[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
11~~~~~~~~1 fl~~~~~~~~~pwN.~~~~~~~~~ AATJ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~LII 0 A Shoreline Assessment Manual' 0 Jacqueline Michel2 3 Ilene Byron 1 Figures 4, 5, and 6 modified in this edition 2 Research Planning, Inc. P.O. Box 328 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 3 Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, Washington 98115 * ~TaL'e of Contents 'Page * 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Shoreline Assessment Process...................... 2 What is a Shoreline Assessment Program? ...............5 0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~3 Shoreline Assessment Team Responsibilities .............7 4 Roles on the Shoreline Assessment Team ................9 Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator .............9 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Field Team Leader...............................1I0 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Agency Representatives...........................10 Operations Representative ........................10 * S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Shoreline Assessment Activities .....................1 *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~S I. Aerial Reconnaissance Survey ................. 12 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5.2 Segmentation of the Shoreline ................ 13 * 5~~~~~~~~~~.3 Pre-survey Planning and Team Assignments............................... 15 * ~~~~~~~~~~~5.4 Developing Spill-Specific Cleanup * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Guidelines..................................16 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5.5 Shoreline Surveys .........17 S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~................. * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5.6 Submitting Reports to Planning Section .........18 5.7 Post-Cleanup Inspections.....................18 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5.8 Final Sign-Off of Cleanup Activities ............. 19 Contents, P'age0 6 Shoreline Survey Terminology, Codes, and Forms ...........21 Field Survey Terms, Codes, and Forms..................26 information Flow and F5ormats........................30 Automated Tools to Assist in Shoreline Assessments....................................34 7The Flexibility of Shoreline Assessment Methods............37 "Geographic" Shoreline Assessments ..................37 "Topical" or "Hot-Spot" shoreline Assessments...........38 Other Examples of Shoreline Assessments Customized to Spill Conditions... . .................400 8Planning for Shoreline Assessments... . ..................4 10 9References ..........................................43 Appendices A Shoreline Assessment Equipment Checklist ........45 B Brief Descriptions of Shoreline Cleanup Methods.....................................470 C Copies of Shoreline Assessment Forms, Codes,0 and Field Estimators...........................7 1 D A Primer on Drawing Field Sketches ..............8 1 * ~~~List of Figures Page * I~~~~~~~ The Incident Command Structure (ICS) showing where the shoreline assessment process fits in .......................2 * ~~ ~~~~~~~~2 Example map showing segmentation of the shoreline ........ 14 * ~~~~~~~~~~3 General endpoints for shoreline cleanup ...................20 * ~~ ~~~~~~~~4 Shoreline oil terminology/codes for spills of black oil .........22 * ~~~~~~~5 Shoreline oil terminology/codes for spills of light, refined * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oil ..................................................23 * ~~ ~~~~~~~6 Matrix for defining terms for shoreline oiling summaries.......24 * ~~~~~~7 Shoreline oiling summary form, as developed by Owens * ~~~~~~~~~~~and Teal (I1990) and used by Environment Canada (I1992) . .....25 0 S~~~~~~~~~~A Shoreline assessment form ..............................27 SB Example shoreline assessment field sketch, showing how the symbology is used ..................................28 0 ~~~~~~~~~~9 Shoreline assessment form, with descriptors to be circled. .....3 1 * I~~~~~~ 0 Example shoreline assessment report from the 1996 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Buffalo 292 spill, Galveston,Texas ..........................32 * II ~~~~~~Example shoreline assessment report from the 1996 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~Cape Mohi can spill, San Francisco, California .................33 *~~~~~~~ 12 Example shoreline oiling summary map, from the 1996 * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Julie N spill in Portland, Maine ............................35 * 13 ~~~~~~~~~~Example cleanup guidelines for a shoreline type .............39 Acknowledgments The authors appreciate the contributions of the reviewers, Gary Petrae, Brad Benggio, Ed Levine, and Sharon Christopherson of NOAAs Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division; Gary Sergy, Environment Canada; Edward Owens, Owens Coastal Consultants, Buzz Martin, Texas General Land Office; and Lieutenant James Hanzalik, U.S. Coast Guard Gulf Strike Tear0. � 1 The Shoreline Assessment Process 0 � Ha 4 ~When spilled oil contaminates shoreline habitats, responders must survey the af- fected areas to determine the appropriate response. Though general approvals or decision tools for using shoreline cleanup methods may be developed during plan- ning stages, responders must base specific cleanup recommendations on field data on the shoreline habitats, type and degree of shoreline contamination, and spill- specific physical processes. Shoreline surveys must be conducted systematically because they are crucial components of effective decisions. Also, repeated surveys are needed to monitor the effectiveness and effects of ongoing treatment methods (changes in shoreline oiling conditions, as well as natural recovery), so that the need for changes in methodology, additional treatment, or constraints can be evaluated. This manual outlines methods for conducting shoreline assessments and incorporat- ing the results into the decision-making process for shoreline cleanup at oil spills. Shoreline assessment is a function conducted under the Planning Section of the Incident Command System (ICS). Refer to the Field Operations Guide (FOG 1996) for the ICS Command Structure.' Figure 1 shows where shoreline assessment fits into the Planning Section. Shoreline assessnrent team members are Technical Specialists who are trained and knowledgeable in their roles. They bring their agency's expertise to the team to collect the data needed to develop a shoreline cleanup plan that maximizes the rate of recovery of oiled habitats, while minimizing the risk of causing more damage from cleanup efforts. * * Potential human exposure, by direct contact or by eating contaminated seafood; shoreline cleanup * methoed and cleanup Extent and duration of environmental impacts if the oil wasn't removed; * upon the ... dpn4 Natural removal rates; upon the... 1 . Potential for remobilized oil to affect other sensitive resources; and �* ..... bLikelihood of cleanup to cause greater harm than the oil alone. Trained team memblere Therefore, trained team members must conduct shoreline assessments. The informa- * conduct ehoreline tion must meet the requirements of the cleanup operation, in that it is timely and of * assessemelnt 0 aeeeemen. ~uniform quality and content. 0 0 ICS Organization In Figure I, shoreline assessment teams are part of the Planning Section. They generate the information that Planning uses to direct Operations in shoreline cleanup. A Shoreline Assessment Coordinator manages the teams and synthesizes their field data into reports used by the Planning Section to develop the daily Inci- dent Action Plan (IAP). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) can help identify and coordinate staff to form the 'teams and meet the data information requirements. Figure 1. Federal The Unified Command Structure (UCS). RP State Shoreline assessment teams, Technical Spe- cialists under the Planning Section, collect information on shoreline Planning era Logistics Finance oiling conditions to Section Section Section Section support cleanup decision-making. They can be involved in all l phases of the cleanup Situation Technical Unit Specialists until segments are Unit S li of ,Assessment - Division signed off as complete. em Supervisor Shoreline Team Supervisor | Field Assessment Observer Coordinator Shoreline Division Assessment AssSupervisor Team Supervisor Shoreline assessment supports the cleanup objectives and mandates of the response operations, as managed by the Unified Command. Appropriate staff from all stakeholders in the spill response are involved in this activity. Problems arose in the past when agency and responsible party representatives were unavailable to support the response operational needs because of their focus on natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) activities. Much of the information collected during shoreline assessments directly applies to natural resource damage assessments, and the data are readily shared. However, the shoreline assessment data must be 2 0 ~~~~~~~collected in a timely manner because it is necessary for operational decision-making. 0 ~~~~~~Experience has shown that the different objectives of NRDA and SCAT are best met 0 ~~~~~~~when the field surveys for these activities are conducted separately. Agencies must 0 ~~~~~~~therefore provide trained staff representatives with decision-making authority to participate in the process. Information needs In the initial, emergency phase of a spill, there may be conditions when immediate early in the spill information is needed on shoreline oiling in order to deploy cleanup contractors to problem areas. The Unified Command can direct Field Observers, who are organized under the Situation Unit, to gather such information. As well as knowing accepted terminology and cleanup guidelines, Field Observers need to understand key agency concerns for a spill. These concerns include the types of shorelines or resource issues that need to be visited or addressed by a shoreline assessment team before any cleanup activities, or the types of beaches susceptible to oil burial. Because they communicate their information to other units in Planning and Opera- 0 ~~~~~~~tions, Field Observers submit their reports to the Situation Unit, which makes sure 0 ~~~~~~~that the information is available to all other users in the UCS. (See Appendix C for an. example of a form for Field Observer use.) Also, the Situation Unit could direct Field 0 ~~~~~~observers to new areas as oil impact sightings come into the command center. Field F0l bsree Observers (sometimes called a Rapid Assessment Team) should: * Rapid Assessment Team... Are two-person teams, usually representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and the State lead agency, which can quickly deploy to problem sites; * ~~~~~~~~~Verbally report to the Situation Unit, who then passes the information on to the appropriate units; and Become members of the shoreline assessment team, if appropriate. * ~~~~~~~At least one of the field observers on the two-person team should have an operations 0 ~~~~~~background, with the other member SCAT-trained. Shoreline assessment varies from * ~~~~~~~spill to spill, depending upon the spill's unique conditions and the information needs * ~~~~~~of the Unified Command. Use this manual as a field guide as well as a training tool: * ~~~~~~Chapter 7 outlines different types of shoreline assessment methods and guidelines * ~~~~~~for when they should be used. Planning speeds cleanup decision-making during a spill. Chapter 8 outlines aspects of shoreline assessment and cleanup that should be incorporated into the Area Plan. The rest of the manual describes the organiza- tional and technical aspects of conducting a shoreline assessment. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 What Is a Shoreline Assessment Program? A systematic approach that uses standard terminology to collect data on shore- line oiling conditions and support decision-making for shoreline cleanup; Flexible in terms of the scale of the survey and detail of the data sets collected; and Multi-agency, with trained representatives from all interested parties, who have authority to make decisions: *~ ~Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) Member of the NOAA Scientific Support Team State On-Scene Coordinator (SOSC) * 7K Resource managers (state and Federal agencies) Responsible party (RP) Land owners SCAT: WhaV'e in a SCAT stands for Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team, a name first developed name? during the Exxon Valdez oil spill (Owens and Teal 1990). SCAT programs have been adopted in many areas, particularly Canada where SCAT manuals have been devel- oped for the Atlantic Coast, Great Lakes, and British Columbia (Environment Canada 1992) The Texas General Land Office has incorporated SCAT teams into its response organization. However, SCAT has different connotations in different areas. Through- out this manual, we use "shoreline assessment" instead of, SCAT. But, in practice, the terms are the same, as long as it is a process consistent with the basic objectives listed above. 5 * 3 5horeline AssessmentV Team Responsibiities Describing shoreline types, oiling conditions, and physical setting; Identifying sensitive resources (ecological, recreational, cultural); *i~ Determining the need for cleanup; Recommending shoreline cleanup method(s); recommending generic and site-specific constraints for cleanup activities; determining the need for follow-up surveys if archaeological and cultural resources are present; recommending cleanup priorities; � 2 identifying safety concerns for cleanup operations; *)monitoring cleanup effectiveness and effects, suggesting changes where needed; . determining when cleanup operations are no longer effective; and : conducting post-cleanup inspections prior to sign-off. Teams ehoul/ Is cleanup necessary at this site? answer these questions Which cleanup methods are appropriate or recommended? Which constraints are needed to protect sensitive resources? *1~ What is the priority for cleanup at this site? Are cleanup operations being conducted properly? Is the cleanup method no longer effective, or causing collateral damage? Do we need to try another method? Should cleanup operations be terminated at this site? 