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Bioremediation in Oil Response (2000)

An information update on the use of bioremdiation, a technique that may be applicable in responding to an oil spill under certain geographic and climatic conditions. Bioremediation converts toxigenic compounds of oil to nontoxic products without disrupting the local environment. Also, see the 1991 Bioremediation fact sheet.

Residues from In-Situ Burning (ISB) of Oil on Water (2000)

Part of a series of fact sheets produced by the NRT Science & Technology Committee on ISB; Provides guidance on the residues produced from in situ burning of oil on water; Intended to assit RRTs, OSC, and other regional and local staff involved in ISB.

The Efficacy of Fire Resistant Containment Booms (1999)

In order for ISB to be an effective spill response tool, oil thickness must be between 2-3mm. Most response plans for in situ burning at sea call for the use of fire resistant boom to contain the oil and maintain this minimum slick thickness during the burn. This fact sheet explores the current state of fire boom technology, existing protocols and standards, and future research and development needs.

Bibliography on In-Situ Burning (1998)

Updated since 1996, this compilation of references is intended to provide the user with information on in-situ burning that may be useful or interesting.

Marine In-Situ Burning (ISB) of Oil: Questions and Answers for Communication with the Public (1998)

Provides information to help OSC, RRTs and other local authorities in effectively communicating with the public. Questions and answers are compiled from "In-Situ Burning as an Open-Water Spill Response Technique" and "Northwest Focus: Burning an Oil Spill," as well as, public questions.

Risk Communication for Marine In-Situ Burning(ISB): Addressing ISB at Public Meetings (1998)

Follow-up to the first in-situ burning fact sheet which provided general information; Created for the OSC, RRTs and other regional/local staff involved in planning and implementing marine/open water ISB.

Emulsion Breakers and Inhibiters for Treating Oil Spills (1997)

Emulsification of oil can severely inhibit recovery capabilities of skimmers, reduce pumping volumes, and render non-mechanical techniques less effective. Emulsion breakers (de-emulsifiers) are used to break or prevent the formation of emulsions on the open seas and break recovered emulsions in skimmers and tanks. This fact sheet provides an up-to-date summary of emulsion breaker research, and identifies further needed areas of research.

Guidance on Developing a Site Safety Plan for Marine In-Situ Burn Operations (1997)

The following site safety plan was written to assist the RRTs and OSCs in responding to a marine/open water spill. The plan includes those elements unique to ISB for response personnel. Topics addressed include: burn entry objectives, response organization, burn area control, hazard evaluation, PPE, decontamination procedures, etc.

Site Safety Plans for Marine In-Situ Burning Operations (1997)

Provides information on site safety planning specific to in situ burning. Safety hazards for in situ burning (ISB) operations are similar to those of mechanical response operations at sea, with additional hazards related to the burning of oil.

Applicability of RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Regulations on In-Situ Burning of Oil Spills (1996)

Provides general information on how the hazardous waste management regulations implementing the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) may apply to the in situ burning of oil spills.

Temporary Storage Devices (Towable) (1995)

Provides information on the use of towable, temporary storage devices (TSD) in oil spill response as an immediate temporary storage receptacle, on-site.

Applicability of Clean Air Act Ambient Air Quality Regulations to the In-Situ Burning of Oils Spills (1995)

Provides an overview of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and briefly discusses how such provisions may affect the use of In-Situ Burning (ISB). Identifies relevant local contacts with which to consult.

Igniters and Ignition Technology for In-Situ Burning of Oil (1995)

Often, the window of opportunity for a burn may be only a few hours. Ignitor systems, which are critical to the success of any in situ burn event, need to be safe, effective, convenient to use and store and easy to mobilize. This fact sheet provides background on oil slick ignition, past and current ignitor technology, recent research and development efforts and future R & D needs.

Aeration Techniques for In-Situ Burning of Oil: Enhancing an Alternative Spill Response Method (1995)

Despite the minimal hazards posed by soot and gas, thick black smoke produced in an ISB appears threatening, eroding public confidence in the safety of the process. This fact sheet identifies techniques to enhance ISB. Most notably, providing the necessary air to a burn avoids starved combustion of oil, thereby reducing the emission of hazardous smoke and soot, and shortening response time. can be avoided and oil can be completely converted to harmless products of combustion;

Guidance on Burning Spilled Oil In-Situ (1995)

Designed to assist RRTs in developing oil spill contingency plans, this fact sheet examines acceptable exposure limits to hazardous particulates for both the general public and responders. It also discusses other risk factors, monitoring and sampling strategies, and identifies future research priorities.

Use of Chemical Dispersants on Oil Spills (1993)

Discusses the use of chemical dispersants as an oil spill response strategy for open-water application. Reviews past use, effectiveness, toxicity, and mechanics of dispersant.

An Alternative Approach to Spill Response (1992)

Provides recent information on in situ burning for consideration as an alternative technology to present cleanup methods such as mechanical recovery or dispersants.