OILMAP and ArcGIS provide qualitative validation of USCG Sector Geographic Response Strategies

Abstract

Abstract With the promulgation of the Coast Guard's requirement for Geographic Response Strategies (GRS) Tiered Validation levels, oil spill modeling transitioned from being a reactive tool to a predictive instrument that can guide the placement of limited mission critical resources (boom, boats, personnel, skimmers, etc.) based on threats from current or forecasted operations. In collaboration with the RPS Group, the Coast Guard's Sector Delaware Bay and District Five, members of the Coast Guard Academy employed the OILMAP Oil Spill Modelling Program with ArcGIS to test and validate operational Area Contingency Plan's (ACP) Geographic Response Strategies (GRS). OILMAP is a rapid and effective modelling system that allows for accurate observation of oil movement and weathering. The scenarios were manipulated to effectively test the booming strategies currently in place and worst-case winds at 5 and 10 knots were utilized. The project also identified discrepancies with projected strategies due to changes in the environment. In subsequent studies, the OILMAP output layers of shoreline oiling and oil particle location were combined with the publicly available Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) shoreline data to quantify the impact of booming strategies. The success observed in both the qualitative and quantitative analysis show great promise in the future of establishing a methodology to optimize booming strategies based on data-driven scenarios tailored to each unique spill, season and weather condition.