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4 Roles on the Shoreline Assessment Team Team Coordinator... The shoreline assessment team consists of a Coordinator (usually from the NOAA ' Scientific Support Team or their State or Responsible Party counterpart), Team Leader for each team, and team members. Roles and responsibilities follow the UCS. 1) setsn cheduler Coordinates shoreline assessment team response activities; and priorities Conducts the aerial reconnaissance survey to scope out the shoreline oiling issues; Ensures that all the teams have the necessary representation and members have the necessary training; and t~ Develops the daily assignments for each team, depending upon the needs of the Planning and Operations sections to meet the Unified Command response objec- tives. * *B Coordinates with natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) concerns on shoreline assessment, to optimize data sharing; Integrates the cleanup concerns of the various resource agencies and managers into the decision-making process; and Makes equipment and transportation arrangements for the shoreline assessment teams through the Logistics Unit. 2) leads cleanup Leads development of cleanup endpoints considering shoreline type, ecological guideline sensitivity, recreational use, and aesthetic requirements; etc. development * & Leads development of cleanup guidelines for implementing each cleanup method for the shoreline types impacted, based on agency concerns; Develops a survey and reporting schedule to produce survey results in time to be * incorporated into the Incident Action Plan (IAP); 3) reports Makes sure'that all teams use the proper terms and apply the guidelines uni- formly; *~ b Receives reports from the field teams and synthesizes them into a daily summary * in the IAP format; is accessible to the teams in the field if problems arise; Helps team reach consensus; reports dissenting opinions where consensus is not reached; and S~ b Briefs Planning and Operations chiefs on issues raised by the shoreline assess- ment teams, particularly where cleanup methods must be modified to increase effectiveness or decrease impacts. 9 S Field Team Leader... Should be the most experienced person on the team; Manages the team while it is in the field conducting surveys; Completes the forms and sketches in the field; -~ Guides the team toward consensus on cleanup recommendations, priorities, special constraints, etc. Notes dissenting opinions; ~l~ Briefs the Coordinator on the survey results; and Reports cleanup issues identified by the team that need to be addressed. Agency Reps Help collect data on oiling conditions and special agency considerations; (both State and Federal)... FeIra. Are experts in resource sensitivity and priorities for response considerations; Recommend site-specific constraints or precautions to be followed during cleanup; Determine the need for cleanup, considering cleanup guidelines and endpoints; Recommend cleanup methods and priorities; and Identify the need for surveys by archaeological or cultural resource specialists. Is often the FOSC representative from the U.S. Coast Guard, either from the Operatione Marine Safety Office or one of the Strike Teams. Can also be provided by the RP I Repreeentative... representative or the State; At times may include the Division Supervisor when the team is in his/her area of responsibility (note dashed line in Figure I between the teams and the Division Supervisor); Helps collect data on oil conditions; Evaluates appropriateness of cleanup techniques; and Identifies logistical constraints and solutions, and estimates the level of effort needed. 7K Keep the same individuals on a team for the whole event. This ensures continuity in reporting and describing oil Jistribution and types of oiling 10 5 Shoreline Assessment Activities The following sections describe the full range of activities normally conducted as part of the shoreline assessment process: aerial reconnaissance survey segmentation of the shoreline pre-survey planning and team assignments developing spill-specific cleanup guidelines shoreline surveys submitting reports to the Planning Section post-cleanup inspections final sign-off of cleanup activities The degree to which each activity is implemented depends upon the complexity of the spill. Flexibility is important; activities should be modified as appropriate to the spill conditions. 5.1 Aerial reconnaissance survey ObJeoctive ~ Get an overall perspective on shoreline types and degree of contamination for a gross overview; Determine the areal extent of oiling on the shoreline; and 4b Identify logistical constraints for shoreline access for both shoreline assessment and cleanup teams Reeponsibility Usually conducted by the Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator, though some- one with local area knowledge can also be a valuable participant. Methodcl ~ Fly entire impact area at less than 400-500 feet and not more than 80-90 knots in helicopter or high-wing aircraft; Use GPS if available and topographic maps, nautical charts, and other maps identified in the Area Plan to record: ( flight path, including date and time .~. objective descriptors of shoreline oiling conditions (use standard terms in Chapter 6') - location of floating oil, which could change the shoreline oiling conditions ' references to photographs/video taken access points for survey teams, especially in remote areas * Modify definitions for shoreline oiling conditions recorded during aerial mapping from those shown in the matrix in Chapter 6, page 29. 12 5.2 Segmentation of the shoreline Objective Divide the shoreline into units, called segments, for recording and tracking survey data and making cleanup recommendations. * Responsibility Usually conducted by the Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator, though some- one with local area knowledge can also be a valuable participant. Methods When paper maps are used, 1:24,000-scale topographic maps provide consistent coverage and show access from land. When working from boats, nautical charts may be preferred; Base maps can be generated from digital databases; make sure that they have enough detail and landmarks so the teams can locate themselves in the field; *P Remember that the scale on nautical charts is in nautical miles, not statute miles (which is the measurement on vehicle odometers). A nautical mile = 1.15 statute miles; * ~P Mark segments based on similarity of geomorphology (refer to ESI maps) and degree of oiling (ascertained from reconnaissance flight); local staff familiar with area should be involved; Segment boundaries should be readily recognizable in the field; * Size segments appropriate to spill conditions and total area of impact. They often are 0.2-2 km long. New forms are completed for each segment, so the interval should not be so small that the number of forms required becomes unmanageable for the size of the spill. They should not all be the same length; *9) Use divisions or names already in use by cleanup operations where appropriate. If possible, develop the segment naming scheme with Operations so it is most useful; and N'Nv Pre-number segments with alphanumeric code (e.g., BI-9 for segment number 9 on Block Island; or I-A for the first segment in cleanup zone 1). Remember that the spill responders may not be familiar with local geographic names. Figure 2 shows an example map with segments delineated from the 1996 Cape Mohi- can, San Francisco, California spill. The scale of the maps should be a function of the complexity of the area and the length of the segments. Different scales can be used for different zones within the same spill-impact area. The final maps should be 8 1/2" by 11" to fit into field packs and be readily copied and faxed. Figure 2. Examplemap showing CAPE MOHICAN Incident segmentation of the Date/Time: 04 NOV 96,1300 Shoreline Division& Segment Map shoreline. prepared by NOAA USE ONLY AS A GENERAL REFERENCE Graphics do not show precise amounts or locations of oil M 0052:Et"i a -6 B1 in n 3.75 mi Pt. Diablo fAngel . - 0 __37o457,i 0 --37o40'N AA Note: Division AA added 04 NOV 1300 122 405 B/ each 14 '~;>(is~i~ndi 00 &00X 04:;0 0030 l00s 2 000tlifiust&00 &0j&::00 i Ap ; 0 t ' 00t&0 122nfJ-04Q0X,0-0 .......SW . , '-~~~~ iS S~~~ *5.3 Pre-survey Planning and Team Assignments Obrjective Determine areas to be surveyed, and logistical and team assignments. * Reepon~ibility The Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator. *~ Methodel Revise the standard shoreline oiling codes and forms if needed to fit spill condi- tions; Select base maps showing the segment boundaries and names; Form teams with appropriate membership; Ensure that all team members have the required safety training. Each team member must review and sign the site safety plan, and'discuss specific safety concerns related to shoreline assessment activities; Determine logistical requirements for the teams and coordinate requests through the Logistics Section; Assign team leader; Assign survey areas (primary and backup) for each team, based on priorities, logistics, local expertise, and ownership; Distribute segment maps for primary and backup areas; distribute blank forms, codes, and sketch maps. See Chapter 6 for forms and codes; *1~ Distribute field equipment (see checklist in Appendix A); Brief team on survey objectives, logistics, and safety issues; Discuss cleanup options guidelines and criteria for priorities; *1 * Discuss reporting requirements and schedules; and On the first day, "calibrate" by having all team members visit a segment together and agree on how the oiling descriptors will be applied. 5.4 Developing epill-epecific cleanup guidelinee Object, ivee ~ Guide Operations in conducting a specific cleanup method to minimize adverse environmental impact; Provide Operations with environmental and safety constraints on conducting cleanup activities in a specific habitat; and Identify resource-specific constraints on cleanup activities. Reeponeibility W Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator, Federal and state agency representa- tives, major land owners, and Team Leaders. Methode s With Operations staff, identify feasible cleanup methods. (Appendix B briefly describes current cleanup techniques); The, NAEvaluate proposed cleanup methods for their potential to affect habitats or ' The NOAA/API resources;' reeponee'manuale for freehwater and Identify sensitive resources associated with the oiled shorelines that may be marine epilis are good adversely affected by the proposed treatment methods (e.g., rich intertidal biota sourcee of on rocky shores where low-pressure, ambient-water flushing will be used); information on ileanup metho ds, the Note archaeological or cultural resources along the shoreline or in nearby upland applicable habitat, areas that could be disturbed by cleanup activities. Notify the State Historical types, guidelines on Preservation Office (SHPO), if necessary; when the method should be used, and . Write operational guidelines to minimize adverse impacts (e.g., restrict flushing probable biological operations to times when the rich biota zones are under water). Date the guide- conetralnte and lines in order to track revisions; environmental effects. Consult theee Develop detailed plans to monitor the effectiveness and/or biological effects of a manuale when method, if needed. evaluating cleanup methode. Have the Shoreline Assessment Teams observe actual operations to confirm the method's use-and that the method is not more damaging than the oil alone and that it is needed; and Modify cleanup guidelines as needed if the oil changes as it weathers, making the technique ineffective, or when unacceptable impacts occur under actual use. Responders can produce spill-specific cleanup guidelines more easily if planners covered the issues in the Area Plan, identifying cleanup methods for these special concerns ahead of time. However, the Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator should form a work group to evaluate cleanup options and make recommendations on other issues that arise during a spill. Besides reviewing published studies and case histories, they can also look at on-site testing for effectiveness and environmen- tal effects of the proposed method(s) under the spill's specific conditions. 5.5 Shoreline surveys * ObJectives Collect data on shoreline types, oiling conditions, and ecological and human-use resources for specific segments; 0~ Reach agreement on cleanup recommendations for specific segments; and Confirm that recommendations are effective and beneficial to the environment (refer to the questions listed in Chapter 3). ! Responsibility ~ Each Shoreline Assessment Team Metho&l{ Confirm segment boundaries; *W Conduct survey to identify shoreline types and extent of oiling; Using standard terms and code systematically describe the shoreline characteris- tics, surface oil conditions, buried oil conditions, and special considerations (ecological, recreational, cultural); If appropriate, sketch the segment, focusing on the oil distribution and special considerations; ~1~ For spills of heavy oil, note presence of submerged oil in nearshore zone; Log and locate all photographs taken. Note the objective of the photograph; Collect oil and/or sediment samples based on identified needs; *I~ Discuss and agree upon cleanup recommendations and priorities; and Complete the surveys each day in time to meet reporting deadlines. Shoreline Assessment Teams cannot direct cleanup contractors in the * ~ field. However, the teams can document unapproved cleanup methods or improper techniques. The Coordinator will contact Operations staff, including division or group supervisors in the area, if possible, to rectify the problem. 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 5.6 Submitting reports to the Planning Section ObJective Provide data needed to support shoreline cleanup decisions and operations. Reeponsibility b Shoreline Assessment Team Leader Methodse Check all data for accuracy, completeness, and legibility; Copy all forms, sketches, and field notes for field team as needed; keep originals on file; @YS Summarize cleanup recommendations by segment; Debrief Planning/Operations staff on special issues, problems, recommendations; and Create summary maps identifying segments to be cleaned, degree-of-oiling categories, or other products as needed (see Chapter 6 for example formats for reporting the results to Planning, Operations, and the IAP). 5.7 Post-Cleanup Inspections Objective Inspect the segments Operations declares are ready for sign-off before final approval. Responsibility ~ Each Shoreline Assessment Team Methode Operations notifies the Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator that a segment is ready for inspection Inspect the segment against agreed-upon cleanup endpoints (preferably the same team that did the original survey). The original field sketch can be very helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the cleanup; Identify additional cleanup needed, using standard shoreline assessment termi- nology, forms, and sketches, or develop special forms for this purpose; Recommend segment for final inspection; and Recommend any longer-term monitoring or iterative procedures needed. 