OSC 2007 Evaluation Report

2007 OSC Readiness Training Program Evaluation Report
Alternative Countermeasures for Oil Spills
Instructors: Tom Condon, EPA Region 1
Nick Nichols, EPA Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
William Robberson, EPA Region 9
Albert Venosa, EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)
This course focused on alternative (non-mechanical) oil spill response methods that have gained
popularity and acceptance among industry, federal responders and trustees, state agencies, members of
Congress, and the entire oil spill response community. OSCs play a vital role in planning and using
alternative countermeasures (ACMs) through participation in Regional Response Teams (RRT) and as
responders to inland spills. RRT representatives may be called on more often to concur with ISB,
chemical, and biological countermeasures for marine and inland spills. The use of these methods, such as
ISB, dispersants, surface washing agents, chemical sorbents, and other technologies, has sparked
controversy and confusion in all of EPA’s regional offices and areas. Research about these tools has
helped resolve issues about toxicity, efficacy, and proper use of these tools, but conflicts and questions
about their use still exist.
RRTs have been tasked with designating pre-approved or expedited ACM application zones for ISB and
dispersants. Other federal agencies, industry representatives, and product manufacturers continue to
expand the application of dispersant use. RRTs are re-evaluating their regions’ pre-approval areas along
with these efforts.
OSCs, area planners, and RRT representatives were presented case studies and provided updates on the
efforts of RRTs to expand the knowledge of OSCs beyond what is on the National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency Plan Product Schedule. Efforts are under way to document how to use
the products more appropriately. Participants were updated on ongoing research by EPA’s ORD to
support NCP Subpart J rulemaking efforts, including the new wave tank for dispersant testing.
Bioremediation success at oil spill sites in EPA Region 3 was profiled, the use of surface washing agents
in EPA Regions 1 and 5 was reviewed, and some dispersants were discussed. Instructors also provided an
update on the ACM research EPA has conducted and EPA’s plans for the future. All participants were
encouraged to discuss their use of ACMs and lessons learned.
This course was recommended for new OSCs and RSC staff.
Number of Participants Who
Pre-registered
Participation and Average Grade
Number of Participants Who
Signed Course Roster
Number of Evaluation
Forms Submitted
Average
Grade
54 52 29 4*
* The grade displayed is the average of the grades provided on the evaluation forms, where
1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Very Good, and 5 = Excellent.
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