, seagrass, mangrove, and invertebrate populations, as well as hydrocarbon presence. Early research focused on short- and mid-term effects compared to the Reference site (R), while later work focused on long-term effects and ecosystem recovery. In general, researchers found that Site O exhibited more overall long-term ecosystem disruption than Site D, and that Site D had recovered quickly to Site R and baseline levels.
In November 2013 (29 years after oil and dispersed oil exposure), the TROPICS sites were re-visited under a grant provided by Clean Caribbean & Americas. Researchers collected data on mangroves, mangrove invertebrates, and hydrocarbons. The density of mangrove trees at Site D had remained at Site R and baseline levels. Site O, which had experienced early die off of trees, followed by peak production at 10 years (far in excess of Site R and baseline levels), exhibited a decline dominated by small trees. Mangrove snails and oysters increased sharply at Site O after the spill, but declined over 10-20 years. Sites D and R maintained gradual invertebrate increases during this time.
This paper focuses on research from the November 2013 visit and draws on previous observations and TROPICS papers on overall ecosystem disruption and recovery as it pertains to the NEBA for nearshore dispersant use in tropical marine ecosystems.
Addressing the Uncertainty and Requirements for Oil Spill Response Consultations
Authors: Benggio Bradford , Scholz Debra , Anderson Dave , Dillon Joseph , Masson Greg , Nelson Lindy , Odess Daniel , Petras Elizabeth 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
In the United States (U.S.), oil spill response planning, preparedness, and response requirements are dictated primarily by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, a regulation that implements the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Clean Water Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. At the planning stage, these regulations require the development of national, regional, and local response capabilities and promote overall coordination among responders. During a spill, these capabilities are utilized by the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) to analyze whether response actions are likely to impact protected resources. The consultation process required under Federal statutes, charges the FOSC to consult with Federal, state, Tribal entities, and other Federal agencies to determine potential effects of response actions during an incident and to develop strategies to avoid, minimize, and mitigate those effects (40 CFR § 300.135(j); § 300.305(e); and § 300.322(a), 1994). Consultations should continue until response operations are concluded and may continue after operations are complete.
Four key regulatory mandates that require an FOSC to initiate consultation during a response include:Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended requires consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on federally listed species and designated critical habitats;Magnuson-Stevens Act requires consultation with NMFS on any action that may affect Essential Fish Habitats;National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended requires Federal agencies to consult with states, federally recognized tribes, and other stakeholders on potential impacts to historic and cultural resources; andTribal Consultations under Executive Order 13175 – Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments when federally recognized Indian Tribes and their interests are affected by a response.
Consultation is also required under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act when Native American burial sites, human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or items of cultural patrimony are identified on Federal or Tribal lands during a response and no pre-consultation plan of action has been developed.1
Consultation requirements are not universally understood, leading to uncertainty and inconsistencies across the response community and Trustees regarding when to initiate and how to conduct the consultations. This paper discusses the Federal consultation requirements and identifies areas of possible uncertainties in the consultation process throughout the pre-spill planning, response, and post-response phases of an incident. This paper will suggest resolutions and recommendations to further enhance the consultation process by the Federal spill response decision-makers and planning bodies.
Ecological Connectivity in Northeastern Gulf of Mexico – The Deep-C Initiative
Authors: Coleman Felicia C. , Chanton Jeffrey P. , Chassignet Eric P. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe Deepwater Horizon blowout injected massive quantities of carbon in the form of crude oil and gas into the otherwise oligotrophic northeastern Gulf of Mexico. This sudden and unprecedented event dramatically affected ecosystem function, reverberating throughout the physical, chemical, and biological realms. Characterizing the acute and chronic effects of the spill set the stage for the Deep-C Consortium's focus on the geomorphologic, hydrologic, and biogeochemical settings that influence the distribution and fate of oil and its impact on the ecology in the region. Detecting the chemical constituents of oil and the decay rates and by-products of biodegradation has enhanced our qualitative and quantitative accounting of “missing” oil and allowed the assessment of the sensitivity of marine organisms to specific compounds. The delayed response of oil-eating microbes created lags in carbon biodegradation that allowed ecological damage to occur. Microbes themselves appear to serve as conduits delivering petroleum-based carbon to marine food webs. While this carbon appears at the other end of the trophic spectrum — in deep-sea animals either actually or virtually unknown to science — the levels measured in their tissues are relatively low, which begs the question, “Does oil exposure affect their life history and general health?” To address this question and predict the long-term ecological effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we are incorporating historical and newly-derived data into linked food web-earth system models that can forecast how spills impact ecological and economic communities, including human health. This approach also provides a powerful tool for identifying data gaps that require our attention, and assessing the influences of hydrocarbon releases on biological productivity in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.