18 5.& Final eign-off of cleanup activities Objective Approve the termination of cleanup activities at each segment. Reeponelbllity The Sign-off Team (SOFT). Agencies must delegate sign-off authority to their 0 representatives on the Team. We recommend that the same staff doing the shore- line assessments of an area be assigned to the SOFT if possible; Metho&is * A sign-off team is designated, usually with one member each from the FOSC, the SOSC, and the RPR Representatives from the resource agencies or land managers may be added for specific properties or resource concerns; The team reviews cleanup endpoint guidelines and develops procedures for interpreting them. The cleanup endpoint guidelines are revised as needed for the oiling and resource conditions at the time of final inspection; *W Operations notifies Planning that the segment has passed inspection by the shoreline assessment team and is ready for final sign-off; The sign-off team inspects the segment against the cleanup endpoint guidelines, approving those segments that meet the guidelines and recommending further cleanup for those segments which do not; There is usually a formal sign-off sheet for each segment, which each member signs; and The sign-off approval can specify maintenance activities (e.g., deploying sorbent booms to recover oil sheens as long as sheens are being released, or maintaining an area to remove tarballs as they wash ashore after storms), but it is important that criteria for ending the maintenance activity be clearly specified. 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 Figure 3. OIL EXPOSURE PATHWAYS OIL EFFECTS CLEANUP ENDPOINT CONSIDERATIONS General endpoints for L RemobilizationPotential * Reoilingofsensitiveareas � Nolongergeneratessheens Degree of Exposure: (Sheenm8g) that will affect sensitive * High exposure speeds shoreline cleanup. Use � * Ongoing exposure to water areas or wildlife removal, breaksup these guidelines to surface users (e.g., birds, sheens mammals, people). Effects � Sheltered area will sheen develop spill-epecific from: longer, episodically - direct contact Use: cleanup endpointe for - transfer to early life stages * Highuse-higher terminat-ing active - ingestion from preening cleanliness * Low use-more tolerant to cleanup. natural removal of residues * Seasonal variations in presence of users � Sensitivity of resources to chronic exposure IL Oil Coat/Cover/Stain Ecological Concerns * Potential for sheening * Same as for sheening * Same as for sheening * Same as for sheening * Sticks to organisms * Oiling of fur/feathers/feet * Oil removal/weathering so * Timing: Oil will eventually using surface * Habitat/food loss because it is no longer sticky � weather, become non-sticky of avoidance * Coat/smother biota/ * Acute/sublethal toxicity * Oil removal to allow * Aggressive techniques have vegetation recovery/recolonization potential for causing greater without further disturbance ecological impacts than oil alone, delaying rather than speeding recovery Human Health/Aesthetic Concerns * Rub off on people/ * Human health risk * No longer rubs off with * Don't do more harm than property casual contact good * Visual contamination * Mostly aesthetic/economic * Depends on substrate/use * High use-higher cleanliness * Low use-more tolerant to natural removal Cultural Concerns * Aesthetic * Oil removal without * Very little past experience * Damage to artifact fabric causing further damage with most types of substrates and/or artifacts IlL Contaminated Sediments Ecological Concerns * Potential to release oil/ * Same as forsheeing Sameasforsheening Same as for sheening sheens * Direct contact by * Acute and chronic toxicity; * Oil removal to allow * Oil is usually more infauna/epifauna sublethal effects recovery/recolonization persistent in sheltered, * Uptake in food web by without further disturbance sensitive areas where other organisms deanup tends to be more disruptive Human Use Concerns � Dermal exposure * Shoreline closure * No longer rubs off Use: * High use-higher deanliness � Visual/aesthetic * Shoreline cldosure � Oil removal to a stain � Low use-more tolerant to natural removal of residues Sediment Removal: * Potential for erosion * Replacement sources * Disposal options � Seafood safety via food � Seafood advisories � Pass organoleptic testing * Background sources of web uptake oil contamination 20 * 60 Shoreline Survey Terminology, Coties, ana Forms ~~~~~lllsuvytrs FGoIdervey anefrms, Using standard terminology to describe and report shoreline oiling condition is the basic foundation of shoreline assessment . Ambiguous 0 ~~~~~~~~words, such as "heavy" oiling, do not provide the necessary detail to document the oiling condition or the need for and type of cleanup to be conducted. Figure 4 lists the terminology and codes to be used by * ~~~~~~~shoreline assessment teams. Reviewing these terms demonstrates the need for trained teams who can consistently apply these terms to the 0 ~~~~~~~~spill-specific conditions. Appendix C includes field estimator charts 0 ~~~~~~~~helpful for uniformly applying percent cover estimates. All team members must agree on how they will use these codes for a specific 0 ~~~~~~~~spill. Thus, a calibration field exercise, conducted jointly by all team 0 ~~~~~~~~members, is always necessary. You need to modify these terms as appropriate for the spill. For ex- ample, most oiling descriptors have been developed for black oils. The Shoreline Assessment Team at the 1996 North Cape spill had to modify the terms for their spill of home heating oil (a light, refined oil that is essentially No. 2 fuel oil; Figure 5). Appendix C contains copies of all forms and codes. 0 ~~~~~~~~You may need to report summary statistics on the number of shoreline 0 ~~~~~~~~miles by degree-of-oiling categories. Use the descriptors in Figure 3, if 0 ~~~~~~~~possible. However, if you must use terms such as heavy and moderate, 5 ~~~~~~~~use survey data to define them. Figure 6 shows a matrix that you can S ~~~~~~~~use to generate summary oiling descriptors, in terms of what is defined as heavy, medium, light, and very light for a specific spill. These sum- S ~~~~~~~~mary descriptors are derived from a combination of the width of the S ~~~~~~~~oiled area and the surface oil distribution for each shoreline segment. The Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator should complete this S ~~~~~~~~matrix when statistics-and maps with summary oiling descriptors are needed. However, these terms should NOT be used by the Shoreline Assessment Teams during their field surveys. Terms' such as heavy, moderate, light, and very light are only for final summaries and maps. * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~21 We have used a range of forms to record the observations of shoreline assessment teams. All of the forms refer to the standard codes and terminology in Figure 4. Figure 7 shows the Shoreline Oiling Summary Form, as modified from the Exxon Valdez SCAT surveys and used by Environment Canada (1992). This form is the most complicated and usually requires a high level of training in order to complete it properly. Operations staff also need specialized training to interpret the data, though they usually see summary reports. Figure 4. Oil Distribution Surface Oiling Descriptors - Width (modify for horeline oil l-svecific conditions)_ srretl 1C Continuous 91 - 100% terminology/codese B Broken 51 - 90% Very Narrow < m P, Patchy 11 - Narrow <___ m for spills -of black oil. M Sporadic 1-10% Medium -< T Trace <1% Heavy Surface Oilind Descriotors - Thickness PO Pooled Oil (fresh oil or mousse > 1 cm thick) CV Cover (oil or mousse from >0.1 cm to <1 cm on any surface) CT Coat (visible oil <0.1 cm, which can be scraped off with fingernail) ST Stain (visible oil, which cannot be scraped off with fingernail) FL Film (transparent or iridescent sheen, or oily film) Surface Oilina Descrir.tors - Tvre FR Fresh Oil (unweathered, liquid oil) MS Mousse (emulsified oil occurring over broad.areas) TB Tarballs (discrete accumulations of oil <10 cm in diameter) PT Patties (discrete accumulations of oil >10 cm in diameter) TC Tar (highly weathered oil, of tarry, nearly solid consistency) SR Surface Oil Residue (non-cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments, characterized as soft, incipient asphalt pavements) AP Asphalt Pavements (cohesive, heavily oiled surface sediments) NO No Oil DB Debris; logs, vegetation, rubbish, garbage, and response items such as booms Subsurface Oilina Descriotors SAP Subsurface asphalt pavement (cohesive) OP Oil-Filled Pores (pore spaces are completely filled with oil to the extent that the oil flows out of the sediments when disturbed). May also consist of weathered oil, such as a buried lens of asphalt pavement PP Partially Filled Pores (pore spaces partially filled with oil, but the oil does not flow out � of the sediments when disturbed) OR Oil Residue (sediments are visibly oiled with black/brown coat or cover on the clasts, but little or no accumulation of oil within the pore spaces) OF Oil Film (sediments are lightly oiled with an oil film, or stain, on the clasts) TR Trace (discontinuous film or spots of oil, an odor, or tackiness) NO No Oil (no evidence of any type of oil) Sediment Types R Bedrock outcrops S Sand (0.06-2 mm) B Boulder (>256 mm in diameter) M Mud (silt and clay, < 0.06 mm) C Cobble (64-256 mm) RR Riprap (man-made permeable rubble) P Pebble (4-64 mm) SW Seawalls (impermeable) G Granule (2-4 mm) 22 0 ~~~Figure 5. Surface Oil Distribution (am 5ediments and nearshore water) 0 ~~~~Shoreline oil -C Continuous 91-1OO0% cover terminology/codele for 5 Droken 51-907. spile of light~, refined4 P Patchy 11-50V. S Sporadic <1-107. 0 ~~~~oil. T Trace <11% 0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Surf'ace and Sujbrurface Oiliria Drscrivtors - Thicknes,, SM Smell No visible oil;detctable only by s~mell FL Film Feels greasy when sedimm-ent are rubbed SH Sheem Visible sheen on water surfaoces CT Coat Virgible coating of oil 5 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~P P0 ooled Liquid oil accumulated on sur-face Surface Oilina Pescrirjtors - Color Nome lSrown Shiny Yellow Kainbow e Surface Oilina Pscrictors - Width N Narrow <i1 m M Medium >1 m to < .m W Wide > 5 m;, etimate width if Possible Sedimenmt Types R Dedrock outcrops 5 Sand (0.06-2 rmm) 13 Boulder (>.25ro mm in diameter) M Mud (silt and clay, < 0.06b mm) 0 ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~C Cobble (64-2565 mmn) RR Rlprap (man-made permeable rubble) P Pebble (4-64 mm) 5W Seawalls (impermeable) G Granule (2-4 mm) 0 S~~~~~~~~~~~~heen on Water Descriotors Approx. Layer-Thicknessv Approx. Volume per Area mm inches liters/km2 gallons/nrm2 barely visible 0.00004 0.000002 50 40 silver sheen 0.00007 0.000003 100 75 first color trace . 0.0001 0.000004 200 150 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~bright colors 0.0003 0.00001 400 500 dull colors 0.001 0.00004 1200 1000 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~dark colors 0.003 0.0001 25600 3000 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SurFacc Oilina Descrir~tors - Width (rmodifv for su~II-snerific comditlons) Very Narrow < _m Narrow >_ __M Meelium >_ -__M 5 ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~Heavy __m S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 Use a summary oil descriptor to report the surface oil conditions along the shoreline on maps and tabular summaries. These descriptors are: -' Heavy ' Moderate 0 Light O Very Light We have assigned these summary oiling descriptors based upon the Oil Category Width and the Surface Oil Distribution, as defined on the sheet on Shoreline Oil Terminology/Codes. The Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator should obtain consensus on which combinations of oil width and distribution are used to define heavy, moderate, light, and very light oiling. These descriptors are only used in summaries and are not used in the field by the Shoreline Assessment Team. Figure 6. Matrix for defining Width of Oiled Areas terms for shoreline oiling summaries Wide Medium Narrow Verv (modified from Narrow ~Environment ~Canada~>6 m 3 - 6 m 0.5 - 3 m <0.5 m Environment Canada [Nro 1992). Modify this Continuoues matrix, especially the 0 91 -100% Heavy Heavy oderate Light intervals for width of oiled areas, for your pecific s i l Broken Heavy Mode e Light Light specific spill P 1-90 f 12 51 -90% conditions. M D i t Patchy Moderate oderate Light Very Light r 11- 50%/ i u 'Sporadic Ligt Light Very Light Very Light t 1-10% i I o Trace Very Light Very Light Very Light Very Light 2 <1% 24 'Figure 7. SHORELINE SURVEY EVALUATION FORM Pane I of I Shoreline offing I 101Segment Name: North Beach, CC, TX Survey Survey (use military fime) Shoreline oiling iii S~~eament ID: CC-IS IDate: 30 July 1996 ITime: 1000 to 1100 su mmary form, as I NSurveved From: (1566/ Boat I Helicopter Weather (Sui~/Cod o IRan/So developed by Owene ~~~~2 Team No. 1 10perations: T. Revy amid Teal (1990) andl EOG : J. Michel IState: B. Martin for~ TGLOI used 17y Ervironmenit IECO : N/A IFederal: J. Perry for- USFWS Camada (1992). ~ It o ARCH :N/A I1-and Manaaer~ N/A I for: 0 ~~~~~completed for the 3 Ii~verhl[Ceslcto o IZietoe ~dmn Beach: Sdmn lt ~fIBedrock, Cliff __ Platform __IBoulder-Cobble -Sand X Boulder-Cobble Sand- same conditionro as o Manmade: Permeable -Impem~eable Pebble-Cobble -Pebbie-Cobble- * ~~~~~Figure 8. ~ lMarsh/Wetlands ISand-Gravel Sand-Gravel 1110 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~ESecondary Share Type: N/A lIlackshore Type: developed - Dark is 4Geomorpholpoy Ai~lop: LowX% Med % Hih % Vert. fWave Exposure: Low kMediumi/Ha lEstimated Seament Lenath: 350 m ITotal Estimated Lenath Surveyed:. 