Spill Response Plan Research Articles

AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLAN FOR THE HUMBER ESTUARY, UNITED KINGDOM

ABSTRACT The Humber is one of Britain's major estuaries, the water catchment area being some 20 percent of England, including a major proportion of British industrial activity. Despite this the Humber is not severely polluted, indeed large areas of the shoreline are designated sites of scientific interest while other areas are nature reserves. The extensive mudflats and salt marsh areas within the Humber estuary are of international importance for a number of bird species, particularly during the winter months. In addition there are areas of high amenity value. Two main oil terminals are operated within the estuary, the Tetney Monobuoy and the Immingham Oil Terminal. Both receive crude oil from tankers while the latter exports petroleum products. Both these sites are potential sources of oil spills, as was highlighted by the Sivand incident in September 1983. The paper identifies the sensitive areas of the Humber in terms of biological and amenity/commerical values, to produce an environmental contingency/oil spill response plan. The basis of the plan was to obtain samples for the assessment of sediment chemistry and biology if an incident occurred, prior to oil beaching, with a view to updating the present data base. The updated assessment can then be used to produce a detailed appraisal of any damage to the Humber environment. The paper includes an overview of the response plan structure.

THE VALUE OF NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLANS UNDER ACTUAL SPILL CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT Since 1979 the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has cooperated with other resource agencies to develop plans to protect natural resources from oil spills. At present, protection plans have been completed for each of Oregon's three major deepwater estuaries. Recent large spills in two of the three planning areas have given the state an excellent opportunity to evaluate the usefulness of these plans. Although the two incidents were very different, the protection plans proved to be highly valuable in both situations for similar reasons. First, standardized maps showing resources greatly facilitated communications and response activities. Second, agreed-upon protection responses had been identified for important sensitive resources, allowing decisions to be made smoothly without lengthy interagency discussions. Finally, information in the plans provided a sound basis for predicting spill movement and resource impacts to arrange appropriate protection and cleanup measures. The people and agencies involved in both spill responses found the plans invaluable not only during the initial crises but throughout the entire response effort. The State of Oregon intends to proceed with further planning to update and refine present plans and develop spill response plans for other coastal areas.

RESULTS OF A FULL-SCALE SURPRISE TEST OF SUN'S MAJOR SPILL RESPONSE PLAN

ABSTRACT Sun Transport, the Marine division of Sun Refining and Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Sun Company, Inc., has conducted a series of drills to assess the effectiveness of its Oil Spill Response Plan. The latest drill, third in the series, was conducted in September 1982. Papers presented at the 1979, 1981, and 1983 Oil Spill Conference describe the plan, its rationale, and the previous two drills. This paper reviews the training progression of the previous exercises and reports on the findings and experiences of this latest exercise. As in previous drills, the planning committee and a few others were the only people in Sun Company with any prior knowledge of the drill. This simulation was the most extensive. It involved simultaneous and separate call-out scenarios, full-scale use of contractor cleanup crew and equipment, chartering aircraft, and participation by representatives of the Clean Caribbean Cooperative, the Tanker Owners Voluntary Agreement Concerning Liability for Oil Pollution (TOVALOP), and the U.S. Coast Guard. The realism provided by this exercise allowed each participant to experience firsthand the problems on-scene at a major cleanup operation and to come away with confidence in managing them.

RESOURCE MAPPING AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING, PTP PIPELINE FACILITIES, PANAMA

ABSTRACT The facilities of the PTP (PetroTerminal de Panama) consist of an 80 mile long, 36 inch pipeline and two marine terminals. The Pacific facility consists of three shore-based terminals to handle tankers from Valdez, Alaska. The Atlantic terminal contains two single-point moorings to load tankers destined for U.S. ports along the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to the opening of the pipeline, the government of Panama contracted for a series of studies designed to better understand the shoreline sensitivity, marine resources, archaeology, and limnology along the pipeline route and adjacent to each terminal. Results of the shoreline sensitivity analysis indicate that, by far, the Atlantic terminal in the Laguna de Chiriqui is the most sensitive and likely to be damaged during a spill. The laguna has almost no tides, is relatively stagnant, and is dominated by mangroves (51 percent of the total shoreline). In contrast, the Pacific terminal contains much higher tides and currents and fewer mangroves [44 percent of the total shoreline, but less than 5 percent within 30 miles of the terminal]. In response to environmental concerns and greatly supported and advised by the pipeline user companies, PTP completed a workable spill-response plan, developed along three fronts: the active and continuing purchase of spill-response equipment for use at the marine facilities as well as in fast-moving streams; the creation of specially trained spill-response teams; and the delegation of clear lines of authority for both land and marine spills. The interrelated roles played by Panamanians, the people of PTP, and the pipeline user companies provide an example of how different groups can cooperatively work together to protect the environment and still maintain financially advantageous, oil-related projects in a lesser-developed country.

