Draft final

BOX 4a PRE-APPROVAL DOES NOT APPLY; REFER TO RRT APPROVAL PROCESS.
The request for dispersant use does not qualify under the pre-approval guidelines for the use of dispersants in RRT Regional IX. Contact the OSPR ART Technical Specialist (831-233-0723) or the NOAA SSC (Attachment XI) and begin the dispersant RRT Expedited Approval Process (Enclosure 4910b Section II).

Chart 4.1

BOX 5 CAN DISPERSANT BE APPLIED SAFELY FROM AN APPROPRIATE PLATFORM?

Use the information in the DISPERSANT ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET to evaluate which application platform(s) will be most effective, given the following particular considerations:

• 
  The amount of oil spilled;
  
• 
  The location of the operational area;
  
• 
  The volume of available dispersants;
  
• 
  The timeframe in which the required equipment can be on-scene.
  

Assume for planning purposes that the weather information on the DISPERSANT ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET will remain the same during the timeframe in which this decision is operating. At the earliest opportunity, contact the NOAA SSC (Attachment XI) for more detailed and updated weather information, but do not delay this decision process for the NOAA SSC weather input. Weather information may also be available from other resources noted in Attachment XI. See Attachments II.g – II. j f or specific information on dispersant application platforms.

Decision: Is there a safe and appropriate application platform for a dispersant operation?

(See Discussion Note 5.2 below for important safety information)
Yes (Type) No (Why not appropriate?)

C-130/ADDS Pack  

DC-4  

Other large multi-engine airplane   .

Cessna AT-802  

Other single-engine airplane  

Helicopter  

Work boat  

Go to Go to

Box 6 Box 5a and/or 5b

Make a note of the decision in the Dispersant Decision Summary box on the Dispersant Use Flowchart.
Taken in part from Cawthron, 2000 and S.L. Ross, 2002

Discussion Note 5.1 CURRENT LOGISTICS FOR A CALIFORNIA DISPERSANT APPLICATION

Use the information on the DISPERSANT ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET to consider the following:

• 
  Is the selected dispersant available in the quantity needed?
  
• 
  Can the estimated “window of opportunity” for getting the dispersant on the oil be met?
  
• 
  Can the dispersant and application resources get to the spill scene on time?
  
• 
  Will there be enough daylight hours for an effective dispersant application?
  

Refer to Attachment II for more specific regional dispersant resource information.

BOX 5b WEATHER UNLIKELY TO IMPROVE OR

SUITABLE RESPONSE RESOURCES NOT AVAILABLE

There will be spill situations where dispersant use may be appropriate but weather conditions and available resources will not allow dispersants to get on the oil within the appropriate weather window. In these cases, dispersant use will need to be abandoned and other response options considered instead.

Go to Box 1c

BOX 5a DISPERSANT OPERATIONS ON WEATHER STANDBY

Consult with appropriate RRT IX members (USCG/District 11 Co-Chair, EPA, DOI, DOC and OSPR (See Attachment XI for contact information) to notify them that dispersants are being considered, but delayed due to weather.

Decision: Has the weather improved to the point where dispersants can be applied?

• 
  Yes Go to Box 6
  
• 
  No Continue to reassess (until/unless time window for successful application closed) or
  

Go to Box 5b
Make a note of the decision in the Dispersant Decision Summary box on the Dispersant Use Flowchart.

Discussion Note 5.2 GENERAL SAFETY ISSUES

• 
  The FOSC is responsible for ensuring that health and safety requirements are adequately addressed during a response.
  
• 
  Individuals should not engage in activities that they are not appropriately trained to perform.
  
• 
  Individuals are expected to adhere to safety procedures appropriate to the conditions they are working under and/or are included in a dispersant-specific Site Safety Plan Annex.
  
• 
  Vessel/aircraft operators are expected to define appropriate operational limits and safety and maintenance requirements for their craft.
  
• 
  Vessels and response resources should be properly maintained and undergo proper decontamination procedures.
  
• 
  Apply dispersants only if there is no significant risk to response personnel (e.g., ignition risk, operational hazards).
  
• 
  Ensure the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available.
  
• 
  Ensure that application aircraft and vessels remain within standard operating limits.
  
• 
  Each person involved in a response is required to take personal responsibility for his or her safety. The FOSC may appoint a Safety Officer and request development of a specific Site Safety Plan Annex. Key safety aspects to be considered in the plan may include:
  

• 
  Physical hazards (e.g., waves, tides, unstable or slippery surfaces)
  
• 
  Heavy machinery and equipment
  
• 
  Chemical hazards (e.g., oil and dispersant exposure)
  
• 
  Atmospheric hazards (e.g., fumes, ignition risks)
  
• 
  Confined spaces
  
• 
  PPE
  
• 
  Noise
  
• 
  Fatigue
  
• 
  Heat/cold stress
  
• 
  Wildlife (bites/stings)
  
• 
  Cleanup facilities
  
• 
  Medical treatment
  

HUMAN SAFETY OVERRIDES ALL OTHER CONSIDERATIONS DURING A RESPONSE
From Cawthron, 2000