350 m 111011 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~)Access Restrictions: None: nood access via two parkino areas at Dark 5 Ol0il Cateciory Width: I Total Pavement: -0 so.m by -0-cm M:id - ml Very Narrow - mlPatties/Tarballs - bans Oiled Debris? Yes(N~o) L~~edium-mNo Oil - mIDebris/Amount:Log Vegetation N~-.arrow 35el nuvaed T O Trash - Other 6. D $L AREA ISURFACE OIL SHORELINE U 0 ~~~ZONE S THICKNESS YP SEDIMENT R C m m SJI UIIMII LI T POICVICTISTI'FL FRIMSITBIPTITCISRIAPiN:) TYPE *142 1 I lI b bAI I I I I lxi III I I eand 'Aid4 iI I AI r tAI I I I lI INi IIe and C Li150 1 1INlI b AI I I I I IX. III I I Sand E 440v 1Al I II AI I I I I I lINII I I Sand ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~b10 l3O.5 Al I b AI I I I I I liN II I I *and a0tj?5 2.5 l1 Al I AI I I AI li I I I eanld I ii I I 1 1 1 and L.i l1 111 1 1 earnd 0 P~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~istrtuLlon fOIST): C -O10-91%; a 9G5-51%; P =50-11%; 5 = 0-1%: T - I% Photo Roll # __Frames___ 7 S T RENC oit SUIBSURFFACE WATER SURFACE- CLEAN U N TRENCHES DEPTH ZONE CIL CHARACTER TABLE SHEEN Sl.BSLHWACE BELOW B o. 9; uM -IU n CP I PIORI CF I l7RINO cm COLOR SEDIMENTS YIN II Al I I b I I 1 IN b sand - IU ; IAI I I b U 11II1I I AN ib sand IR zi I I xI 10 U I 11 IA I1IIN- sand - 0 P~~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~4 1Al I id u I I I I IA i0- Usand - A b II I~ I 10 U Il lIx I II N- sand - C b xIN I zU 0 I I I I IA ~ 0 6anl EI IN I lx 1 U 111 IA I10-4I send - Sheen Color B = Brown R = Rainbow S =Silver N =None 8 COMMENTS High recreational use - it is a county park with swimmilng area. 110 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 Figure 8A is a shorter form that contains mostly blank spaces for entering field observations. This form is us eful for medium-sized spills. The form in Figure 9 allows field teams to circle the appropriate0 descriptors, minimizing the need to fill in blanks and encouraging use of standard terms. This form is most useful when the oiling is very uniform or simple. Customize these forms to the spill. In fact, forms are not always0 needed and are often not even included in the reports generated for0 Planning and Operations. They are useful as a trigger for reminding0 the Shoreline Assessment Team members of the types of observations0 they need to make during their surveys, as well as for detailed docu- mentation of the shoreline oiling conditions. Operations is mostly0 interested in the final product of the survey: the recommendation for cleanup, the cleanup method to be applied, and any site-specific guidance on how to proceed. These are the priority results that must be transmitted to Operations.0 Shoreline Terminiology/ The Shoreline Terminology/Codes sheet in Figure 4 lists the common CodIes terms and abbreviations for describing the oil, sediments, and other features on the forms and sketch maps. The team walks the segment to collect field data while a team member records observations on the oiling conditions. It is very important to accurately measure or esti- mate-.the dimensions of each type of oil. Show areas containing surface oil on a field sketch of-the shoreline segment and describe them on the form. The oil locations, which you can designate by letters, are described systematically on the sketch. To investigate buried oil., dig trenches and record measurements of the degree and depths of subsurface oil Number each trench and show each location on the sketch. Use solid or open triangle symbols to distinguish oiled from clean trenches. 76~~~~~~~~~~ Figure AA. ISHORELINE ASSESSMENT FORM for HYPOTHETICAL Spill Paqe 1 of 1 Shoreline assessment AI Segment Name: North Beach, Corpus Christi, TX Date: 30 July 1995 fo fo hothetical ISegment ID: CC-1A ITime: 1000 to 1100 am form for a NShypothetical [.ISurveyed From: Foot/Boat/ Weather: Sun/Clouds/Fog/Rain/Snow survey. Figure 51 is : Helicopter/Overlook I the field sketch that would accompany the : Team No. 1 i Name: J. Michel for: NOAA IName: J. Perry for: USFWS survey. A Name: B. Martin for: TxGLO IName: for: M Name: T. Ray for: USCG Name: for: t Shoreline/Sediment Types: Coarse-srained sand beach X Wave Exposure: Low/Medium/HiglTotal Secment Length: 350mlLenqth Surveyed 350m Pt Location Description: Off Highway 181 just past main bridge li Access Restrictions: None; good access via two parking areas at park Description of oiling 4 Oil Length 4 Width '4 Type/Thickness V4 Substrate conditions Type V Oiled Debris SURFACE OIL: Two zones of oil: 1 ) high zone of patties, 2-3.5 m wide with trace to patchy coverage, along almost entire segment 2) at high-tide line, 1-1.5 m wide zone of tarballs, with sporadic to patchy coverage over entire segment length SUBSURFACE OIL: _ Extent _ Thickness Clean _ Thickness Oiled _ Intertidal Location _ Sediment Type Oil Description _ Burial _ Penetration None Segment-specific considerations for cleanup operations _ Environmental _ Cultural 4 Degree of Recreational Use High recreational use - it is a county park with swimming area CLEANUP RECOMMENDATIONS Manual removal of all oil deposits Field sketches are The sketches are a very important component of the field survey data; important, they are better than photographs at depicting overall conditions. Sketches help reviewers put the tabular data on oiled area and type into perspective, which helps in decision-making. They document conditions better than photographs, videotapes, or statistics, and they allow better temporal comparisons. The sketches are particularly useful for spills where shoreline assessment teams change over time. They can be used during post-cleanup inspections of segments to identify the locations of oil that were to be removed: they become the 27 co ~~~COFLFA CM'eI'>T SKETCH MAP Site Name NORTH f3EAC-W.BAY. TEXA5 Site No. CC- IA D)ate NO StUL'I 11995 .5Li Time 10GAAL Names .O~~1i Checklist ...North Arrow 3iR4 T Scale O.~~il Distribution." .~4High Tide Line SC __g_. Low Tide Line -E -.Substrate Types ..i.Trench Locations Legend Trench Number. 7 No Subsurface Oil 2A C Trench Number. Subsurface Oil: Photographs 0 'I. 0~~~~'OS5f v D~~~~~~ivvA~~~~~~~~tg.-~~~5 jar,(AVA 20 140 60~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MUM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NORN SC-AC-14 PARX~~~~* Figure~~~ND 81.Eapesoein sesetfedskth hwn o hesmooyi sd blueprint against which the effectiveness of the cleanup can be com- pared. Appendix D is a primer on drawing field sketches. Figure 8B is an example field sketch for the field form completed in Figure 8A. The objective of the surveys should always be remembered: to collect the information needed by Operations personnel and decision-makers to formulate and approve shoreline treatment plans. An Operations Section manager or supevisor should be able to use the data to de- velop a detailed cleanup plan, including equipment and manpower needs, from these surveys. Govemment agencies should be able to use the data, along with natural resource information, to develop cleanup priorities, identify site-specific or temporal constraints, and understand and approve the proposed cleanup plan. The shoreline assessment results need to be concisely and promptly reported to the Planning Section so that they can be incorporated into the IAP in a timely manner and distributed to other users: Maps Statistics SITUATION UNIT SCAT Field Forms U __i__ COMMAND COMMAND Tabular D Summary OPERATIONS SECTION 29 Information flow The Shoreline Assessment Team reviews the observations and and formats cleanup recommendations for each segment for accuracy and completeness. Each team member signs each form. MWW The Shoreline Assessment Team Leader compiles all of the survey forms for the day and submits them to the Team Coordinator. The Team Leader verbally debriefs the Team Coordinator on the results, issues, etc. Q The Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator compiles the survey results into summaries by cleanup Division, in a format suitable for the IAP. The Coordinator then submits the IAP to the Unified Command for approval. The Team Coordinator also verbally debriefs the Planning and Opera- tions Chapter Chiefs on issues identified by the field teams. At this time, Operations can identify issues for the Shoreline Assessment Team to address. The original field forms have to be summarized. Often two types of data summaries are needed: a tabular summary by segment or Divi- sion for the IAP, and graphic and tabular summaries for display by the Situation Unit. The Unified Command can specify the format of the tabular summary. Figures 10-11 show examples of reporting summa- ries used in the past. The types of data that, should be included in any format are: SCAT forms always Date: -For some spills, changing conditions will require repeat surveys, so contain this the date of the survey is very important. information Segment Number(s), Name, Division Number: Use the appropriate terms to refer to the shoreline segment. Group segments by Division. Summary of oiling conditions: The oiling condition can rapidly change. You need to describe the oiling condition when the cleanup recommenda- tion was made. The cleanup supervisor can determine whether the cleanup is no longer applicable and request a new assessment. Cleanup recommendations: Use standard terms, as listed in the cleanup guidelines. Site-specific constraints: Clearly identify these as to location and refer to unambiguous conditions in the field (e.g., do not allow cleanup crews to enter marshes). 30 Figure 9. G SegmentName: jDate: E Segment ID: Time: to Shoreline assessment N I Surveyed From: Foot / Boat / Helicopter / Overlook I Weather: Sun / Clouds / Fog / Rain / Snow form, with descriptor T to be circled. E Name: for: IName: for: A I Name: for: I Name: for: M I Name: for: ] Name: for: SHORELINE TYPE(S) PRESENT: Circle all that apply. Add P = Primary and S = Secondary shoreline type 1A I Rocky Cliffs 6B Riprap B I Exposed Man-made Structures 7 Exposed Tidal Flats 2 I Wave-cut Platforms 8A | Sheltered Rocky Shores 3 I Fin6-grained Sand Beaches 8B I Sheltered Man-made Structures 4 ] Medium- to Coarse-grained Sand Beaches l 9 I Sheltered Tidal Flats 5 l Mixed Sandand Gravel Beaches 10 I Wetlands 6A I Gravel Beaches _ ] Ofher WAVE EXPOSURE: LOW /MED / HIGH DEBRIS OILED: Y/N: TYPE - VOLUME SEGMENT LENGTH: (m) (ft) PERCENT OF SEGMENT OILED _ % OIL PRESENT IN: SUPRA / UPPER / MID / LOWER / SUBSTRATE TIDAL ZONE(S) OVERALL DEGREE OF OILING: NONE / VERY LIGHT / LIGHT / MODERATE / HEAVY (SEE MATRIX) CIRCLE ONE OR WRITE IN UNDER EACH COLUMN; SUMMARIZE FOR ENTIRE SEGMENT OR SUBSEGMENT: Oil Band Surface Oil Cover Surface Oil Surface Oil Sediment Width L(within the oiled band) Thickness Type Penetration/ Burial <0.3 m <1 ft <1% I Film I Fresh Liquid <1cman Clean Layer 03-1 m 1-3 ft | 1-10% | Stain | Mousse I1-5cm cm 1-3m 3-10 ft I 11-50% Coat I Tarballs 5-10cm Oiled Layer >3m >10 ft l 51-90% Cover I Patties >10cm cm _ m I_ ft l 91-100% Pooled I Asphalt Pavement I [* I | _ cm _ in I __ Other ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Y/N CULTURAL ISSUES? Y/N RECREATIONAL ISSUES? Y/N CLEANUP RECOMMENDATION / SPECIFIC CONSTRAINTS CROSS-SECTION SKETCH SHOW: El High Tide [3 Low Tide HT-[ -Surface Oil Buried Oil [] Other Significant Features LT_ Supratidal Intertidal Subtidal You can also graphically represent shoreline assessment data on maps and as statistical summaries. Use maps to show the distribution of oiled shoreline and the degrees of oiling. Figure 12 shows a shoreline oiling map prepared for the 1996 lulie N spill in Portland, Maine. Stan- dardize definitions for the shoreline oiling categories (modify your definitions from Figure 6). Use computer mapping software to tabulate the number of kilometers (or miles) of shoreline by oiling degree and cleanup status. These are important measures for reporting the progress of the cleanup. *31 Figure 10. Operational Period: 3-21-96/2100 to 3-22-96/2100 Example shoreline Shoreline segments visited: (See attached maps for segment locations) 1 assessment report Fort Point (FP) from the 1996 Buffalo Big Reef Park (BRI, BR2, BR3, BR4) South Jetty (BR5) 292 spill. Galveston, NE Pelican Island (PI) Texas. Pelican Island, Sea Wolf Park (SP1, SP2, SP3) Goat Island (GIl, G12) North Ferry Landing (NFL1, NFL2) Shoreline segments requiring no cleanup action at this time (barring future impact). O Many of the segments visited by SCAT on 3-20-96 require no cleanup action at this time. 1 SP1 - Oily film and trace tarballs in swash zone. RECOMMENDATION: No cleanup recommended. SP2 - Trace to sporadic tarballs in swash zone. RECOMMENDATION: No cleanup recommended. SP3 - No oil present. FP - One spot of rip-rap near Big Reef impacted. 10 yds long, broken <5% coverage 200 yards due west from interchapter of Seawall Blvd. and shoreline. RECOMMENDATION: No cleanup recommended, but watch for oiling on front and back of rip-rap with tidal change over next 2 days. Shoreline segments requiring cleanup action. See attached reports for more detail. BR1 - Reimpacted, sporadic mousse and tarballs with 10-15% coverage, no subsurface impact. No cleanup activity present. RECOMMENDATION: Revisit by cleanup crew doing manual recovery, revisit daily. BR2 - Reimnacted, continuous to sporadic with 10% coverage of film, mousse, and tarballs, no subsurface impact. No cleanup activity present. RECOMMENDATION: Revisit by cleanup crew doing manual recovery, revisit daily. BR3 - Continuous to patchy oiling with 20% coverage more evenly dispersed as compared to yesterday, no subsurface impact. Small cleanup crew (approx. 15 people) present. RECOMMENDATION: Continue cleanup. BR4 - 10-15% coverage, continuous to sporadic, no subsurface impact. Cleanup activity in 1 progress. RECOMMENDATION: Continue cleanup operations. BR5 - Oil still leaching from South Jetty, snare being deployed and tended. RECOMMENDATION: Maintain snare on both south and north side of South Jetty with frequent tending to ensure effective capture of oil leaching from riprap. 1 EB - No oil, but some type of film is present on surface, (maybe organic), some snare is starting to float up on East Beach near the jetty. RECOMMENDATION: Visit by cleanup crew for 0 manual recovery of snare and other oily debris washing up. P1 - Trace to sporadic tarballs stranded in water and upper intertidal zone, film cover in wide to medium width with 100 yds of patchy tarballs trapped within, no subsurface.impact. RECOMMENDATION: Manual removal with snare placed in swash zone. SCAT was performed at low to mid tide. High tide may relocate observed oil. O 202 ICS 3/80 Prepared by: Approved by (Incident Commander): NOAA is developing automated tools for managing and reporting - shoreline assessment results. Key chapters of the field forms are S entered into a database manager that can be used to generate various S reports and then linked to computer mapping software. There are also 0 commercially available software packages. 