OIL SPILL COUNTERMEASURES—A RATIONAL SYSTEM FOR SELECTION AND SIZING OF EQUIPMENT

ABSTRACT A system for rational selection and sizing of oil spill countermeasure equipment has been developed. The system involves: Assessment of oil spill risk, including types, maximum sizes, and probable location of spills plus detailing of environmental considerations such as river or ocean currents, sea states, weather and geography, Development of oil spill scenarios to assist in realistic appraisal of the problems of logistics, deployment, and operation of equipment, and Selection and sizing of equipment to match the needs and environmental problems already identified. This system for selection and sizing of equipment is equally applicable if the choice is to contain and recover the oil or if the choice is to use dispersants. Computer programs are discussed which can be helpful in the assessment of risk, in development of scenarios, and in the selection and sizing of equipment. It is not essential that these computer programs be used, but they can be helpful in developing oil spill countermeasures.