OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT COORDINATION IN BERMUDA: A SUCCESSFUL MODEL

Abstract

ABSTRACT A complete oil spill contingency plan has been developed together with environmental sensitivity maps, a damage risk assessment, and a scientific support coordination plan. The contingency plan details the notification and mobilization of key personnel and equipment during the initial phases of a marine pollution incident. It sets out a pre-planned course of action and, depending on the magnitude of the incident, calls for the orderly involvement of communication networks and various governmental agencies including marine police, marine ports, fisheries, the police, fire department and the regiment, all of which are coordinated by the on-scene coordinator and his command team. Environmental sensitivity maps have been developed to streamline decision making by the command team by identifying priority areas that require maximum effort for protection, cleanup, and conservation. The system ranks 15 coastal environments on a sensitivity scale of 1 to 10 with respect to the expected persistence of hazardous material spills (such as oil) along the coastline. The index is based on the geomorphology of the area, coastal processes, and the amount of physical energy to which the coastline is subjected. The maps also identify pertinent political and socioeconomic resources and areas of ecological significance. Water depths, current velocities, and distances across inlets are indicated for deployment of containment booms. In addition, under a Scientific Support Response Plan all scientific activity during the pollution incident is coordinated and documented. The plan sets up the orderly flow of scientific information to the command team and coordinates an organized sampling protocol including documentation and proper “chain of custody” of environmental samples. This system, coupled with an analytical detection unit, has resulted in convictions for more than 22 minor oil pollution incidents in Bermuda.