0 While it is clear that shoreline assessment teams should not direct 0 cleanup contractors in the field, the team can meet with the Division S Supervisor when conducting surveys in his/her division. The team can invite the Division Supervisor to: 32 0 0 * Figure 11. SCAT Cleanup Priorities and Methods Page 1 Example shoreline assessment report SEGMENT NAME: Ocean Beach from the 1996 Cape DIVISION: O Mohican spill, San OILTYPE: Tarballs Francisco, California. OIL EXTENT: 1 m wide by 4.7 miles long OIL LOCATION: The high tide zone along the entire length of * Ocean Beach CLEANUP TECHNIQUES: * Small crew needed with a lawn roller and sorbent pads. The roller wrapped in pads picks up the tarballs from the beach. Tarballs mixed with vegetative debris in wrack line. The federally threatened snowy plovers (birds) have been oiled. A National Park Service representative should be on-scene during cleanup. Recommend 1 crew for manual removal.' SEGMENT NAME: Muir Beach DIVISION: S OILTYPE: Tarballs OIL EXTENT: 1 m wide by 1,600 m long OIL LOCATION: In the high tide swash of the sand beach CLEANUP TECHNIQUES: Manual removal of tarballs. Rakes, shovels, and plastic bags required. Need 6 men. *' ~SEGMENT NAME: China Beach DIVISION: H-2 OIL TYPE: Tarballs OIL EXTENT: Entire length of beach OIL LOCATION: CLEANUP TECHNIQUES: Trace tarballs scattered on beach. No further cleanup required. Ready to be examined for sign-off. 1 accompany them on their survey (which is unlikely for most spills because of time demands on the Division Supervisor); * accompany them on a quick walk-through after the survey is completed, going over the team's recommendations; or * meet after the survey to go over their recommendations. Direct communication with the Shoreline Assessment Team gives the Division Supervisor immediate feedback and a better understanding of the agency concerns, the details of which are lost as the survey reports * 33 0 are filtered through the IAP and the chain of command. However, this means that the Shoreline Assessment Team must be very concise during their debrief with the Division Supervisor and not burden that individual with unnecessary technical detail. Responders are testing and using various automated tools to support shoreline assessment activities. Using such tools during res'ponse should be based on their ability to support response objectives, rather Automated Tools than using them for the sake of technology. The most promising That Help shoreline applications include: Assesseeements Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS): With the coast-wide availability of differential correction provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, DGPS units can be used to generate locational information for most types of field observations. They can be used to determine segment boundaries, measure oil dimensions, and locate buried oil layers. They are most effeCtively used when integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping applications. Pen-based computers for field recording of observations: Shoreline assessment forms can be loaded onto rugged, waterproof and shock- proof, pen-based computers to allow direct entry of observations in the field. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has found this system to be feasible (Rubec et al. 1996). NOAA has also developed a pen-based computer application for recording overflight observations of floating oil (Simecek-Beatty and Lehr 1996). Wireless communications for data transfer: Wireless communications can be used with field computers for near real-time transmittal of shoreline assessment data directly to the command center. This application is particularly useful for teams working in remote areas where a daily return to the command post to submit data would be inefficient. Cellular phones would also be used to debrief the field teams. Where shoreline assessment data are available digitally, linking to GIS mapping technology becomes more realistic. Most GIS applications require significant staff and equipment resources, making them appro- priate only under certain conditions. 34 Tanker JULIE N Incident Shoreline Oiling Map Date/Time: 04 OCT 96, 1000 prepared by NOAA USE ONLY AS A GENERAL REFERENCE Graphic does not represent precise amounts or locations of oil % N _ Heavy - Continuous black oil on entire intertidal zone (ITZ) Bathron Bathron Zone % Medium - Discontinuous black oil on part of ITZ Works- W" I ,{ 1 2 "E % 5 Light - Stain, dark patches on part of ITZ Repair Drydock / - Shoreline Zone boundaries . Congress Ave. Bri Heavy Medium Light TOTAL Zon 2 Zone I (vessel) Marsh Oiling Pier n Zone 2 2.75 0.90 3.6 7.25 Heavy 3 mi. N. 2D Zone 3 3.6 0 0.6 4.20 Medium 1 mi. Zone 4 0.4 0.2 1.6 2.20 Light 4 mi. ~'~ .. Zone 5 0 0 0 2xx\ 2A Totals: 6.75 1.1 5.8 13.65 mi. Tenninal WulfN 43\39'0"N ..Gulf Oi Terminal Zone2 Z: w \@ � 3Bo I ' Portland Portland 2xP Marine PierI2 South Portland 43�38'30'N ..... Long Creek A / Terminal (vessel) 7001 8'0"W 7017'0W 706'0"W 7015'0W 70'14'0"h\ -_~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~CJH Figure 12. Example shoreline oiling summary map, from the 1996 Julie N spill in Portland, Maine. w~~~~~2x. v~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Mrril * 7 ~The Flexibility of Shoreline Aseesmetit Methocle * The shoreline assessment process should be modified to fit the spill * ~~~~~~~~conditions, it should be as simple as possible, yet comprehensive enough to address all of the issues and concemns of shoreline cleanup. * ~~~~~~~~It must not be a large, slow process upon which Planning and Opera- * ~~~~~~~~tions must wait for key data.. When this occurs, Operations will get the * ~~~~~~~~information it needs on its own, and the work products of the shoreline * ~~~~~~~~assessment teams will not be used. Two types of shoreline assess- ment are outlined below, representing a range of complexity. Many * ~~~~~~~~spills will require some elements of both: detailed surveys of specific * ~~~~~~~~problem areas and application of general guidelines for cleanup of * ~~~~~~~~shorelines with simple cleanup requirements. 'Geographir," This assessment approach generates site-specific recommendations Shoreline on resource protection and cleanup methodology. 0 ~~Asessements... involve... Completing forms and sketches for each segment; and Making detailed cleanup recommendations unique to each seg- 0 ~~~~~~~~~~ment, identifying specific locations to be cleaned. * ~~~use them for... Very small spills where all sites can be readily inspected by the same team; * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~Very large spills where many teams are required; * ~~~~~~~~~~Sites where many different shorelines types have been oiled; and Areas where full documentation of oiling conditions is required, such as: * ~~~~~~~~~~Spill conditions where cleanup problems are not readily apparent (e.g., buried oil that has to be located by digging, and when re- peated surveys are need to make sure that removal was complete) Areas with lots of resource constraints that need to be specifically identified in the field * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~37 'TopicaI" or This assessment approach is based on the assumption that the Division0 ahe-po"eeo elinte Managers (division supervisors are responsible for directing the cleanup in a specific geographic area using several types of resources, such as task forces) can successfully implement spill-specific, but not site-spe- cific, cleanup guidelines. Most often, this approach is appropriate when0 the degree of oiling is relatively uniform or uncomplicated, or when the0 shoreline is not particularly sensitive, such as man-made structures. The0 guidelines should be quite detailed to prevent confusion about their use. Terminology used in -the guidelines should reflect that in local practice (e.g., use "seaweed" rather than "brown algae" or "Fucus " if that is what the cleanup workers call it). Figure 13 shows an example general cleanup guideline. involve.,. . Conducting familiarization surveys by the team to identify oiling conditions and cleanup issues for each shoreline type or resource of concern;0 Developing spill-specific cleanup guidelines for each shoreline type, to be implemented in the field by Division Managers; * Meeting with Division Managers to make sure that they understand the cleanup guidelines, what leeway they have to implement them, and the key issues of concern to the resource agencies;0 Spot-checking cleanup operations for compliance with cleanup guidelines; and * Responding to requests from Operations to resolve "hot spot"0 problems encountered during cleanup activities. use them for... Small-volume spills that spread over very large areas (such as strand- ing of tarballs on Gulf of Mexico beaches);0 Man-made shoreline types, such as seawalls, with few site-specific0 sensitive resource issues; and0 * Cleanup work t hat continues for very long times because of chronic0 re-oiling or seasonal changes in shoreline oiling.0 38~~~~~~~~~~~ Figure 13. GUIDELINE5 FOR HOT-WASH OF OILED RIPRAP/BULK- Example cleanup HEADS guidelines for a shoreline type. Julie N spill, Portland, Maine * October 4, 1996 * * Water temperature of hot wash not to exceed 40CC * * pray nozzle will be held at a distance of 6 inches or greater from the surface. All spraying/flushing will be * into water for collection. * No attached seaweed will be sprayed with hot water. a Once the water level reaches the seaweed, hot water washing will be terminated. * Once hot water washing is terminated, all released oil * will be recovered immediately. Cold water flushing of the seaweed is allowed when oil has accumulated in it. * Removal of heavily oiled seaweed will be allowed in speci- fied areas to be identified by the shoreline assessment team. If seaweed is to be cut, the root attachment and a 12 inch stem will be left. � Cold water flushing will be conducted until no more oil is 'mobilized. o Hot wash will be repeated until no free oil is released by the hot wash and no more than a stain (can't be scraped off with a fingernail) remains on the surface. o* 5rbents will be deployed along areas where sheens are being released from the shoreline. * THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE REVISED, AS NEEDED, IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING CONDITIONS AS THE OIL WEATHERS. * 39 Other shoreline The cleanup of the Buffalo 292 spill it Galveston, Texas in March 1996 was aseeeementes customized to spill divided into two phases: the first 12 days of the spill, when much of the conditions oil stranded along the upper Texas coast near Galveston; and the next several weeks, when tarballs spread to the mid- and lower-Texas coast, Tarlbvall beyond Corpus Christi (Martin et al. 1997). During the first phase, a full, aeeeeessments during the Buffalo 292 geographic shoreline assessment was effectively conducted. However, (Galveeton) the approach changed when the spilled oil started to strand as tarballs on remote beaches with few structures, roads, or other landmarks to reference during surveys and communications. Instead of filling out forms and making sketches, the team: Established mile marker stakes at one-mile intervals on the beach; the operational zones and shoreline segments were then redefined in terms of the mile markers; Recorded the concentration and distribution of tarballs between the mile markers, using the standard terminology; Used surveyors' flags to mark buried oil locations for the cleanup crews; b 'Reported the shoreline impact descriptions by cellular phone to the Command Post (they did not have to drive back for face-to-face briefings); and * The Coordinator generated tabular reports that were submitted to Planning and then Operations. Buried oil during the Buried oil is a site-specific problem that must be delineated by labor- 13ouchard 155 h(Tampa 1ay) an intensive digging to determine the areal extent of the buried layers. The (Tampa Bay) and Buffalo 292 presence of buried oil is noted on the form and delineated on a sketch (Galveeton) Spilli map. However, depending on the skill of the sketcher and the complexity of the segment, cleanup crews may not be able to locate the buried oil from the forms and maps. Another approach, used during both the Buffalo 292 spill in Texas and the 1993 Bouchard 155 spill in Tampa Bay, is to provide the survey team with surveyor's flags to mark the location of buried oil to be removed. 40 8 Planning for Shoreline Asseesments Pereonnel: Plan ahead for shoreline assessments through the Area Committee. Define the Roles The Area Contingency Plan can identify the personnel, process, and * ~~~in the Area Plan logistics to be used for shoreline assessments before a spill. It can also pre-approve the use of cleanup methods for special problem areas. This kind of pre-planning should include: Identify Shoreline Assessment Team Coordinator (NOAA SSC or state counterpart) ~1~ Identify a pool of state and Federal personnel who can represent their agencies' concerns and be available to do shoreline assess- ments for the duration of a spill These personnel must1 be trained in shoreline processes, terminology, and cleanup methods Proces s Adopt a Shoreline Survey Evaluation Form Develop a strategy for segmenting shorelines in your area on maps or charts Pre-approve the use of cleanup methods for each shoreline type. Form workgroups to identify special cleanup concerns (e.g., cutting of oiled seaweeds, use of shoreline cleaning agents, recovery of submerged oil), research the cleanup options, and make recom- mendations on their use for inclusion in the Area Plan. *1~ Develop general guidelines for cleanup endpoints Explain how to transition Shoreline Assessment Teams into Sign off Teams Logietice - s Identify and acquire shoreline assessment equipment Identify the need for air boats, boats, or special vehicles, particularly in remote areas Identify the types of communications needed by field teams (e.g., radios, cellular phones) 41 9 References Environment Canada. 1992. Oilspill SCAT Manual for the Coastlines of British Columbia. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Techndlogy Development Branch, Conservation and Protection. 245 pp. Martin, R.D., I. Byron, and R. Pavia. 1997. Evolution of shoreline cleanup assessment team activities during the Buffalo 292 oil spill. Proceedings of the International Oil Spill Conference, April 7-10, 1997, Fort. Lauderdale, Florida. NOAA and American Petroleum Institute. 1994. Options for minimizing environmental impacts of freshwater spill response. Seattle: Hazardous Materi- als Response and Assessment Division, National Oceanic and Atmo- spheric Administration. 130 pp. + appendices. NOAA and American Petroleum Institute. In press. Marine oil spill response options for minimizing environmental impacts. Seattle: Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Owens, E.H. and A.R. Teal. 1990. Shoreline cleanup following the Exxon Valdez oil spill-field data collection within the SCAT program. Proceedings of the 13th Arctic and Marine Oil Spill Program Technical Seminar, June 6-8, 1990, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pp. 411-421. Rubec, P.., A. Lamarche, and A. Prokop. 