THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING DISPERSANT EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING FOR A GLOBAL RESPONSE

摘要

Recent developments in dispersant effectiveness monitoring have led to huge benefits for the response communities. Successfully interpreting dispersant effectiveness monitoring fluorometric data in situ has managed to speed scientific results to the Incident Command in almost real time which is becoming increasingly important in the promotion of dispersant as a response tool across the globe, particularly as more and more countries look to developing legislation permitting their use. The ability to present data linking dispersed oil to chemical dispersant is a compelling method of persuasion for their utilisation. OSRL/EARL is unique in that it is the only industry owned oil spill response company with a global remit, this presents a number of challenges in respect of the practicalities of responding with dispersant monitoring capabilities. The equipment surrounding the use of the fluorometer requires flexibility and portability dependant upon the circumstance of the spills that arise. With the possibility of application of dispersant operations resting upon the ability to monitor as soon as possible after the operations commence, the challenges surrounding the logistics of operation must be overcome. If dispersant monitoring equipment is delayed in its deployment it is not reasonable to delay application given the limited window of opportunity however aerial observations alone present a margin for human error. Monitoring dispersant effectiveness with the aid offluorometry is still only a quantitative tool, although its capabilities are well respected, there is scope for further improvement to reduce its limitations. Currently the Turner 10 AU is the predominant tool in dispersant monitoring response; its replacement with a smaller in-situ fluorometer could not only improve the means of collating the data but also reduce the equipment that is required to be transported with the monitoring team. There are presently few obstacles that would prevent new fluorometer equipment being configured with the current software set up. This paper will look at how an international response organisation has prepared for dispersant monitoring and the tools it has put in place for operational deployment. The system is operated by response personnel rather than scientists so provides a practical solution to the problem based on their experience.