Oil Spill Containment Strategies

Containment & Protection Strategies

• Spill response strategies include containment and protection, dispersant application, monitor only, shoreline protection, shoreline clean-up and in-situ burning
• Each spill is unique and the chosen response strategies may vary
• Boom containment is a primary containment and protection strategy
• Boom containment protects shore/near shore sensitivities
• Boom containment deflects oil to collection areas
• Boom containment assists with shoreline clean-up
• Boom containment is used to corral and collect oil for recovery

Boom Types

• There are various boom types to choose from, each with its benefits and disadvantages
• Shore sealing boom is designed for a full tidal range
• Shore sealing boom should be set before the area is filled
• Shore sealing boom does not perform well on rocky surfaces.

Inshore Booming

• Booming is effective in diverting oil, protecting sensitive areas, assisting with shoreline clean-up and containing oil
• Boom angle, current velocity and boom location all impact the success of boom deployment
• Inshore booming requires ancillary equipment such as air blowers, water pumps and hoses, towing connectors, anchors, anchor chains, buoys and spares

Boom Deployment Techniques

• Booming deployment should occur in sections
• Booming deployment should be done in a seaward direction
• Deployment of boom in sections reduces the overall stress on the system
• Anchor boom to the shore using stakes or anchors

Booming Deployment Techniques

• Booming should be towed in a direction opposite the direction of the current
• River booming should be used with an angle of booms to account for fast moving currents
• Large deflection booms and small collection points are recommended for faster currents
• Multiple collection points may be necessary on rivers with fast currents

Offshore Booming

• Offshore booming is used for oil collection and recovery, in-situ burning, protection of deepwater inlets and fish farms
• Common offshore boom configurations are U, V and J shapes
• Single ship systems are another offshore booming option.

Offshore Booming Advantages & Disadvantages

• Offshore boom configurations have a large entrapment area
• Offshore boom configurations perform effectively in wave conditions
• Offshore boom configurations can be used with deflated sections
• Offshore boom configurations are limited in boom speed and only recover 10%-20% of oil at sea
• Offshore booming success is weather dependent

Offshore Booming Ancillaries

• Offshore booming utilizes vessels of opportunity with good communication and low speed manoeuvrability capabilities

Boom Limitations

• Current speed, splash over, drainage and manpower are factors that impact boom effectiveness
• Logistical support is a fundamental requirement for successful boom deployment

New Equipment Trends

• The trend in boom deployment is to move away from large, heavy systems.