ADVANCEMENTS IN UNDERWATER OIL DETECTION AND RECOVERY TECHNIQUES
Authors: Elliott James E. , DeVilbiss David 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
The marine salvage and commercial diving industries have increasingly been sought out to prevent oil spills from submerged shipwrecks, and to detect and recover spilled oil below the surface once a subsea spill occurs. In recent years, underwater oil recovery techniques have advanced from predominantly surface-supplied diver installed vacuum or pumping systems in relatively shallow waters to the use of saturation diving systems and remotely operated vehicles at greater depths. Underwater oil detection technologies have advanced permitting the detection of spilled oil in the water column, on the bottom and in the subsurface. For oil trapped within a sunken shipwreck, neutron backscatter technology has been successfully applied to locate oil inside the ship. Additionally, the International Maritime Organization, U.S. Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have published regulations, guidance and studies in the past five years in an effort to improve submerged oil detection and recovery operations. This technical paper will provide an overview of the regulatory framework, basics of underwater oil spill response operations and an analysis of recent technological advances available to detect and recover oil at depth. Multi-beam sonar, real-time mass spectrometry, saturation diving systems, diver-operated recovery systems, and remotely operated vehicle systems will be discussed. Recent case studies will frame the presentation of advances in subsea oil detection and recovery equipment. Finally, conclusions and recommendations will be presented to further advance submerged oil detection and recovery efficiency and effectiveness.
Incorporating Well Control Support Functions into a Broader Oil Spill Response Organization
Authors: Schnapp Kelly Lynn , Leonard Joseph , Drieu Michael , Rogers Bryan 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
This paper seeks to better prepare the oil spill response community for incorporating well control into a response organization, based on conditional considerations rather than long and firmly held assumptions. Techniques used to control a well, after a blowout, are more closely related to technical well drilling and control activities rather than to operations intended to address oil in the environment. When oil is released from a well in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), response organizers need to consider various factors influencing the organization that may exist at the time. These include a working knowledge of well control by response leadership; strength of responder relationships; and response complexity (to include authority, stakeholder and public expectations). This is particularly true when incorporating the well control support function in the oil spill response operational planning processes, usually facilitated by the Incident Command System (ICS). Within the last three years, complex well control operations were uniquely incorporated into response organizations during two Government Initiated Unannounced Exercises (GIUEs) and during the DEEPWATER HORIZON incident. Three options will be presented. Considerations for incorporating well control into a response organization will be presented using the case studies noted previously and by comparing similar lessons learned from the salvage industry in the late 1990's. Options presented help demonstrate that response organization flexibility is key to a successful response. This paper seeks to illuminate options surrounding placement of well control within an incident command structure based upon unique incident situational realities.
TIDAL INLET PROTECTION STRATEGIES (TIPS) FIELD GUIDE FOR SHORELINE PROTECTION
Authors: Owens Edward H. , Castle Robert W. , FitzGerald Duncan M. , Dubach Helen (Chapman) 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Tidal inlets are complex systems that provide pathways for oil to enter sheltered and typically environmentally sensitive bays, tidal flats, and wetland complexes. Because of their dynamic nature, attempts to protect these features from oil spills have not always been successful historically, often due to a lack of understanding of how the inlet system operates and where protective actions may be practical. This Field Guide has been prepared to assist oil spill planners and responders to better understand how tidal inlets function and where conditions may exist that permit control actions.
Improving understanding of how tidal inlets work can help ensure that realistic expectations and appropriate tactics and equipment are available for deployment locations where they have some potential for success. During a response operation, the Field Guide can be used to ensure that available resources are put to best use and that decision makers select practical strategies based on the environmental conditions at the time. The Field Guide provides separate stepwise approaches for preplanning activities and for response decisions.
Environmental Damage Liability Regimes Concerning Oil Spills - A Global Review and Comparison
Authors: Goldsmith Barbara J. , Waikem Tara K. , Franey Tara 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTRecently, there have been a number of key developments related to oil spill-related liability worldwide. These developments include: the recent expansion of damages under the European Union Environmental Liability Directive to all marine water; proposed changes to the Canadian offshore oil legislation that would allow for the specific recovery of environmental damages; implementation of US legislation which directs recovered funds from an oil spill to be used in the affected area; and more. This paper will identify and describe the various environmental liability regimes in different regions of the world which contain requirements for the restoration of natural resources affected by these incidents. The paper also will highlight similarities and differences among these regimes, as well as some of the synergies in actual practice. In addition, and to the extent possible, the paper will provide some of the lessons learned and best practices relative to the determining environmental damage liability under the different regimes.
