ABSTRACT
Clean Harbors Cooperative is a nonprofit organization initiated by eight major oil companies whose purpose is to contain and clean up major oil spills effectively and efficiently throughout the Greater New York Harbor area.
Initial efforts included defining the area of interest; determining the maximum size spill that is likely to occur; deciding the time to clean up the free oil on the water; determining the type and quantity of equipment required to contain and clean up the spill, where major spills are likely to occur, where the equipment should be located, and the means to finance the purchase of the equipment and the operation of the cooperative; and deciding who will store, operate, test, and maintain the equipment, and who will direct and handle the actual cleanup activities.
These decisions were reached by discussions with company marine experts, by analyses of past major spills, by consultations with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regarding its experiences and recommendations, by visits with other major cooperatives throughout the country, and by studies that simulated oil spills at various locations throughout New York Harbor (by means of Shell Oil Company's spill computer program and the USCG vector analysis program).
Secondary efforts consisted of establishing a response organization team that will be available to direct and supervise the entire containment and cleanup effort, and developing a major contingency plan manual that includes cleanup plans and techniques, and data on sensitive areas, training, disposal, communications, wildlife, etc., in addition to call-out procedures and emergency phone numbers.
Parameters covering both technical and practical aspects were developed and used in preparing equipment specifications. Purchase decisions were based primarily on visual observations, recommendations of knowledgeable users, and impartial test results. Cost was a secondary consideration.
The capital equipment purchase program was divided into three 1-year periods and totalled 3.9 million dollars.
In conclusion, Clean Harbors Cooperative believes that by using the best technical and practical knowledge and experiences available, the time and money will have been spent wisely, and they will be prepared to contain and clean up major oil spills efficiently and effectively anywhere in the Greater New York Harbor area.
