Response Oil Assay

Tuesday, January 14, 2020 to Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Seattle, WA

*Post-Workshop 4 Working Groups continued this effort.  For more information on these Working Groups see the Working Group page

The workshop is made possible through NOAA's Office of Response & Restoration (OR&R) via funding from Canada Oceans Protection Plan’s Multi-Partner Oil Spill Research Initiative (MPRI) and hosted by the Coastal Response Research Center, University of New Hampshire.

Coastal Response Research Center logo Coastal Response Research Center Response Oil Assay Group

Goal of workshop

NOAA ERD is in the process of developing software and collecting data for a new database of oil physico-chemical properties to support oil spill response decision-making. The primary goal of the database is to provide information that is useful for the response phase of a spill. We envision that the database would be used primarily for response, response planning, and environmental impact analysis. Secondarily, it could be useful for injury assessment, particularly in the initial phase. It could provide a basis for forensic analysis -- identifying “mystery spills”. Finally, the data could support oil spill research. 

During this workshop, we hope to accomplish two main goals

  •  Identify the set of properties that should be included in a database record
  • Work toward defining a recommended set of measurement protocols for the properties identified above (the Response Oil Assay)
    • Discuss methods for measuring physico-chemical properties in a consistent way across labs
    • Discuss methods for weathering oil in a controlled setting (e.g. lab or mesocosm)

The first goal will be the focus of Day 1. We will first focus on the questions that need to be answered as part of various aspects of oil spill response, assessment, and planning, and then compile a list of physico-chemical properties of fresh and weathered oils which help address the questions raised, and that can be measured before a spill occurs. As part of the discussion, we will start defining the minimum set of data required for multiple types of database records, which could be geared towards different use cases.

The second goal will be the focus of Day 2. We will discuss the analytical methods currently used by various labs to measure the physico-chemical properties of oil, and consider the merits of different methods for artificially weathering oil in a controlled setting such as a lab or mesocosm. We will also discuss methods for lab measurements of environmental behaviors of oils, such as evaporation and emulsification, and consider how these measurements in controlled settings can help us understand the behavior of oil in the field.

Agenda
Participants(revised post workshop)

Resources

 Presentations

Panelists

Panelists

 

Workshop Planning Committee

  • Nancy Kinner, CRRC
  • Sarah Allan, NOAA OR&R ARD
  • Chris Barker, NOAA OR&R ERD
  • Amanda Bess, Chevron
  • Carl Childs, NOAA OR&R ERD
  • Lisa DiPinto, NOA OR&R
  • Gregory Hall, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
  • Doug Helton, NOAA OR&R ERD
  • Bruce Hollebone, Canada
  • Robert Jones, NOAA OR&R ERD
  • Dalina Viveros, NOAA OR&R ERD

Venue

NOAA Western Regional Facility (Building 3 - Oceanographer Room)
7600 Sand Point Way
Seattle, WA

A Foreign National Form must be submitted as soon as possible.

In order to access the NOAA campus please bring your photo ID.  Your name must be on our master sheet of attendees in order to enter the security gate as well as Building 3.

There is plenty of free parking.

Lodging

Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University District ($184/federal rate) Group Name: Response Oil Assay
5036 25th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 526-5200 or (800) 205-6940

Complimentary breakfast, wifi and shuttle to our meeting venue. Onsite parking is available for $15/day.

Make your own Response Oil Assay lodging reservation.

Questions? Please contact Kathy Mandsager.

Years
Types