Outreach

OSPR's 11th Biennial Oil Spill Response Technology Workshop. On behalf of CRRC & NOAA, Nancy Kinner presented on 2 pertinent topics on May 30, 2025.  

  1. Remote Sensing for Spill Response: Operational and Research Needs and Strategies for Transitioning New Technologies to Operations (authors: Nancy Kinner, Lisa DiPinto)

Abstract: NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) partnered with the Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC) to
facilitate a 2-day hybrid workshop titled “NOAA OR&R Remote Sensing/UAS Workshop” identified overarching concepts,
knowledge gaps, challenges, and research regarding the current capabilities of oil spill remote sensing of NOAA and its
partners, including government and state agencies, and the private sector (e.g., OSROs, contractors). The resulting
conversations explored state of the art technologies that could be deployed during a spill event and complications introduced to
response and recovery efforts by data delivery timelines, data products, and remote sensing technology (RST) availability and
capabilities. Topics covered included operational needs for OR&R for remote sensing, advancements on remote sensing within
federal and state agencies, and advancements on remote sensing within the private sector. Participants have identified
examples of successful use of remote sensing technologies and explored partnership opportunities to transition them into
operations. Conclusions and recommendations included: Operationalization: Transitioning state-of-the-art technologies from
development phases to the field has proven challenging for all partners. Adaptation to quickly evolving scenarios and regulations
is essential to derive meaningful data products for decision-makers. Data Flow and Management: As remote sensing
technologies (RSTs) develop, the size of their data products increase and impede the speed at which they are delivered to
incident command centers (ICCs). New satellite networks (e.g., Starlink) are transforming and simplifying data delivery
workflows. Standardization of these complex data products could be helpful to ensure comprehensive and common
understanding of information among responders and decision-makers. Synoptic Sampling: A comprehensive remotely sensed
image collection is desired for every response scenario. A matrix of assets/use cases and rapid deployment at all levels (i.e.,
satellite, fixed-wing, UAS) is essential to achieve this. Emerging Platforms: Forthcoming satellites (e.g., GLIMR) present exciting
new advancements in the remote sensing community. Integrating these systems into response will be beneficial. Research and
Development: Prototype RSTs require validation testing in controlled and field environments to prove their worth. Locations such
as the CRRC indoor high bay and Facility for Outdoor Remote Testing (FORT), Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulation
Environmental Test Tank (OHMSETT), CRREL, and the Experimental Lakes in Canada present opportunities for establishing
baselines and sensor capabilities. Partnerships and Coordination: Networking among entities involved in response prior to
events occurring is paramount for successful incident mitigation. Partnerships and connections will ensure preparedness, response, assessment, and restoration phases are as organized and efficient as possible.

2) Use of Commercial Off the Shelf Acoustic Sensor for Detecting Oil on the Water's Surface and Under Ice (authors: Sara Berg, Gabe Venegas, Nancy Kinner, Scott Pegau, Lisa DiPinto). 

Abstract: The Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC) and NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration(OR&R), using funding provided by the U.S, Coast Guard's Great Lakes Center of Expertise for Oil Spills (GLCOE)and the Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI), are evaluating the capabilities of an AQUAScat 1000 commercial off the shelf acoustic sensor to detect marine diesel, MC20, and a Line 5 pipeline oil: floating on water with and without waves, and located in a cavity under freshwater ice. The AQUAScat has four sensors: 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 MHz. In testing at the CRRC’s highbay validation facility, the AQUAScat began sensing the floating oil slicks when they reached 2.5 mm in thickness. Floating slicks up to 20 mm were detected. The sensors were able to resolve differences on the order of 1.25 mm. Testing with the AQUAScat is currently ongoing in a tank containing 1 ft thick freshwater ice. A 6-8 in. diameter cavity in the ice is filled with increasing amounts of marine diesel or MC20 crude. The Aquascat is able to discern the thickness of the oil in the cavity with both fuels by detecting the ice at the top of the cavity and the oil's surface. However, this can only occur for relatively small amounts of oil. Once that threshold is exceeded, the oil can be detected vis-a-vis the under ice
surface, but thickness cannot be determined as the ice at the top of the cavity is not detectable. Results from the ice tank and validation facility testing will be reported along with a discussion of the suitability of the AQUAScat for use in spill response.

CRRC's presentations and papers at IOSC 2024:

Join the Coastal Response Research Center at 2024 International Oil Spill Conference in New Orleans, LA
Please visit us at Booth #330; May 13-16, 2024

  • Monday 5/13 at 6:30 pm CT – Oil Spill Modeling Working Group Kick Off Meeting NOTES
  • Tuesday 5/14 at 12:30 pm CT – Remote Sensing Working Group Kick Off Meeting NOTES
  • Tuesday 5/14 at 5:30 pm CT – CRRC 20 Year Celebration
  • Wednesday 5/15 at 12:30 pm CT – Shoreline Response Working Group Meeting NOTES
  • Wednesday 5/15 at 6:00 pm CT – Dispersant Working Group Meeting NOTES
  • Wednesday 5/15 at 7:00 pm CT – Submerged/Sunken Oil Working Group Meeting
  • Thursday 5/16 at 11:30 am CT – Toxicity Working Group Meeting 

Spills Advisory Group - science meeting
     CRRC activities update
     Nancy Kinner, Coastal Response Research Center
April 17, 2024

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