Use of a Computerized Spill Response Tool for Emergency Response, Personnel Training, and Contingency Planning

Under the aegis of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a computerized decision tree (CDT) was developed in 1984 to assist On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) during an oil spill incident in the decision-making process. Since that time the CDT has been expanded and refined for use not only in real-time spill response, but for personnel training and contingency planning. The CDT has been distributed to EPA Regions, U.S. Coast Guard Districts, and other spill response officials in the United States and overseas. Its widespread acceptance, however, has been somewhat hampered by a lack of understanding of its maximum use beyond immediate spill response activities. This paper describes enhancements that have been made to the CDT during the past three years, and its potential for applications in personnel training in both emergency situations and for contingency planning. In it possible extension of the CDT to hazardous materials incidents is also explored and other future plans for the CDT as a powerful tool in combatting environmental damages are discussed.