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.