DEVELOPMENT OF A DISPERSANT DOCTRINE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Abstract

ABSTRACT To minimize the environmental damage caused by catastrophic oil spills, the response community must work together to keep spilled oil from impacting sensitive areas and natural resources. Since no response method is 100% effective, it is essential to consider the use of all available cleanup methods simultaneously. Preapproval for the use of dispersants by on-scene coordinators (OSCs) is necessary to maximize the benefits of dispersant application in a major coastal oil spill, and such preapproval is the responsibility of federal and state agencies. Over the past several years, the petrochemical industry, the response community, and the Region VI Regional Response Team (RRT VI)1 have studied the efficacy of various cleanup technologies. On the basis of their findings, in January 1995 RRT VI gave OSCs authority to use dispersants off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana under specific conditions. This was a significant shift from past philosophies, under which OSCs relied almost exclusively on mechanical recovery methods. Concurrently, industry has developed reliable and dedicated resources for the aerial application of dispersants in the Gulf of Mexico and has strategically located stockpiles of dispersants throughout the Gulf region. Delivery aircraft and trained controllers have been retained by industry to maintain a readiness and response posture that will maximize the effectiveness of an aerial application.