Technology: Are We Using It To Its Best Advantage?

1999 ◽  
Vol 1999 (1) ◽  
pp. 837-838
Author(s):  
Carl G. Kitz
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Interactive Software ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Response Information ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
User Friendly

ABSTRACT U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region X has combined the immense storage capacity of CD-ROMs with interactive software to develop a user-friendly tool to provide quick and easy access to digital information for use by oil spill response teams. These CD-ROMs, created specifically for spill planning and response, provide responders with hypertext links and powerful search capabilities allowing uncomplicated access to response information, regulations, nationally recognized standards, and area maps. This format enhances response time by reducing the time needed to access critical information and the volume of materials carried to the site by responders. The CD disk produced contains the Region X Area contingency plan, and select reference materials such as the NCP, OPA 90, and digitized maps and color photographs.

TECHNOLOGY AND INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE FOR OIL SPILL PLANNING AND RESPONSE

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 (1) ◽  
pp. 973-975
Author(s):  
Carl G. Kitz ◽  
Michael J. Szerlog ◽  
Sean M. Hyde
Keyword(s):  
Response Time ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Interactive Software ◽  
Critical Information ◽  
Response Information ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
User Friendly

ABSTRACT EPA Region X has combined the immense storage capacity of CD-ROMs with interactive software to develop a user-friendly tool to provide quick and easy access to digital information for use by oil spill response teams. These CD-ROMs, created specifically for spill planning and response, provide responders with hypertext links and powerful search capabilities allowing uncomplicated access to response information, regulations, nationally recognized standards, and area maps. This format enhances response time by reducing the time needed to access critical information and the volume of materials carried to the site by responders.

THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: NATIONAL OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN, SUBPART J PRODUCT SCHEDULE (40 CFR 300.900)

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 (2) ◽  
pp. 1479-1483 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Nichols
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Contingency Plan ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
The U.S

ABSTRACT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan Final Rule, Subpart J Product Schedule (40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 300.900), which lists dispersants, surface-washing agents (SWAs), bioremediation agents, surface-collecting agents, and miscellaneous oil spill control agents that may be used in response to oil spills on land and on or near waters of the United States, depending on the product and its proper application. Over the last few years, alternative oil spill response methods have been gaining in acceptance and use in the field among first responders, industry, state and federal agencies, Congress, and the entire oil spill response community. EPA sets policy and guidance for the proper use and authority to use these products. Manufacturers and vendors of these products have become more aware of this acceptance evidenced by the frequency that EPA is contacted to provide information on the listing process and EPA policy regarding their use. The number of applications to add new products to the Subpart J Product Schedule has increased over the last year. Subpart J is very prescriptive and specific in directing manufacturers to perform the proper test within the proper protocols, yet many applications are rejected or need modification because of errors in testing procedures or data reporting. This paper will address the data needed to list a product under each category and will clarify issues related to the Product Schedule. It will also address the policies that EPA uses to enforce the Subpart J regulation. The author has managed the Product Schedule for over 3 years, and his experience and expertise regarding the issues surrounding alternative countermeasures will be covered as well. Dispersants, SWAs, chemical sorbents, and other technologies have sparked controversy and confusion in all regions and areas of the United States, and in some cases internationally. Many research efforts have added to the baseline knowledge we have about dispersants and bioremediation agents' toxicity, efficacy, and proper use, but conflicts still arise as that data is interpreted and applied in the field. The reader will have a better understanding of why and how alternative countermeasures are required to be listed and describe the authority to use them based on EPA policy.

scholarly journals Model Results and Software Comparisons in Myrtle Beach, SC Using Virtual Beach and R Regression Toolboxes

2015 ◽  
pp. 80-85
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Neet ◽  
R. Heath Kelsey ◽  
Dwayne E. Porter ◽  
Dan W. Ramage ◽  
Adrian B. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Statistical Interpretation ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
R Software ◽  
Robust Model ◽  
Myrtle Beach ◽  
Model Setup ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Forecast Modeling

Utilizing R software and a variety of data sources, daily forecasts of bacteria levels were developed and automated for beach waters in Myrtle Beach, SC. Modeled results are then shown for beach locations via a website and mobile device app. While R provides a robust set of tools for use in forecast modeling, the software has an extensive learning curve and requires skilled statistical interpretation of results. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the “Virtual Beach” software package to address these concerns. To evaluate the utility of the more user-friendly Virtual Beach modeling toolbox, predictive models were developed and model results were analyzed using the two software suites. Recommendations were made based on ease of use and several performance measures. Model results indicate the two software toolboxes yield comparable outputs. However, Virtual Beach tends to create more robust model forecasts, while R provides more options for model setup and outputs.

