Integration of a Shoreline Response Program (SRP) and SCAT

Abstract

The Shoreline Response Program (SRP) is an adjustment within an Incident Management System (IMS) intended to improve current practices. An SRP builds on the recognized strengths of an IMS-based organization and of a SCAT program that utilizes an integrated and focused approach to streamline and better coordinate the decision and planning processes and the operational implementation activities. An SRP is an extension of the traditional SCAT program but with a broader focuses on strategic and tactical planning to minimize the short- and long-term impacts of oil on shorelines, the efforts and costs involved in a shoreline response, and the volumes of waste that would be generated. The inclusion of an SRP concept in drills, exercises and preparedness training can directly improve the ability to respond quickly and effectively during the initial response phase. Not implementing an SRP at the very outset of a spill response, when typically the best opportunities exist for the removal of bulk oil, can have significant long-term consequences. Shifting an emphasis on management and physical resources from, often only partially successful, on-water activities to onshore shoreline activities when oil can be picked up more rapidly and effectively can significantly reduce i) the footprint of the response, ii) the duration and scale of the shoreline operation, iii) the exposure of shore zone resources to the oil, and so accelerate environmental recovery, and iv) waste generation.