METHOD FOR RANKING BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING1

ABSTRACT A method for identifying and ranking biologically important geographic areas in spill response planning is described. Although this project was conducted to minimize environmental risks due to accidental spillage from the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), the methodology is widely applicable. The method has three important characteristics: it is driven by the existing information base and easily updated, applicable to all coastal and aquatic environments, and capable of producing a list of priorities within a specific spill response planning area. The rationale of selecting ranking units and ranking criteria is presented. Habitat was selected as the best available ranking unit for oil spill response planning. “Habitat” is defined, and the attributes of habitats that make them useful analytical units are described. The ranking criteria selected (habitat recovery, persistence of oil, cleanup damage, important species supported, and habitat rarity) are defined and their evaluation explained. An application of the method is described for the LOOP spill response planning area. Habitats are identified and delineated, and values are assigned to the ranking criteria. The resultant habitat ranking is presented with recommendations for the incorporation of this analysis into a comprehensive oil spill contingency plan using a computerized geographic information system.

OIL SPILL PROTECTION PLANNING FOR NATURAL RESOURCES IN OREGON

ABSTRACT A series of oil spill protection plans for natural resources has been developed for high priority areas in Oregon. This series was begun following the Toyota Maru No. 10 oil spill in the Columbia River in 1978 and has continued to the present. The plans are designed for use by the on-scene coordinator, special forces, and advisory agencies. Oil spill protection plans for the lower Columbia and Willamette rivers and the Yaquina Bay estuary are completed, and plans are being developed for the Coos Bay estuary. Each area contains high priority natural resource areas. These include National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters, estuarine sanctuary lands and waters, critical habitats for endangered species, and spawning or breeding areas for fish and migratory birds. Considerations for access, water intakes, and commercial interests are included in the plans. The method of developing the plans for the three areas is discussed in detail. The process involves locating known vulnerable areas on a series of resource maps, describing the resources and their seasonal vulnerabilities on descriptive charts, and suggesting boom locations, oil containment sites, and access points on protective maps. Resource protection and response is analyzed, and recommendations for improving the process are included for future use by the agencies involved in pollution response and resource management. The level of interagency cooperation necessary for both spill response and detailed resource protection planning is identified. The practical value of this approach to resource protection and contingency planning is discussed.

MIRG ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT: AN OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING TOOL FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO

ABSTRACT Several companies involved in the marine transportation of petroleum in the Gulf of Mexico have established the Marine Industry Group (MIRG). MIRG has funded two oil spill contingency planning information projects for the Gulf of Mexico. The Resources and Logistics Element identifies the location and accessibility of cleanup equipment in the area of interest. The Environmental Element describes Gulf of Mexico environments, identifies biologically and socioeconomically sensitive areas, and includes countermeasure considerations. This paper examines the environmental element of the MIRG project. The purpose of this element is to provide environmental information on the Gulf of Mexico coastline in a form that can easily be used during an oil spill emergency. The information covers both U.S. and Mexican nearshore waters and coastal areas and is specific enough to provide meaningful guidance to spill response personnel. The environmental element is divided into two volumes. Volume I is an environmental overview of the Gulf of Mexico, including physical processes that influence the movement of spilled oil, a description of Gulf of Mexico environments, an analysis of possible spill impacts, and spill cleanup considerations for each type of environment. Volume II is divided into regional sections. Each section includes overview maps of the area covered, detailed maps of identified sensitive areas, and accompanying data sheets which include reasons for sensitivity, access and possible launch points for equipment, and countermeasure considerations. These volumes are designed to function as field manuals during spills as well as reference documents for spill response planning.

THE HASBAH 6 (SAUDI ARABIA) BLOWOUT: THE EFFECTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL OIL SPILL AS EXPERIENCED IN QATAR

ABSTRACT An oil well blowout in the Gulf lasted only eight days; however, the resultant oil spill threatened neighboring coasts for as long as two months. On windy days, nearly neutrally buoyant oil slicks approaching the Qatar coasts seemed to disappear, but they soon surfaced again whenever the weather improved. Qatar, suddenly faced with a very unusual spill, did not have an oil spill response plan. Throughout the emergency, therefore, valuable time was lost discussing the appropriate measures and setting protection priorities. Often, any understanding of the nature of the problems involved was lacking. Although most beaches became covered with the tar-like substance, a small task force from the state oil company, supported by a few foreign advisers, was able to protect all the important water intakes. Examples are given of how general principles were adapted to the specific local circumstances; for instance, lagoons were used to trap and handle the oil, and discarded SBM hoses served as breakwaters. To ensure an environmentally responsible cleaning operation, the few personnel available were provided with lists of “do's and don'ts.” The effectiveness of various approaches to dispose of collected oil is discussed. A framework for an oil spill contingency plan for Qatar has been developed and a government environmental committee set up. The oil companies’ mutual aid organization, put to the test, revealed weak areas, such as transboundary and communication problems, forcing the partners to review the organization. To enhance in-house response, the state oil company purchased spill-response equipment and is considering hands-on training of emergency crews. The valuable experience gained during this emergency should be used to improve future spill preparedness.