CISPRI TECHNICAL MANUAL—A DIFFERENT APPROACH

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 (1) ◽  
pp. 929-931
Author(s):  
Victoria Askin
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Cook Inlet ◽  
Technical Manual ◽  
Member Company ◽  
Inlet Region ◽  
Response Information ◽  
Contingency Plans ◽  
Common Response ◽  
Oil Spill Response

ABSTRACT Cook Inlet Spill Prevention & Response, Inc. (CISPRI) is an oil industry sponsored oil spill response cooperative with headquarters in Nikiski, Alaska. CISPRI presently provides a variety of spill response services in support of member company petroleum operations in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska. Currently, each of CISPRI's 12 member companies has one or more contingency plans (one company has seven). By utilizing a single agency-approved CISPRI Technical Manual, each member is allowed to include in their C-Plan, by reference, all common response information that is included in the CISPRI Technical Manual.

The Refugio Oil Spill Response: Case Study and Lessons’ Learned/Best Practices for the Future

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-123
Author(s):  
Yvonne Najah Addassi ◽  
Julie Yamamoto ◽  
Thomas M. Cullen
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Santa Barbara ◽  
California Department ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Santa Barbara County ◽  
The U.S

ABSTRACT The Refugio Oil Spill occurred on May 19, 2015, due to the failure of an underground pipeline, owned and operated by a subsidiary of Plains All-American Pipeline near Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County. The Responsible Party initially estimated the amount of crude oil released at about 104,000 gallons, with 21,000 gallons reaching the ocean. A Unified Command (UC) was established consisting of Incident Commanders from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), Santa Barbara County, and Plains Pipeline with additional participation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California State Parks. Within hours, the CDFW closed fisheries and the following day Governor Brown declared a state of emergency for Santa Barbara County. The released oil caused heavy oiling of both on and offshore areas at Refugio State Beach and impacted other areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura. A number of factors created unique challenges for the management of this response. In addition to direct natural resource impacts, the closure of beaches and fisheries occurred days before the Memorial Day weekend resulting in losses for local businesses and lost opportunities for the public. The Santa Barbara community, with its history with oil spills and environmental activism, was extremely concerned and interested in involvement, including the use of volunteers on beaches. Also this area of the coast has significant tribal and archeologic resources that required sensitive handling and coordination. Finally, this area of California’s coast is a known natural seep area which created the need to distinguish spilled from ‘naturally occurring’ oil. Most emergency responses, including oil spills, follow a similar pattern of command establishment, response and cleanup phases, followed by non-response phase monitoring, cleanup and restoration. This paper will analyze the Refugio oil spill response in three primary focus areas: 1) identify the ways in which this spill response was unique and required innovative and novel solutions; 2) identify the ways in which this response benefited from the ‘lessons’ learned from both the Deepwater Horizon and Cosco Busan oil spills; and 3) provide a summary of OSPR’s response evaluation report for Refugio, with specific focus on how the lessons learned and best practices will inform future planning efforts within California.

ESA Section 7: Time for a Refresh in the Pre-Spill Planning Consultation Process

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-192
Author(s):  
Stacey L. Crecy ◽  
Melissa E. Perera ◽  
Elizabeth J. Petras ◽  
John A. Tarpley
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Federal Agencies ◽  
Coast Guard ◽  
Service Agency ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
The U.S

