Assessment of Potential Oil Spill Recovery Capabilities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Clean Coastal Waters, Inc. (CCW) is an oil industry funded Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) whose capabilities have been classified by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of California. The current method of rating response equipment does not provide for insightful management of the organization's mechanical recovery equipment. CCW has therefore utilized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Mechanical Equipment Calculator™ (MEC) to provide an alternative assessment of CCW's oil spill recovery capability. The MEC provides a more realistic view of spill recovery capability and it allows for manipulation of recovery system components to maximize their effectiveness. A major objective of this assessment was to examine each system's performance using realistic oil slick conditions. Three representative oil slick conditions, ranging from light to heavy concentrations, were selected as input for the computerized simulation and evaluation of each recovery system's potential performance. The relative contribution of each system was examined under real-world conditions including actual times for notification, mobilization, transit, recovery and offloading of recovered oil and water. A secondary objective of the assessment was to investigate methods by which each system's recovery rate could be enhanced while operating in open water with widespread slick conditions representing as little as a barrel of oil per acre (i.e., with average oil thicknesses of a few hundredths of a millimeter). This investigation indicated the need for several changes to the CCW equipment inventory in order to maximize system performance. Clean Coastal Waters is currently experimenting with real-world application of these enhancements and has already incorporated several important modifications into its recovery systems. Such modifications include: the matching of onboard pumps with expected oil encounter rates; the adjustment of system swaths to better utilize potential recovery capabilities; and, the inclusion of multiple, secondary storage units at key locations for improved overall performance. The third objective of the assessment was to evaluate the utility and effectiveness of the MEC. The MEC was determined to be an effective tool for characterization, evaluation and management of response capabilities. CCW will continue to use the MEC to assist its member companies in managing recovery systems during training, exercises, and actual spill response activities.