1996. A pen-based shoreline cleanup response system: Linking GIS, GPS, and wireless communica- tions. Eco-Informa '96, November 4-7,1996, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 6 PP. Simecek-Beatty, D.A. and W.l. Lehr. 1996. Improving oil spill observa- tions with a personal digital assistant. Proceedings of the 19th Arctic and Marine Oil Spill Program Technical Seminar, June 12-14, 1996, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, p. 1523. 43 * ~Append~ix A: Shoreline Asessement Eqjuipment Checklist survey Gear 0~~~~~~~~~~~ MapsE or charts of the, survey area * 0~~~~~~~~1 Cliptboards and rubber ad 0 0 ~~~~~~~~~ Pencils, erasers, waterproof markersv 0 0~~~~~~~~~1 Field forms (code sheets, shoreline form, sketch sheets, photo logo) 0 0 ~~~~~~~~~~ Field estimation charts (sandi size, gravel size, percent; cover) 0 Field notebooks (waterproof) 03 Segment map sheets 10 Dase sketch maps, if available *~~~~~~~~~1 0 hovelso * ~~ ~~~~~~~0 Camera (35 mm) and color print film (ASA 64 and 100); extra 1batteries 0 Videocamera and video tapes, if reqjuired; extra lbatteries 0 Photo scale (15 cm) * 0~~~~~~~~1 Tape measure (30 m) and ruler *~~~ ~~~~~~~ R ange finder * ~~ ~~~~~~0 Hand-held GPS5 03 Compass, preferab~ly Drunton * 0~~~~~~~~~1 Field pack * ~~ ~~~~~~~0 Communication device (egradio or cellular phone) * 0 ~~~~~~~~~ First-aid kit. 0 ~~~~~~~~Personal Gear 0] Good rain gear 03 Knee-high, rubb~er boots or hip waders 03 Work gloves 0 "Tar-off" towelettes or similar hand cleaner 0 Hat 0 uns~creen *~~~~~~~~~~7 0Drinking water * 0 ~~~~~~~~~ Personal Flotation EDevice (PFl?),if traveling b'y water/helicopter *~~~~~~~~~1 0 Personal day pack 0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~45 * ~Append~ix 13: Lbrief Descriptions of Shoreline Cleanup Methodse 0 ~~~~~~~~Shoreline Cleanup MethoeI0 0~~~~ntouto * Introeluction ~This section describes methods currently in use during cleanup of oil spills in marine environments and habitats. For each method the following is provided: a summary of the objective in using the method, * ~~~~~~~~a general description of the method, applicable habitat types, condi- tions under which the methods should be used (constraints com- monly applied to the use of the method to protect Isensitive biological resources), and the environmental effects expected from the proper use of the method. Some of the methods listed require special autho- rization for use during a spill; appropriate agencies must be contacted about the need for special approvals. A problem which occurs after all major oil spills is that there is a large * ~~~~~~~~quantity of oily wastes and debris that is generated and must be dealt with as part of the response action. A cleanup strategy that minimizes the impact to all the sensitive aspects of the environment plus mini- mizes the amount of oily wastes is the most optimal overall. History has shown that oily wastes or debris that has been buried inappropri- ately can result in formation of leachates that contaminate surface and groundwater resources. Each cleanup option should be examined with the problem of waste generation and disposal in mind. 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 Natural Recovery ObJective In order to minimize impact to the environment, no attempt is made to remove any stranded oil. It is also an option when there is no effective method for cleanup. Oil is left to weather naturally. Desoription No action is taken, although monitoring of contaminated areas is required. Appioable All habitat types. Habitat Types When to Use When natural removal rates are fast (e.g., the evaporation of gasoline or highly exposed coastlines), when the degree of oiling is light, or when cleanup actions will do more harm than natural removal.' Biological Constraints This method may be inappropriate for areas used by high numbers of mobile animals (birds, marine mammals) or endangered species. Environmental Effects Same as from the oil alone. 48 Barriers/Berms Objective To prevent entry of oil into a sensitive area or to divert oil to a collec- tion area. PDecription A physical barrier is placed across an area to prevent oil from passing. Barriers can consist of earthen berms or filter fences. When it is neces- sary for water to pass because of water volume, underflow or overflow dams are used. Applicable Habitat At the mouths of creeks or streams to prevent oil from entering from Type0i offshore, or to prevent oil from being released from the creek into offshore waters. Also, on beaches where a high berm can be built above the high-tide line to prevent oil from overwashing the beach and entering a sensitive back-beach habitat (e.g. lagoon). When to Use When the oil threatens sensitive habitats, it is the most effective tool to use in order to exclude oil from an area. Diological Constraints Minimize disturbance to bird nesting areas, such as shorebird nesting sites on beaches. Placement of dams and filter fences should cause excessive physical disruptions to the site, particularly in wetlands. Environmental Effects May disrupt or contaminate sediments and vegetation adjacent to the creek mouth. The natural beach profile should be restored, which may take months on gravel beaches. 49 Physical Herding ObJective To free oil trapped in debris or vegetation on-water; to direct the movement of floating oil towards containment and recovery devices; or to push oil away from sensitive areas Description Plunging water.jets, water or air hoses, and propeller wash can be used to dislodge trapped oil and divert or herd it to containment and recovery areas. May emulsify the oil. Mostly conducted from small boats. Applicable Habitat In nearshore areas where there are little or no currents, and in and Types around man-made structures such as wharves and piers. When to Use In low-current or stagnant water bodies, to herd oil towards recovery devices. In high current situations to divert floating oil away from sensitive areas. Biological Constraints When used near shore and in shallow water, must be careful to not disrupt bottom sediments or submerged aquatic vegetation. Environmental Effects May generate high levels of suspended sediments and mix them with the oil, resulting in deposition of contaminated sediments in benthic habitats. 50 Manual Oil Removal/Cleaning ObJective To remove oil with hand tools and manual labor. Description Removal of surface oil by manual means (hands, rakes, shovels, buckets, scrappers, sorbents, etc.) and placing in containers. No mechanized equipment is used. Includes underwater recovery of submerged oil by divers. Applicable Habitat Can be used on all habitat types. Typee When to Uee Light to moderate oiling conditions for stranded oil or heavy oils that have formed semisolid to solid masses that can be picked up manu- ally. Biological Conetraints Foot traffic over sensitive areas (wetlands, tidal pools, etc.) needs to be restricted or prevented. There may be periods when shoreline access should be avoided, such as during bird nesting. Environmental Effecte Minimal, if surface disturbance by crew movement and waste genera- tion is controlled. 51 Mechanical Oil Removal Objective Removal of oil from water surface, bottom sediments, and shorelines with mechanical equipment. Description Oil and oiled sediments are collected and removed using backhoes, graders, bulldozers, dredges, draglines, etc. Requires systems for temporary storage, transportation, and final treatment/disposal. Applicable Habitat On land, possible wherever surface sediments are both amenable and Types accessible to heavy equipment. For submerged oil, used in sheltered areas where oil accumulates. On-water, used on viscous to solid oil contained within booms. When to Use When large amounts of oiled materials have to be collected and removed. Care should be taken to remove sediments only to the depth of oil penetration. This can be difficult when using heavy equipment on beaches or dredges on submerged oil. Should be used carefully where excessive sediment removal may erode the beach. iiologilal Constraint; Heavy equipment may be restricted in sensitive habitats (e.g., wet- lands, soft substrate) or areas containing endangered plants and animals. Will need special permission to use in areas with known cultural resources. Dredging in seagrass beds or coral reef habitats may be prohibited. Environmental Effects The equipment is heavy, with many support personnel required. May be detrimental if excessive sediments are removed without replace- ment. All organisms in the sediments will be affected, although the need to remove the oil may make this response method the best overall alternative. Resuspension of exposed oil and fine-grained oily sediments can affect adjacent bodies of water. 52 S SorbenVs Objective To remove floating oil by absorption onto oleophilic material placed in water or at the waterline. Description Sorbent material is placed on the water surface, allowing it to absorb oil. Forms include sausage boom, rolls, sweeps, and snares. Efficacy depends on the capacity of the particular sorbent, energy available for lifting oil off the substrate, and stickiness of the oil. Recovery of all sorbent material is mandatory. Loose particulate sorbents must be contained in a mesh or other material. Applicable Habitat Can be used on any habitat or environment type. Types When to Use When oil is free-floating close to shore or stranded on shore. The oil must be able to be released from the substrate and absorbed by the sorbent. Often used as a secondary treatment method after gross oil removal and in sensitive areas where access is restricted. Selection of sorbent varies by oil type; heavy oils only coat surfaces, requiring a high surface area to be effective, whereas lighter oils can penetrate sorbent material such as sorbent boom. Biological Constraints Access for deploying and retrieving sorbents should not be through soft or sensitive habitats or affect wildlife. Sorbent use should be monitored to prevent overuse and generation of large volumes of waste. Sorbents should not trap migrating wildlife such as turtles returning to sea, or fish coming in at high tide. Sorbents left in place too long can break apart and present an ingestion hazard to wildlife. Environmental Effects Physical disturbance of habitat during deployment and retrieval. Unattended or "orphan" sorbent material can crush or smother sensi- tive substrates. 53 Vacuum Objective To remove free oil pooled on the substrate or from relatively calm water. Description A vacuum unit is attached via a flexible hose to a suction head that recovers free oil. The equipment can range from small, portable units that fill individual 55-gallon drums to large supersuckers that are truck- or vessel-mounted and can generate enough suction to lift large rocks. Can be used with booms and herding to move the oil toward the suction head. Removal rates from substrates can be extremely slow. Applicable Habitat Any accessible habitat type. May be mounted on barges for water- Types based operations, on trucks driven to the recovery area, or hand- carried to remote sites. When to Use When free, liquid oil is stranded on the substrate, concentrated in trenches dug by responders, trapped in vegetation, or pooled on the water surface. Often used as a type of rudimentary skimmer to recover floating oil. Usually requires shoreline access points. Biological Constraints Special restrictions should be established for areas where foot traffic and equipment operation must be limited, such as soft substrates. Operations in wetlands need to be very closely monitored, with a site- specific list of restrictions. If used in vegetated areas such as wetlands, care must be taken not to remove vegetation or disturb plant roots. Environmental Effects Minimal, if foot and vehicular traffic is controlled and minimal sub- strate is removed. 54 Debris Removal Objective To remove contaminated debris from the shoreline or water surface. Could also include removal of shoreline debris in anticipation of oil stranding onshore. Description Manual or mechanical removal of debris from the shore or water surface. Can include cutting and removal of oiled logs. Applicable Habitat Can be used on any habitat or environment type where access is safe. Types When to Use When driftwood and debris are heavily contaminated and provide a potential source of chronic oil release, an aesthetic problem, a source of contamination for other organisms in the area, skimmer clogging problems, or safety problems for responders. Also used in areas of debris accumulation on beaches prior to oiling to minimize the amount of oiled debris to be handled. Biological Constraints Foot traffic over sensitive areas (wetlands, spawning grounds) needs to be restricted. May be periods when access should be restricted (spawning periods, influx of large numbers of migratory waterbirds). Environmental Effects Physical disruption of substrate, especially when mechanized equip- ment must be deployed to recover a large quantity of debris. s55 Sediment ReworkinglTilling Objective To rework oiled sediments to break up surficial oil deposits, increase its surface area, and mix deep subsurface oil layers, which will expose the oil to natural processes and enhance the rate of oil degradation. Pescription The oiled sediments are rototilled, disked, or otherwise mixed using mechanical equipment or manual tools such as rakes and shovels. Along beaches, oiled sediments may also be pushed to the water's edge (surf washing) to enhance natural cleanup by wave activity. The process may be aided with high-volume flushing of gravel. Applicable Habitat On any sedimentary substrate that can support mechanical equipment Types or foot traffic. When to Use On sand to gravel beaches with subsurface oil, where sediment re- moval is not feasible (due to erosion concerns or-disposal issues). On sand beaches where the sediment is stained or lightly oiled. Appropri- ate where oil is stranded above normal high water. Biological Constraints Avoid use on shores near sensitive wildlife habitat, such as fish- spawning areas or bird-nesting or concentration areas because of the potential for release of oil and oiled sediments into adjacent bodies of water. Environmental Effects Due to the mixing of oil into sediments, this method could further expose organisms that live below the original layer of oil. Repeated mixing over time could delay reestablishing organisms. Refloated oil from treated sites could contaminate adjacent areas. 