DISPERSANT USE GUIDELINES FOR FEDERAL REGIONS IX AND X

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Regional Response Teams in California, Oregon, and Washington have attempted to deal with the problem of providing rapid approval or denial of dispersant use requests during a major spill event. Realizing that the On-Scene Coordinator must act quickly in order for the dispersants to be effective, the RRT undertook a program to develop a system that would allow for approval or denial within four hours. The Regional Response Teams in Standard Federal Regions IX and X developed and implemented Dispersant Use Guidelines, from 1978 to the present, to enhance the regions’ capability to respond rapidly to requests for approval of dispersant use. The physical, chemical, and biological parameters associated with spilled oil and dispersants are evaluated in this procedure. A decision to use dispersants is based on balancing the possible contamination of the environment with other factors. Damages expected from spills not treated with dispersants are compared to damages which would be expected if the oil were successfully treated. The objective is to minimize the impact of spilled oil on natural resources. This paper summarizes the progress of two Regional Response teams in responding to the questions of dispersant use, reviewing dispersant guidelines, and recommending minimum standards for documentation. The procedure involves the interaction and cooperation of the several agencies, and promotes the timely use of knowledge and information.