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Environmental and Scientific Issues

Oil Spill Trajectory Modelling

The tracking of oil spills likely to impact the shoreline is of prime importance in response planning. Computer models are used to simulate and predict the movement of oil. The information provided is used to support response decision making.

The National Plan Oil Spill Trajectory Model (OSTM) was originally launched in 2000 and since then has continued to be updated. During the reporting period the following additional improvements were made:

High definition coastline vector datasets were added for mainland Australia and off-shore territories.
Interface of OSTM with Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) raster based nautical charts.
Importation of Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data from AHO for Queensland.
Digital bathymetry data has been increased to over five times the size previously available.

Following an audit by AMSA’s internal auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2003, it was recommended that replacement of the hydrodynamic model component of OSTM be considered. A ground truthing exercise in Moreton Bay confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed replacement.

In June 2004 the new software, HYDROMAP, was installed and a number of AMSA personnel have been trained in its operation. The recent improvements in the OSTM system provides the National Plan with a more user friendly and robust system.

Oil Spill Response Atlas

The Oil Spill Response Atlas (OSRA) provides vital environmental, biological and logistical information to marine spill responders in a useful and effective format to enable a fast and efficient response to oil and chemical spills in the marine environment.

The National Plan allocated $200,000 for the 2003-2004 financial year, as part of the continuation of the OSRA program. This funding was allocated to the States/NT to update and maintain existing data. Funding was also distributed to acquire new spatial datasets and imagery.

The Atlas has been used extensively in incidents and exercises since its inception in December 1999 and has proven to be a robust and effective decision support system.

Research, Development and Technology Program

Literature Review of Current Worldwide Trends in Marine Pollution Response

The international literature review of recent innovations and current research in oil and chemical spill technology was completed in 2003-2004 as part of the National Plan RD&T Program. A copy of the report has been provided to National Plan Operations Group members for information and a reference to the review has been placed on the AMSA website. The Environment Working Group is reviewing the outcomes to determine relevant technologies and systems which could be adopted in Australia.

Post Spill Monitoring Guidelines

During 2003-2004 the Post Spill Monitoring RD&T project was completed. The project produced a Background Paper and a Handbook.

The purpose of the Background Paper is to provide guidance about the nature, justifiable scope, and scale of post spill monitoring programs. It focuses predominantly on post spill monitoring of oil spills, although the concepts presented are generally applicable to all types of marine spills.

The Background Paper defines and discusses the rationale for classifying post spill monitoring into two general “types”: Operational (Type I) and Non-Operational or Scientific (Type II) monitoring.

It directly supports the Oil Spill Monitoring Handbook (AMSA, 2003), which is designed to provide field guidance for the planning and execution of monitoring of oil spills for operational (response) purposes.

The Handbook provides guidelines for undertaking monitoring for actual or potential marine spill responses. It focuses on oil spill monitoring; however the guidelines presented are also generally applicable for monitoring marine chemical spills. It is designed for use by personnel who are familiar with the field information needed during a spill response.

Oiled Wildlife

During the reporting period the Rescue and Rehabilitation of Oiled Fauna Manual was updated. Copies of the manual were distributed to key oil wildlife response personnel throughout Australia. Funding was provided through the National Plan to update and print the manual.

In February 2004 the 2nd Oiled Wildlife Workshop was held in Brisbane. There were participants from nearly all States and Territories and New Zealand as well as researchers from local universities and representation from the United States. The workshop covered a range of issues including avian and non-avian response, hazing, capture, triage, cleaning, rehabilitation, use of volunteers and personnel management. The feedback from all participants was very favourable and a resource CD-ROM of presentations and material provided at the workshop was produced and distributed to participants.

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Updated: 21 February 2005