IncidentNews Home  >>  Incident  >>  Entry

Report - Technical

OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR CONDUCTING DISPERSANT USE TEST  August 24, 1984  Proposal Prepared
by: Todd Baxter NOAA SSC In conjunction with the Scientific Suppot Group  Reference:
Proposal to Conduct A Dispersant Evaluation Test....  By Mr. Hugh Parker, ITOPF, 21 August
1984  Several concerns have been raised by Mr. Chs. Gazda (EPA), upon review of the
referenced proposal. The conditions for EPA approval of the proposed test are as follows:
1. Wind and sea state conditions must meet or exceed those of the proposal  to ensure
adequate mixing of the dispersant-oil complex in the near-  shore.  2. An in situ toxicity
bio-assey will be conducted during the test  with appropiate local organisms to test for
the toxic effects of  the dispersant-oil complex.  3. Water samples will be collected in
the test zone for analysis, should  the need arise.  4. Visual and photographic
observations will be made by the Scientific  Support Group and other concerned agencies
during the test.  5. An EPA dispersant use check list will be completed, as appropiate.
In order to meet these requirements, an inter-agency task group has been formed within the
Scientific Support Group. Portions of the test have been divided as follows: 1. Design and
provide organisms, equipment and logistics for the toxicity  bio-assey. (National Marine
Fisheries Service/NOAA. Assistance from  U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Texas Parks and
Wildlife.)  2. Design and execute a water sampling program during the test. (Texas  Dept.
Water Resources.)  3. Observe and photograph the entire test, providing comments for the
test evaluation report. (All agencies.)  4. Maintain the modified EPA check list. (EPA-
ERT and TAT reps.)  5. Provide boat-handling support during test. (TDWR- zodiac boat,
NMFS-  skiff, USCG- coxswain)  6. Obtain dispersant and conduct cleaning operation.
(Owners reps.)  The test has been scheduled for 1000 on Monday, August 27, 1984 at the
Western end of the Galveston sea wall. A site safty and briefing meeting is proposed at
0800, before operations.  If the required weather window is not met, a decision on re-
scheduling will be made on-scene.