RESULTS OF A SURPRISE TEST OF SUN TRANSPORT COMPANY'S OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLAN

ABSTRACT A test of Sun Transport's oil spill response plan was held to gauge the effectiveness of various aspects of the plan under real-life conditions. Only the few people who were responsible for the exercise had foreknowledge of the test, its timing, and location. At the 1979 Oil Spill meeting in Los Angeles, a paper (Kazmierczak, 1979) was presented describing details of the plan and how it was expected to work. This test was conducted to identify weaknesses, oversights, or other problem areas that might impair performance in the event of a real spill situation. Part of the planning criteria was to select a time and location that would coincide with a Sun tanker actually being in the area so that no one would question the likelihood of a spill or suspect a drill. The element of surprise was maintained and a worthwhile exercise conducted. Our alerting procedure, travel arrangements, logistics, and other parts of the plan revealed some areas for further refinement. The greatest benefit was a realization on the part of all the participants that spills can happen and if any organization is unfortunate enough to experience one, there is no substitute for preparedness. Details of the planning, the actual exercise, post-exercise critique, and adjustments to the plan are thoroughly discussed in that paper.

MEDITERRANEAN OIL POLLUTION MONITORING AND CONTROL: TECHNICAL AND POLICY ISSUES1

ABSTRACT An ambitious intergovernmental program of oil spill contingency and response planning is underway in the Mediterranean Sea region under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO). This paper assesses technical and institutional problems of bringing national needs and capabilities into line with international obligations of Mediterranean coastal states in keeping with the recently ratified 1976 Barcelona Convention. Problems include: definition of the coordinating role of the Malta-based UNEP-supported and IMCO-administered Regional Oil Combating Center for the Mediterranean Sea (ROCC); difficulties in applying the results of oil and petroleum hydrocarbon monitoring in regional spill prevention and contingency planning; jurisdictional questions relating to coastal state regulation and enforcement rights; and lack of consensus on technical aspects of planning and response due to diverse national standards and pollution control objectives. Through the establishment of the ROCC, UNEP and IMCO have introduced a new element in international attempts to plan for and respond to major spills. The extent to which the ROCC is able to achieve its treaty-defined goals in the Mediterranean is a measure of the potential for international agency contributions to contingency and response planning. This is important in light of UNEP attempts in other “regional seas” areas to establish similar institutional mechanisms for intergovernmental coordination.

ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF OIL SPILL CLEANUP: ARE THEY SIGNIFICANT?

ABSTRACT Clear goals are needed in formulating and applying oil spill response plans whether at the level of the individual company, the oil cleanup cooperative, or the federal or state agency. There are two primary goals which have been considered, and problems arise from the fact that, in practice, these goals may not always be compatible. The goals are: (1) minimize the overall ecological impacts of the oil spill; and (2) remove all visible spilled oil from the environment. The first goal is based on an ecological rationale, the second on an esthetic one. During actual spill experiences, the second goal has most often been the guiding force behind the response. There are a number of areas of conflict between these two philosophies; but, except in cases where life and limb are threatened, the first goal should be the prime directive in oil spill response. Application of goal (1) is most important in areas of high ecological value. Goal (2) may be applicable under certain conditions in high visibility areas such as beaches. This paper summarizes the findings of a task force of biologists organized by the Society of Petroleum Industry Biologists; reviews the ecological effects of various oil spill cleanup methods in several different habitat types; notes research needs; and recommends minimum-impact cleanup methods for specific environments.

MAJOR SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING FOR TANKER OPERATIONS

ABSTRACT Many spill response plans are formulated for given locations such as an individual dock, harbor, anchorage or similar situation. However, when the problem is planning for an accident involving any vessel which is part of an operating fleet, the plan must be quite different. Instead of being location-oriented, it must be focused on mobilization, logistics, and people. If the people involved can be properly instructed in their roles beforehand, they will be prepared to be mobilized at the scene wherever it may be and to participate directly in a cleanup operation. This paper discusses in detail a plan whereby the duties, responsibilities and other activities are identified. They are then described and the overall plan is pieced together. The essence of this particular planning process is that the people assigned to various jobs know who they are, what their jobs are, what will be required of them and have some idea of the resources that may be available to them. The plan contains job assignments, job descriptions, government contacts, contractors, co-operatives, equipment suppliers and locations, alerting diagrams, the basic organization, and a general description. The plan covers the Gulf and East Coasts of the United States. The approach can be adapted to a geographical area of almost any size.

OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING FOR BIOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS

ABSTRACT Oil spill response plans should be tailored to fit the environment in which they will be used. This involves examining physical processes so that the fate of spilled oil may be predicted, and identifying sites that are particularly vulnerable to oil spill damage, i.e., biologically sensitive areas. If these things are known about a region, spill response plans can be designed to prevent oil from entering these sensitive areas. As a consequence, environmental damage can be minimized when biological protection, as well as physical cleanup is made a primary goal in any spill response plan. Clean Seas, Inc., an oil spill cooperative in Santa Barbara is implementing such a spill response plan designed to protect identified biologically sensitive areas in the Santa Barbara Channel. Protection systems are adpated to fit each site, and the plan is practiced through regular drills. This type of planning decreases the number of decisions that must be made after a spill occurs; thereby reducing both the reaction time and environmental damage.