The focus of this paper is to highlight cost issues that have arisen during actual spill responses in the United States including issues related to a Responsible Party's (RP) named Spill Management Team (SMT), its named Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO), the USCG, the National Pollution Fund Center (NPFC), and state/local government agencies. In addition, there will be a brief discussion related to third party claim costs and management. The author's sincere hope is that this paper will generate meaningful discussion concerning the issues raised that, in turn, will lead to reasoned changes resulting in lower, and more palatable response costs.
The purpose of this paper is to highlight issues, not to criticize or embarrass individuals or entities. Accordingly, no company or individuals will be identified.
This paper is not all inclusive and does not include costs related to Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), fines, or legal fees. In addition, while recognizing that entities other than vessels are covered under OPA 90, this paper, as noted in the title, concerns only spills from vessels. All opinions expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.