U.S. Coast Guard Oil Spill Response Research & Development Program, A decade of Achievement

摘要

This report provides a comprehensive summary of the Coast Guard oil spill response R&D program undertaken during the period 1990 through 2001 following the EXXON VALDEZ oil spill and in response to the R&D provisions of OPA 90. During this period, the Coast Guard R&D efforts addressed four main focus areas: Spill Response Planning and Management, Spill Detection and Surveillance, Vessel Salvage and On-Board Containment, and Spilled Oil Cleanup and Countermeasures. The specific projects undertaken in each focus area are described, and the longer-term benefits of these projects in enhancing Coast Guard response capability are summarized. Coast Guard R&D contributions in developing oil spill R&D infrastructure, supporting oil spill technology research at universities, and facilitating technology transfer and promoting public awareness are also discussed. In addition, 'representative quantitative estimates' are calculated for the potential cost savings that resulted from advances in specific technology focus areas to show the relative 'return on investment' for the program.