Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment

Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2014-08-01

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 030929889X

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U.S. Arctic waters north of the Bering Strait and west of the Canadian border encompass a vast area that is usually ice covered for much of the year, but is increasingly experiencing longer periods and larger areas of open water due to climate change. Sparsely inhabited with a wide variety of ecosystems found nowhere else, this region is vulnerable to damage from human activities. As oil and gas, shipping, and tourism activities increase, the possibilities of an oil spill also increase. How can we best prepare to respond to such an event in this challenging environment? Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment reviews the current state of the science regarding oil spill response and environmental assessment in the Arctic region north of the Bering Strait, with emphasis on the potential impacts in U.S. waters. This report describes the unique ecosystems and environment of the Arctic and makes recommendations to provide an effective response effort in these challenging conditions. According to Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment, a full range of proven oil spill response technologies is needed in order to minimize the impacts on people and sensitive ecosystems. This report identifies key oil spill research priorities, critical data and monitoring needs, mitigation strategies, and important operational and logistical issues. The Arctic acts as an integrating, regulating, and mediating component of the physical, atmospheric and cryospheric systems that govern life on Earth. Not only does the Arctic serve as regulator of many of the Earth's large-scale systems and processes, but it is also an area where choices made have substantial impact on life and choices everywhere on planet Earth. This report's recommendations will assist environmentalists, industry, state and local policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of this special region to preserve and protect it from damaging oil spills.


How EPA Works

How EPA Works

Author: United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Management and Organization Division

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13:

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Spill Prevention Guidance Document

Spill Prevention Guidance Document

Author: Brian Quil

Publisher:

Published: 1998-10-01

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 9781423555827

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This manual guides Navy areas in developing and implementing their Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plan (SPCC Plan) for oil and hazardous substances (HS). This document is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Part 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Section 112 (20 CFR 112), the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation, and OPNAVINST 5090.1B, for oil area meeting the criteria in 40 CFR 112. Spill control measures are required for hazardous waste (HW) storage areas regulated by either 40 CFR 264 or 40 CFR 265. Additionally, some spill control measures are required for underground storage tanks (UST) regulated by 40 CFR 280. HW storage areas, not specifically regulated by the above referenced regulations, do not have regulated spill control requirements; however, it is considered best engineering practice to have spill control measures at all HS storage areas. Therefore, it is recommended that all HS storage areas be included in Navy SPCC plans. For overseas locations please refer to OEBGD/FGS criteria for spill prevention guidance.


Risk-Based Waste Classification in California

Risk-Based Waste Classification in California

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1999-08-14

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 0309065445

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The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) of the State of California Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of complying with the Regulatory Structure Update. The Regulatory Structure Update is a comprehensive review and refocusing of California's system for identifying and regulating management of hazardous wastes. As part of this effort, the DTSC proposes to change its current waste classification system that categorizes wastes as hazardous or nonhazardous based on their toxicity. Under the proposed system there would be two risk-based thresholds rather than the single toxicity threshold currently used to distinguish between the wastes. Wastes that contain specific chemicals at concentrations that exceed the upper threshold will be designated as hazardous; those below the lower threshold will be nonhazardous; and those with chemical concentrations between the two thresholds will be "special" wastes and subject to variances for management and disposal. The proposed DTSC system combines toxicity information with short or long-term exposure information to determine the risks associated with the chemicals. Under section 57004 of the California Health and Safety Code, the scientific basis of the proposed waste classification system is subject to external scientific peer review by the National Academy of Sciences, the University of California, or other similar institution of higher learning or group of scientists. This report addresses that regulatory requirement.