Optimizing the value of near misses in wildlife response preparedness: The Kulluk Incident
Authors: Clumpner Curt , Callahan Barbara 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Mitigating the impact of an oil spill on wildlife is one of the stated priorities in nearly every oil spill. Wildlife in some way is regularly included in drills and exercises in many places around the world. While planning, training, and exercising are critical to wildlife preparedness, responders know that nothing compares to real world experience. In many spills and near miss situations, the Wildlife Branch is not activated until after there are documented wildlife impacts. Most incident management teams will only bring in professional oiled wildlife responders when oiling of wildlife has occurred or is imminent. During the December 2013 response to the Kulluk Tow Incident, a small Wildlife Branch was activated as an integral part of the Incident Command structure put in place. The Wildlife Branch proceeded to provide a detailed plan for an active response, if one was needed. Over the next week, while the rig grounded, refloated and finally towed to a place of refuge, the Wildlife Branch, working with the Environmental Unit, developed a wildlife plan that identified the resources at risk, the wildlife response options and the personnel, equipment and facilities that would be needed if oil were to be released. The Alaska Wildlife Response Center was prepared for activation, wildlife responder's availability, and travel time was documented and incident specific equipment gaps were identified and sourced. Additionally, specific incident plans were developed for hazing (bird deterrence), solid waste and wastewater that stood ready for implementation. While Alaska has a robust preparedness and exercise program, the quick decision by Shell and the Unified Command to ensure wildlife response was in place, if needed, provided a real test of the oiled wildlife response system with all the problems, challenges and changing parameters of a real event. It added real value by showing the public and trustees the importance that was placed on wildlife protection as well as by increasing integration, confidence and teamwork in the Alaskan response community.
A Collaborative Effort to Define the Application, Approval, and Monitoring Process for Subsea Dispersant Use
Authors: Coelho Gina , Drieu Michael , Staves James , Twomey Patrick , Walker Samuel 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Since the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) well control incident in 2010, oil and gas operators have worked diligently with Federal and State government officials and source control management organizations to develop equipment, operating procedures, monitoring plans and new technologies to support subsea dispersant operations. Many drilling permits in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico include a subsea dispersant injection capability in their oil spill response contingency plans. These contingency plans are frequently tested during command post or functional exercises to demonstrate preparedness.
A critical step in this type of well control event is requesting governmental approval for subsea dispersant use. Although several years have elapsed since the DWH incident, the use of subsea dispersants has not been formally approved during an exercise despite industry demonstrating the capability of implementing subsea dispersant operations. The API D3 Joint Industry Task Force (JITF) Subsea Dispersant project has worked with Clean Gulf Associates, Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC), Helix Well Control Group (HWCG) and both Gulf Regional Response Teams to develop and improve the API recommended model subsea dispersant monitoring plan, and standardized documents that can be used for requesting RRT concurrence for subsea dispersant use. As these documents have evolved in response to lessons learned from industry led exercises over the last three years, the API D3 JITF has also worked to identify and test emerging monitoring technologies available to support subsea dispersant use. Recent advancements include the new LISST-DEEP instrument for in situ droplet size analysis at depth and pressure, and improvements to optical dissolved oxygen probe technology.
The Region VI Regional Response Team (RRT) has also begun a process to improve clarity on approval request procedures, and has tasked its Industry Work Group (IWG) with developing standardized forms and documents that could be used to request RRT concurrence with subsea dispersant use decisions. The IWG will coordinate with the API D3 JITF in developing those products. This paper will discuss the results of those efforts and present a recommended RRT concurrence request submittal package, which will include the API recommended model subsea dispersant monitoring plan, monitoring equipment recommendations, and operational plans with injection equipment recommendations.
A Field Evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Oil Spill Response
Authors: Parscal Brian , Ziska Matt , Williams Jeff 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
A key component of any oil spill response operation is the ability to identify and describe the characteristics of the spill and ultimately direct the resources necessary for clean up. Currently, this task is primarily performed by trained personnel in manned aircraft. With the recent advances in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) it may be possible to obtain the same high quality field reports and provide detailed guidance for surface assets without the high cost and risk associated with manned flight.
In early March 2013 a group of interested parties convened in Astoria, Oregon to evaluate the feasibility of using a UAS as an observation, documentation, and control platform in an oil spill response environment. The test was conducted over three days and included participants from Chevron Shipping, AeroVironment, University of Alaska, and a wide variety of Oil Spill Response organizations. Operations were based out of the Clatsop Community College MERTS campus near Astoria, Oregon with flight operations conducted from a 34 ft vessel near Rice Island and Grassy Island on the lower Columbia River.
The investigative team included a trained oil spill Aerial Observer, a UAS Technical Team, and an Oil Industry Environmental Compliance Manager. The primary goal of the test was to evaluate the feasibility of UAS technology as an oil spill response tool. The exercise not only provided an opportunity for the Oil Spill Response community to evaluate first-hand the technical and operational capabilities of the Unmanned Aircraft System, but it also helped introduce the UAS industry to the requirements and expectations of the Oil Spill Response community.