56 Veget~ation cuttinlo/Removal * ~~~~Objective Remove portions of oiled vegetation or oil trapped in vegetation to * ~~~~~~~~~prevent oiling of wildlife or chronic oil releases. * P~~~~escription Oiled vegetation is cut with weed wackers, blades, etc. The cut vegeta- * ~~~~~~~~tion is picked or raked up and bagged for disposal. * ~~Applicable HabitVat Wetlands composed of emergent, herbaceous vegetation and floating * Typee ~~~~~aquatic vegetation. * ~~~~When to Use When the risk of oiled vegetation contaminating wildlife is greater * ~~~~~~~~~than the value of the vegetation that is to be cut, and there is no less- destructive method that removes or reduces the risk to acceptable * ~~~~~~~~~~levels. * ~~~iological Constraints Operations must be strictly monitored to minimize the degree o f root destruction and mixing of oil deeper into the sediments. Access in * ~~~~~~~~bird-nesting areas should be restricted during nesting seasons. Cut- * ~~~~~~~~ting only the oiled portions of the plants and leaving roots and as much of the stem as possible minimizes impact to plants. Environmental Effects Vegetation removal will destroy habitat for many animals. Cut areas will have reduced plant growth, and in some instances, plants may be * ~~~~~~~~killed. Cutting at the base of the plant stem may allow oil to penetrate * ~~~~~~~~into the substrate, causing subsurface contamination. Along exposed 0 ~~~~~~~~sections of shoreline, the vegetation may not regrow, resulting in * ~~~~~~~~erosion and habitat loss. Trampled areas will recover much more * ~~~~~~~~~slowly. 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5 Objective To wash oil stranded on the land surface to the water's edge for collec- tion. Description A perforated header pipe or hose is placed above the oiled shore or bank. Ambient-temperature water is pumped through the header pipe at low pressures and flows downslope to the water. On porous sedi- ments, water flows through the substrate, pushing loose oil ahead of it (or floating oil to the water's surface and transporting the oil down the slope for pickup). Oil is trapped by booms and is recovered by skim- mers or other suitable equipment. On saturated, fine-grained sedi- ments, the technique becomes more of a flushing of the surface. Applicable Habitat All shoreline types where the equipment can be effectively deployed. Types Not effective in steep intertidal areas. When to Use In heavily oiled areas when the oil is still fluid and adheres loosely to the substrate, and where oil has penetrated into gravel sediments. This method is frequently used with other washing techniques (low- or high-pressure, cold-to-hot-water flushing). Biological Conetraints Special care should be taken to recover oil where nearshore habitats contain rich biological communities. Not appropriate for muddy substrates. Environmental Effects Habitat may be physically disturbed by foot traffic during operations and smothered by sediments washed down the slope. Oiled sediment may be transported to shallow nearshore areas, contaminating them and burying benthic organisms. Low-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing OiObjective To remove liquid oil that has adhered to the substrate or man-made structures, pooled on the surface, or become trapped in vegetation. Description Ambient-temperature water is sprayed at low pressures (<10 psi), usually from hand-held hoses, to lift oil frdm the substrate and direct it to the water's edge for recovery by skimmers, vacuum, or sorbents. Can be used with a flooding system to prevent released oil from re- adhering to the substrate downstream of the treatment area. Applicable Habitat On substrates, riprap, and solid man-made structures, where the oil is * Types still liquid. In wetlands and along vegetated banks where oil is trapped in vegetation. * When to Use Where liquid oil is stranded onshore or floating on shallow intertidal areas. Biological Constraints May need to restrict use so that the oil/water effluent does not drain across sensitive intertidal habitats and mobilized sediments do not affect rich subtidal communities. Use from boats will reduce the need for foot traffic in soft substrates and vegetation. Released oil must be recovered to prevent further oiling of adjacent areas. Environmental Effects If containment methods are not sufficient, oil and oiled sediments may be flushed into offshore areas. Some trampling of substrate and attached biota will occur. 59 High-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing Objective To remove oil that has adhered to hard substrates or man-made structures. Description Similar to low-pressure flushing except that water pressure is 100-1,000 psi. High-pressure spray will more effectively remove sticky or viscous oils. If low water volumes are used, sorbents are placed directly below the treatment area to recover oil. Applicable Habitat On bedrock, man-made structures, and gravel substrates. Types When to Use When low-pressure flushing is not effective at removing adhered oil, which must be removed to prevent continued oil release or for aes- thetic reasons. When a directed water jet can remove oil from hard-to- reach sites. Biological Constraints May need to restrict flushing so that the oil does not drain across sensitive habitats. Released oil must be recovered to prevent further oiling of adjacent areas. Environmental Effects May drive oil deeper into the substrate or erode shorelines of fine sediments if water jet is improperly applied. If containment is not sufficient, oil and oiled sediments may be flushed into offshore areas. Some trampling of substrate and attached biota will occur. 60 Low-Pressure, Hot1-Water Flushing Objective To remove non-liquid oil that has adhered to the substrate or man- made structures, -or pooled on the surface. * Pescription Hot water (90�F up to 170�F) is sprayed with hoses at low pressures (<10 psi) to liquefy and lift oil from the substrate and direct it to the water's edge for recovery by skimmers, vacuums, or sorbents. Used with flooding to prevent released oil from re-adhering to the substrate. Applicable Habitat On bedrock, sand to gravel substrates, and man-made structures. Types When to Use Where heavy, but relatively fresh oil is stranded onshore. The oil must be heated above its pour point, so it will flow. Less effective on sticky oils. *iological Constrainlte Avoid wetlands or rich intertidal communities. Use should be re- stricted so that the hot oil/water effluent does not contact sensitive habitats. Operations from boats will help reduce foot traffic in soft substrates and vegetation. Released oil must be recovered to prevent further oiling of adjacent areas. Environmental Effects Hot-water contact can kill all attached animals and plants. If contain- ment methods are not sufficient, oil may be flushed into downstream areas. Some trampling of substrate and biota will occur. 61 High-Pressure, Hot-Water Flushing Objective To mobilize weathered and viscous oil strongly adhered to surfaces. Deesription Hot water (900F up to 1700F) is sprayed with hand-held wands at pressures greater than 100 psi. If used without water flooding, this procedure requires immediate use of vacuum or sorbents to recover the oil/water runoff. When used with a flooding system, the oil is flushed to the water surface for collection by skimmers, vacuum, or sorbents. Applicable Habitat Gravel substrates, bedrock, and man-made structures. Types When to Use When oil has weathered to the point that warm water at low pressure no longer effectively removes oil. To remove viscous oil from man- made structures for aesthetic reasons. Biological Constraints Use should be restricted so that the oil/water effluent does not drain across sensitive habitats (damage can result from exposure to oil, oiled sediments, and hot water). Should not be used directly on attached algae or rich intertidal areas. Released oil must be recovered to pre- vent further oiling of adjacent areas. Environmental Effects All attached animals and plants in the direct spray zone will be re- moved or killed, even when used properly. Oiled sediment may be transported to shallow nearshore areas, contaminating them and burying benthic organisms. 62 Steam Cleaning ObJective To remove heavy residual oil from solid substrates or man-made structures. Description Steam or very hot water ( 170�F to 212�F) is sprayed with hand-held wands at high pressure (2000+ psi). Water volumes are very low com- pared to flushing methods. Applicable Habitat Man-made structures such as seawalls and riprap. Types When to Use When heavy oil residue remaining on a shoreline needs to be cleaned for aesthetic reasons, and when hot-water flushing is not effective. Biological Constraints Not to be used in areas of soft substrate, vegetation, or high biological abundance directly on or below the structure. Environmental Effects Complete destruction of all organisms in the spray zone. Difficult to recover all released oil. 63 Objective To remove heavy residual oil from solid substrates or man-made structures. 0 Pescription Use of sandblasting equipment to remove oil from the substrate. May include recovery of used (oiled) sand in some cases. Applicable Habitat On heavily oiled bedrock, artificial structures such as seawalls and 0 Types riprap. 0 When to Use When heavy oil residue remaining on the shoreline needs to be cleaned for aesthetic reasons, and even steam-cleaning is not effective. 0 Biological Constraints Not to be used in areas of soft substrate, vegetation, or high biological abundance directly below or adjacent to the structures. Environmental Effects Complete destruction of all organisms in the blast zone. Possible smothering of downstream organisms. Unrecovered, used sand will e introduce oiled sediments into the adjacent habitat. 6 e } : e .5 O O S O S S O S S . e 64 .5 Objective To change the physical state of spilled oil from a liquid to a solid. ~e~criptionChemical agents (polymers) are applied to oil at rates of 10-45 percent -or more, solidifying the oil in minutes to hours. Various broadcast systems, such as leaf blowers, water cannons, or fire suppression systems, can be modified to apply the product over large areas. Can be applied to both floating and stranded oil. Can be placed in booms, pillows, sausages, etc. and used like sorbents, although this type of solidifier application has not been used operationally. 0 ~~~ApplicablIe Habitat All water environments, bedrock, sediments, and artificial structures. * ~~~~Types When to Urge When immobilization of the oil is desired, to prevent refloating from a shoreline, penetration into the substrate, or further spreading. How- 0 ~~~~~~~~~ever, the oil may not fully solidify unless the product is well mixed with 0 ~~~~~~~~the oil, and may result in a mix of solid and untreated oil. Generally not used on spills of heavy oil because the product canno t be readily mixed into viscous oils. 13101001cal Constraints Must be able to recover all treated material. Environmental Effects Available products are insoluble and have very low aquatic toxicity. Unrecovered solidified oil may have longer impact because of slow weathering rates. Physical disturbance of habitat is likely during application and recovery. 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~6 Shoreline Cleaning Agents 0 Objective To increase the efficiency of oil removal from contaminated substrates. Description Special formulations are applied to the substrate, as a presoak and/or flushing solution, to soften or lift weathered or heavy oils from the - substrate to enhance flushing methods. The intent is to lower the water temperature and pressure required to mobilize the oil from the substrate during flushing. Applicable Habitat On any habitat where water flooding and flushing procedures are Types applicable. When to Use When the oil has weathered to the point where it cannot be removed using ambient water temperatures and low pressures. This apprqach may be most applicable where flushing effectiveness decreases as the oil weathers. Biological Constraints The released oil must be recovered from the water surface (and will not chemically disperse into the water column). Use may be restricted where suspended sediment concentrations are high, near wetlands, and near sensitive nearshore resources. Environmental Effects The toxicity and effects on dispersability of treated oil vary widely among products. Selection of a product should consider the toxicity of the product. 66 Nutrient Enrichment Objective To accelerate the rate of loss of oil hydrocarbons due to natural micro- bial processes by supplementing with nutrients. Description Water-soluble nutrients are applied by a spray irrigation system, daily if the impacted area gets completely submerged by tides and waves and - if maximum biostimulation is desired. Slow-release granular or encap- sulated nutrients or oleophilic fertilizer require less frequent addition, but time-series monitoring of interstitial pore water nutrient levels is needed to ensure target levels are being maintained. Applicable Habitat On any habitat type with access and where nutrients are deficient. Types When to Use On moderate to heavily oiled substrates, after.other techniques have been used to remove free product or residues too high to support significant biological activity; on lightly oiled shorelines where other techniques are destructive or ineffective; and where nutrients limit natural.attenuation. Most effective on light to medium crude oils and fuel oils (asphaltenes tend to inhibit biodegradation). Less effective where oil residues are thick. 1Biological Constraints Use of ammonia-based fertilizers at highly elevated concentrations should be avoided because of the toxic effects of un-ionized ammonia to aquatic life. Nitrate is a good nitrogen source without the toxicity. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a better phosphorus source than ortho- phosphates because it is more soluble in seawater. If nutrients are applied properly with adequate monitoring, eutrophication should not be a problem. Only nutrient amendments that have been previously proven to be nontoxic and effective in either the laboratory or field should be used. Contact toxicity of oleophilic formulations may restrict areas of direct application. Toxicity test should be evaluated carefully, as other chemicals in the product could be more toxic to aquatic organisms in the presence of oil. Environmental Effects Physical effects from access by workers for application (unless nutri- ents are sprayed from a nearby barge or from the air). 