ABSTRACT #2017-373 Federal agencies involved in oil spill response in the U.S. are required to comply with several environmental compliance laws. Where a Federal agency is operating in a way that may affect endangered species in the area, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the agency to “consult” with the two Federal agencies responsible for protecting those species and habitats – the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, nonprofit organizations filed several lawsuits against the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (the “Action Agencies”) for failure to comply with the ESA during oil spill contingency planning. In one case, a settlement required the Action Agencies to consult with the NMFS and USFWS (together, called the “Services”) on the plan to use oil spill dispersants in California waters. Perhaps responding to these developments, several Regional Response Teams across the country initiated or made plans to review the status of their ESA Section 7 consultations. These efforts have varied in cost, scope, composition of agency representatives involved, and success in completing a consultation for a variety of reasons. There have been numerous challenges for USCG and EPA in meeting the ESA Section 7 consultation requirements for oil spill planning. First, the most recent framework for cooperation between the Action Agencies and the Services regarding consulting on oil spill planning and response activities is contained in an Interagency Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in 2001. Although the agreement is still valid, some parts have been identified as outdated or in need of clarification. Secondly, there are no direct funding mechanisms or dedicated personnel assigned to the Action Agencies to work on pre-spill ESA Section 7 consultations. Third, recommendations and consultation outcomes can vary between Service agencies as well as internally within each Service agency due to a high level of regional autonomy. In 2015, the National Response Team (NRT) formed a new, interagency subcommittee to improve the Federal Action Agencies’ ability to comply with environmental laws such as the ESA with respect to oil spill response and pre-spill planning. A workgroup of the NRT Subcommittee was formed to specifically address pre-spill ESA Section 7 consultation processes. The workgroup includes regional and national representatives from the Action Agencies and the Services. In addition to strengthening relationships and understanding among the participating agencies, the workgroup has identified gaps in the 2001 MOA and is in the process of developing tools and templates on how to conduct pre-spill ESA Section 7 consultations to help fill some of the existing gaps. The workgroup ultimately hopes to facilitate the development of updated, complete, efficient, and consistent ESA Section 7 consultations across the nation.

scholarly journals Kontaminasi Senyawa Polisiklik Aromatik Hidrokarbon (PAH) dalam Sedimen Di DAS Gending, Probolinggo

DEPIK ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-150
Author(s):  
Edward Edward
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Organic Materials ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are very toxic and persistent environmental contaminants. This study were carried out in Gending watershed Probolinggo in March 2014, the propose of this research was to known  the concentrations and possible sources of 16 PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) classified by the United State Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants.   Sediment samples were taken by using a sediment sampler at 6 research stations. The concentration of PAH were determined  using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)  and the sources using individual ratio diagnose method. The results show that  the concentration of PAHs in  sediment still low and fixed with the safe threshold values for waters organisms. Individual PAH dominated by high molecule weight PAHs. The results of PAHs ratio individual analysis showed that PAHs sources in sediment derived from a variety of sources such as; oil spill, oil combustion and combustion of organic materials. To reduce the level of PAHs pollution in sediment in Gending watersheds need to make efficiency in using of fossil fuel, reduce oil spill and  combustion of oil and organic materials and implementing of laws and sanctions against polluters.

Always on the Edge of the Next Big Storm, the Next Big Spill, Always Vulnerable: An Interview With Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Sullivan ◽  
Katelyn Parady
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Justice ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Community Organizing ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The U.S

In this interview, Sharon and David Gauthe of Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing (Thibodaux, Louisiana) document their personal experiences with adverse health outcomes that seem connected with oil spill exposures and explain their community organizing model based on interfaith collaboration and informed by the methodology and practice values of social work. They also comment on their conceptual framework of the entire Gulf Coast as a regional environmental justice zone, for which they received a Guardian of the Gulf Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Recent Research and Development Testing Conducted at Ohmsett – The National Oil Spill Response Research and Renewable Energy Test Facility

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 1345-1365
Author(s):  
Paul Meyer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Coast Guard ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Oil Spill Response

Abstract 2017-321 The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) National Oil Spill Response Research and Renewable Energy Test Facility, Ohmsett, plays a critical role in advancing oil spill response capabilities through research, development, testing, and training. Ohmsett’s 10 million liter (l) saltwater wave tank provides an independent venue to conduct research and development with full-size response equipment using real oil, in realistic, repeatable conditions. This paper will discuss recent research and development conducted at Ohmsett, including: Remote sensing of surface oil by BSEE, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Army, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA); using acoustics to measure oil slick thickness; creating large volumes of emulsions for Ohmsett tests; mechanical recovery of chemically treated, undispersed oil; skimmer testing in diminishing slick thickness; a USCG and BSEE test of a skimmer ice management system; and an autonomous skimmer development. This paper will summarize the setup and methodology used during recent testing, training, and research conducted at Ohmsett. Reports of BSEE funded oil spill response research can be found at https://www.bsee.gov/site-page/master-list-of-oil-spill-response-research.

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