Providing scientific support during spill response is more than providing SCAT data, oiling maps, and trajectories, it’s about helping response teams make informed decisions in real time.
During a recent bunker fuel spill response, the Polaris team submitted a Shoreline Treatment Recommendation (STR) that called for targeted cutting of heavily oiled vegetation for shoreline cleanup operations.
One of the initial questions was whether any protected plant species were present within the treatment area. Our team determined that no protected vegetation would be impacted. However, our assessment did identify the potential that a toxic plant species on site could pose a hazard to Operations personnel if cut or handled improperly during cleanup. That information was communicated to the Operations Section so appropriate precautions could be incorporated into the work plan. Additionally, Polaris transitioned to a SCAT-OPS liaison role to assist OPS on site in vegetation identification and to ensure best practices were employed during treatment.
This is a great example of the value scientific support and SCAT bring to an incident. Effective shoreline cleanup isn’t just about removing oil, it’s about integrating environmental science, worker safety, regulatory considerations, and operational objectives into every treatment recommendation.
By identifying potential environmental and safety considerations before work begins, SCAT helps ensure response actions are safe, effective, and environmentally responsible while allowing Operations to move forward with confidence.