Net Environmental Benefit Analysis Embedded Action Plan Development

Abstract

Abstract During a response to an oil spill the responsible party needs to develop Incident Action Plans that aim to minimise the environmental and socio-economic effects of the incident on the surrounding area. It is widely accepted that Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) and the Spill Impact Mitigation Assessment (SIMA) methodology should be considered before, during and after any spill response. However, during the initial response phase, actions are typically reactive. Decisions may therefore be based on the needs of the response, media or the local inhabitants rather than the long-term benefits to the affected area. But how can we confirm that when the strategies and tactics are developed NEBA/SIMA is taken into account? To ensure that all response options chosen have considered NEBA/SIMA, especially during the initial stages of a response, it should be embedded into the action plan development process. This will also capture the decision-making process for the strategy and tactical plan development as evidence. This paper explores where an Incident Management System (IMS) could be amended to ensure that NEBA/SIMA is integrated into decision making. This should guarantee that NEBA/SIMA is always considered in determining the correct response operations that capitalize on the net environmental benefits for the response. The process will follow the IPIECA/IOPG good practice guidelines for incident management implementation of IMS and contest the existing formal processes found in Incident Command System (ICS).