67 Natural Microbe Seeding Objective To accelerate the rate of natural microbial degradation of oil hydrocar- bons by adding high numbers of living microorganisms with oil- degrading abilities. Description Formulations containing specific hydrocarbon-degrading microbes and nutrients are added to the oiled area, based on the assumption that indigenous hydrocarbon degraders are low in number or those that are present lack the ability to degrade the oil effectively. Applicable Habitat On any habitat type where safe access is allowed and additional mi- Types crobes are needed. When to Use On moderate to heavily oiled substrates, after other techniques have been used to remove free product or residues too high to support significant biological activity; on lightly oiled shorelines where other techniques are destructive or ineffective; and where existing microor- ganisms are not present or effective (unlikely). Most studies have shown microbe seeding to be ineffective for oil spills, compared to simple nutrient addition. Biological Constraints If the product contains fertilizers, use of ammonia-based fertilizers should be avoided because of the toxic effect of un-ionized ammonia to aquatic life. Nitrate is just as good a nitrogen source without the toxicity. If the product containing nutrients is applied properly with adequate monitoring, eutrophication should not be a problem. Toxicity tests should be evaluated carefully, as other chemicals in the product could be toxic to aquatic organisms. The release of genetically engi- neered microbes into the environment is still a controversial subject. Environmental Effects Physical effects from access by workers for application (unless nutri- ents are sprayed from a nearby barge or from the air). 68 In situ Burning Objective To remove oil from the water surface or habitat by burning. Deecription Oil floating on the water surface is collected into slicks at least 2-3 mm - thick and ignited. The oil can be contained in fire resistant booms, or by natural barriers such as ice or the shore. On land, oil in the habitat is burned, usually when it is on a combustible substrate such as vegetation, logs, and other debris. Oil can be burned off nonflam- mable substrates using a burn promoter. On sedimentary substrates, it may be necessary to dig trenches for oil to accumulate in pools thick enough to bum efficiently. Heavy oils are hard to ignite but can sus- tain an efficient burn. Emulsified oils may not ignite or sustain a burn when the water content is greater than 20 to 40 percent. Applicable Habitat On most habitats except dry muddy substrates where heat may impact Types the biological productivity of the habitat. May increase oil penetration into permeable substrates. Use in marshes should be undertaken using special precautions. Not suitable for woody vegetation such as mangroves and hardwood swamps. When to Use On land, where there is heavy oil in sites neither amenable nor acces- sible to physical removal and it is important to remove the stranded oil quickly. In wetlands and mud habitats, a water layer will minimize impacts to sediments and roots. Many potential applications for spills in ice. There are many operational and public health limitations. Biological Constraints The effect of smoke on nesting birds and populated areas should be evaluated. Environmental Effects Temperature and air quality effects are likely to be localized and short- lived. Toxicological impact from burn residues have not been evalu- ated. On-water, bum residues are likely to sink. On land, removal of - residues is often necessary for crude and heavy oils. Limited data on burning oiled wetlands indicate recovery of wetland vegetation will depend on season of burn, type of vegetation, and water level in the marsh at time of burn. 69 0 0 0 * Appendix C: Shoreline AssessmenV Forms, Codes, and Field * EstimaVors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 0 * ~~~SHOREUNE SURVEY EVALUATION FORM Page -_ of _ * 1 GJ 1 Segment Name: Survey Survey (use military time) * El ~~~Segment ID: I Date: Time: _____ to-I NSurveyed From: Foot IBoat I Helicopter Weather: Sun I Clouds /Fog I Rain /Snow * 2 TITeam No. loperations: * EI~~~~OG: IState: for: A~j EGO: IFederal: for: * MI~~AARCH: ILand Manager~ for: * ~~~3 SiealCasfitonorUT-eetoe IdietBeach: Sediment Flat: HJBedrock: Cliff Platform __ Boulder-Cobble -_ Sand __ Boulder-Cobble __Sand_ * 01 ~~Manmade: Permeable __Impermeable __Pebble-Cobble -Pebble-Cobble _ * RI~~~ Marsh/Wetlands Sand-Gravel __Sand-Gravel _ ElSecondarv Shore Type: Isackshore Type: * ~~14l Geomorphology * I AiSlope: Low _% Med. _% High ___% Vert. Iwave Exposure: Low / Medium / High NiEstimated Segment Length: m JTotal Estimated Length Surveyed: i~Access Restrictions: * ~~5 Oil1 Category Width: ITotal Pavement: sq.m by . cm * ~~~~Wide -__ m Very Narrow mlI PattiesiTa rballs bags OiledDebris? Yes/No I.Medium -m No Oil miDebris/Amount: Logs . .Vegetation @ 1 ~~~~Narrow~ Unsurveyed ml Trash _ __Other ___ 6D *~~~ ' SL AREA SURFACE OIL SHORELINE U 0 ma ZONE S THICKNESS T .~ YPE SEDIMENT * ~~~RCm mnr SU Ul MIi LT PO CV CTSTFL FRMS TB PT TC MAPNO TYPE * ~~F A C *~~~ * ~0 L Distribution (DIST): C =100-91%; B =90-51%; P =50-11%; S =10-1%; T ='<1% Photo Roll # __ Frames___ 7 S ~ ~TRENCH OILED SUBSURFACE WATER SURFACE- CLEAN *~~~~ N TRENCHES DEPTH ZONE OIL CHARACTER TABLE SHEEN SUBSURFACE BELOW 83 0. Si U MLl U c cm-cm CP FP CR CF TR NC) cm COLOR sEDimem~T YIN * ~U A Sheen Coior B =Brawn R =Rainbow S= Sliver N =None * 8 COMMIENTS SHORELINE ASSESSMENT FORM for Spill Page _ of _ GI Segment Name: |Date: E Segment ID: ITime: to NlSurveyed From: Foot / Boat / Helicopter/Overlook IWeather: Sun/Clouds/Fog/Rain/Snow TITeam No. El Name: for: I Name: for: AIName: for: IName: for: MI Name: for: I Name: for: Li Shoreline/Sediment Types: I Al Wave Exposure: Low/Medium/High ITotal Segment Length: mlLength Surveyed m I NI Location Description: I .DIAccess Restrictions: Description of oiling conditions _ Oil Length _ Width _ Type/Thickness _ Substrate Type SURFACE OIL: _ Oiled Debris SUBSURFACE OIL: _ Extent _ Thickness Clean _ Thickness Oiled _ Intertidal Location _ Sediment Type _ Oil Description _ Burial _ Penetration Segment-specific considerations for cleanup operations _ Environmental _ Cultural _ Degree of Recreational Use CLEANUP RECOMMENDATIONS SHORELINE ASSESSMENT FORM I*>GA Segment Name: I Date: Segment ID: Time: to N Surveyed From: Foot / Boat / Helicopter / Overlook ] Weather: Sun / Clouds / Fog / Rain / Snow ]* STeam No. Name: for: I Name: for: X Name: - for: l Name: for: I| IName: for: I Name: for: SHORELINE TYPE(S) PRESENT: Circle all that apply. Add P = Primary and S = Secondary shoreline type 1A Rocky Cliffs 6B Riprap 1B Exposed Man-made Structures 7 Exposed Tidal Flats 2 Wave-cut Platforms 8A Sheltered Rocky Shores 3 Fine-grained Sand Beaches 8B Sheltered Man-made Structures 4 Medium- to Coarse-grained Sand Beaches 9 Sheltered Tidal Flats 5 Mixed Sand and Gravel Beaches 10 Wetlands 6A Gravel Beaches Oler WAVE EXPOSURE: LOW / MED / HIGH DEBRIS OILED: Y/N: TYPE VOLUME SEGMENT LENGTH: (m) (ft) PERCENT OF SEGMENT OILED % OIL PRESENT IN: SUPRA / UPPER / MID / LOWER / SUBSTRATE TIDAL ZONE(S) OVERALL DEGREE OF OILING: NONE / VERY LIGHT / LIGHT / MODERATE / HEAVY (SEE MATRIX) CIRCLE ONE OR WRITE IN UNDER EACH COLUMN; SUMMARIZE FOR ENTIRE SEGMENT OR SUBSEGMENT: Oil Band Surface Oil Cover Surface Oil Surface Oil Sediment Width (within the oiled band) Thickness Type Penetration / Burial <0.3 m <1 ft <1% Film Fresh Liquid <1 ncm Clean Layer 0.3-1 m 1-3 ft 1-10% Stain Mousse 1-5 cm cm 1-3m 3-10 ft 11-50% Coat Tarballs 5-10 cm Oiled Layer >3 m >10 ft 51-90% Cover Patties >10 cm cm m ft 91-100% Pooled Asphalt Pavement cm _ in Other ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Y/N CULTURAL ISSUES? Y/N RECREATIONAL ISSUES? Y/N CLEANUP RECOMMENDATION / SPECIFIC CONSTRAINTS CROSS-SECTION SKETCH SHOW: 0 High Tide o Low Tide HT- - b Surface Oil 0 Buried Oil El Other Significant Features LT - - Supratidal | Intertidal |Subtidal * ~~~~~~~~~Supratidal I Intertidal ISubtidal Field Observer Form for Quick Shoreline Assessment 1. I Shoreline Area Name: Zone Division I Date: ITime: Segment ID or location -description: Tidal Conditions (e.g.: high, falling) GPS Coordinates (if available) Surveyed by: _Foot Boat Vehicle --Aircraft Team I.D. Name: for Name: for: 2. Any shoreline impact observed? (circle) Yes No 3.. If "Yes", provide approximate length & width of impact. Length Width 4. Was oil observed in the nearby water? (circle) Yes No If 2 and 4 are "No," STOP HERE. 5. Impacted Shoretypes & OIL COVER ESTIMATION CHART Materials Check SPORAc r P^AT m coCmt= below if 1.1% % Shore- X type or 7 ,V[l Material is 1% , ,.0 Ni , 0 . ,0% P resent marsh/swamp tidal flat riprap sand or shell beach clay bluff dune bulkhead, manmade structures debris (trash, driftwood, etc.) other vegetation 6. Oil Condition Check oil types present _Fresh Oil _Mousse _Tarballs _Tarpatties _Tar _Asphalt (<10cm) (>10cm) 7. Oiled Wildlife Check any observed impacted wildlife _birds _fish _invertebrates _other? (crabs, etc.) 3. Access Restrictions: ). Cleanup Recommendations & Other Comments (make flagging notes here): ;aution: presence of marsh or tidal flat requires visit by SCAT prior to undertaking any cleanup action. SKETCH MAP Site Name Site No. Date Time Names Checklist - North Arrow - Scale Oil Distribution High Tide Line Low Tide Line - Substrate Types Trench Locations Legend IA Trench Number. No Subsurface Oil 2A Trench Number. Subsurface Oil #o-o #0 Photographs GRAIN SIZE (After Wentworth, 1922) SAND <2 mm i i \\\\\m E GRANULE E C o 2-4 mm PEBBLE I . 4-64 mm BOULDER >256 mm 1 cm I inch o 0~~~~~ Grain Scales: cont. 0 *� .. ~~Comparison Chart For Visual Percentage *()~ ~~~ Estimation (After Terry and Chilingar, 1955). S 0 *) / 1 3% \~~~~~~~~IY ,� .~ 20 30% '~~~~~~~~~~~4 [4 d '' , f Itt Al 0 5% 10% Stk ,, CI~~~~ _ 0 V 4 * _0 -~-~ -~ 30% \ ~~~~~~ I~~~~~~~I, ~~~r* .2'i .0 r 4 5, -e a -2 J 0 4.i . *~L ~LYI 40 ~ ~~~~Cb ~ ~ ~ ~ OIL COVER ESTIMATION CHART SPORADIC PATCHY BROKEN CONTINUOUS 1*-10% 11-50% 51-90% 91-100% 1% 10% 20% 30% 40% 60% 70% '80% 91% *TRACE = <1% ~~ e ~ I, � ~~b o e ~~ ~ ~ � � � � cr, � � � � � � � � ~~~~~ � � ~~ � ~ o � � o � � � � � � � � �~~- Appendix D: A Primer on Drawing Field 5ketchee The field sketch is an important component of the SCAT process for two principal reasons: (1) it provides a focused picture of the oil distribution within the entire segment, or subsegment, on a single piece of paper (or image); and (2) it adds disci- pline to the field observation process, because it forces the person doing the sketch to make detailed mental notes of all the relevant features. Step I Once you arrive at the segment, imagine yourself held aloft 200 feet by a balloon as you quickly walk around the entire segment. This will give you the mental overview of the spatial distribution of all the relevant features in the segment that should be included in the sketch. Step 2 Determine the dimensions of the segment and dig trenches to look for subsurface oil. Divide duties among the team members (e.g., one to sketch, one or two to pace or tape distances). Pace (or tape) the length and width of the intertidal zone and the size of some of the more conspicuous features, such as groins or seawall segments. Using a pencil, lightly sketch these measurements on the field sheet, as shown below. Orient the longest dimension along the long axis of the paper. Add scale and north arrow (use English or metric units, as dictated by the situation). SKETCH MAP sile Heome TEXASA&MDOCK Sie No P - Date 8SEPT.1996 To 11:30AM Name.. MOHIJM N B _~~~~~~~~~~ScaleX Oil DSrb.oKOi ....Sob.InsO Type e IA No Spaed. Dil 0 i' Tooi Nor.o \1\ T..io N-ot.. Sobsa.c Oil * F~te:.il. ANorth *e>�G No ~arrow 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ic,0 20 81 Step 3 Lightly sketch in the outline of the intertidal zone or habitat being surveyed. Show in final form (i.e., heavy pencil marks) the areal distribution of the oil, using a hatched pattern. The oil distribution should be the most conspicuous feature on the sketch. 0 SKETCH MAP S TNe uEXASA&MDOCK F1-1 '.. .SEPr 1996 raw 1IMIAM Nlame. MOH/JM ___SuI_ '_____ e S.W~~~~~~~ 0X\1~ ~ ~ ~ Oil S I-V- ::&..- � ZA~~~~. Teh ---. NO/Ad \ ~~~No 0 la 20 O Step 4 Identify critical elements of the sketch, using the following symbology: O 0 . - This oiled zone has tarballs in a patchy distribution. It averages 0.6m in width .68M and is 80 m long. All oiled zones should be labeled in this fashion, using the standard codes and terminology. 1 A - Trench with no subsurface oil 2 A - Trench with subsurface oil #o - Location of photographs taken. Arrow points in direction photographer # was looking. No associated arrow means a ground photograph (sediment surface or trench). Frame number next to the dot. 82 e 0 e e e Sl * ~~~~Step S Fill in the rest of the details of the sketch, showing highlights of the morphology (e.g., 0 ~~~~~~~beach berms, tidal channels); conspicuous features, such as fences, large logs, and seawalls that would help identify the site; zones of vegetation; and access points, such as roads and parking areas. * ~~~~Step 6 (Optional) Where appropriate, draw a topographic cross-chapter of the intertidal zone, showing significant topographic breaks (e.g., beach berm crests) and oiled zones. * ~~~~Step 7 Make sure form is completely filled in with site location, date and time of survey, and names of survey team members. Review checklist on left side of form. Figure D-lI is an example of a completed beach sketch. Figure D-2 is an example of a field sketch map for a detailed survey of subsurface oil at the Exxon Valdez spill site. The exact location of the subsurface oil was surveyed in and identified with perma- nent markers (i.e., stakes just above high-tide line), because of the expense of remov- ing the overburden. 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~8 SKETCH MAP Site Name Te04ts AN~ Dark~ Site No. PI-lG Date 8 Sei.*. Iqq9 I6.. Time JI:3oPT Names AdH/2r-TM Checklist k North Arrow JLScale &..Oil Distribution vgl X. High Tide Line ..X. Low Tide Line X Substrate Types X.. Trench Locations rop Legend IA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,e&NFX Trench Number. No Subsurface Oil 2A Trench Number. Subsurface Oil Photographs to to Figure D-1. Example of a complete b~each sketch. SKETCH MAP Site Name RD;IS filltit. PW~ A Site No. kAl-*wOSA (ueaa.OAH4 ~tI-) Date # r,, 1Iqq Time 5UBSURFAC.E OmL REVIew. Names V. kellyI(ExxzA-Al~. Crai~q A Checklist ~JT~LN X North Arrow Scale ..X.Oil Distribution -High Tide Line -Low Tide Line -Substrate Types ...Trench Locations Legend o ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IA Trench Number. MO No Subsurface Oil 2A /MiI TR Trench Number. N 7 Subsurface Oil - MC~~~~~~ ~A Photographs 0 kaill% iA i(4BEACH DEPOSIS Figure P-2. Example of a field sketch mar for subsurface oil survey at ExX01n Valdez.