Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT)

Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment
Technique (SCAT)
• Simple and comprehensive
way to perform a survey of an
affected shoreline
• Systematic approach using
standardized terminology to
collect data on shoreline
oiling conditions
Material Summarized from NOAA Shoreline Assessment Manual
A Shoreline Assessment Program
• Supports decision making for
shoreline cleanup
• Flexible in terms of scale of the
survey and detail of the data sets
collected
• Multi-agency with trained
representatives from all interested
parties who have authority to
make decisions
Material Summarized from NOAA Shoreline Assessment Manual
SCAT Team Responsibilities
• Evaluate oiling conditions
• Factor in shoreline types
• Identify sensitive resources
• Determine need for cleanup
• Recommend cleanup methods and
endpoints
• Place constraints on cleanup if
necessary, due to ecological,
economic, or cultural concerns
• Post-cleanup Inspections and Final
sign-off of clean-up activities
Material Summarized from NOAA Shoreline Assessment Manual
Key Considerations for Endpoints:
(Riparian, Stream Banks, Man-made Structures)
• Is proposed shoreline segment
safely accessible for cleanup?
• Is proposed endpoint practicably
and technologically achievable?
• Will additional removal cause
more damage than leaving the
residual oil in place for natural
weathering and biodegradation?
• Will remaining oil represent either
an environmental hazard,
historical/cultural property threat,
or human use nuisance?
Proposed End-Points:
(Riparian, Stream Banks, Man-made Structures)
• Remove and/or abate visible oil and or sheen affecting
Yellowstone River
• Shorelines no longer release sheens that affect
Yellowstone River
• Oil no longer rubs off on contact
• Oil removal to the point where recovery can occur
without causing more harm than leaving the oil in place.
• Structure no longer generates liquid oil or sheen
Key Considerations for Endpoints:
(Upland Areas)
• Areas that are traditionally safer
to access
• Is proposed endpoint practicably
and technologically achievable?
• Areas that may be less
ecologically fragile
Proposed End-Points:
(Upland Areas)
• Characterize and assess per MDEQ Guidance
• Remediate to meet the higher of background and/or soil,
groundwater, and drinking water standards associated
with the Montana RBCA Guidance for Petroleum releases