THE MASSACHUSETTS OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLANNING PROGRAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since August 1979, Massachusetts has been involved in a unique oil spill contingency planning program. This program, which is funded through the Coastal Energy Impact Program, involves three phases. Phase I entails the development of regional contingency plans. These plans, like others produced on larger and smaller scales, will include such information as the location of oil spill response equipment, the identification of Highly Vulnerable Areas (HVAs), including specific protection strategies and the identification of local personnel-either Harbormasters, shellfish officers, or firefighting personnel-available for a limited local response to any oil spill. Phase II of the program involves training these local personnel in the basics of oil spill control. The training will emphasize hands-on deployment of boom under various weather and sea conditions and in various natural environments. The training course will be based at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, will last for 3.5 days and will accommodate 12 to 15 students at each 3.5-day session. Phase III, which will not be realized until contingency plans are printed and local personnel trained, involves the purchase of oil spill containment equipment for local use. Although a definite funding source has yet to be identified, legislation establishing a minimal per-barrel coastal oil transfer tax has been filed and will be considered by the state legislature in the near future. The Massachusetts Oil Spill Contingency Planning Program is currently being implemented in Dukes, Nantucket, and Barnstable Counties. Over the next 2 years, the program will be expanded to include the entire Massachusetts coast, excluding Boston Harbor.