QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATE OIL-SPILL RESPONSE STRATEGIES USING OSCAR

A three-dimensional numerical model of the physical and chemical behav ior and fate of spilled oil has been coupled to a model of oil spill r esponse actions. This coupled system of models for Oil Spill Contingen cy and Response (OSCAR), provides a tool for quantitative, objective a ssessment of alternative oil spill response strategies. Criteria for r esponse effectiveness can be either physical ('How much oil comes asho re?' or 'How much oil have we recovered?') or biological ((How many bi ologically sensitive areas were affected?' or 'What exposures will fis h eggs and larvae experience in the water column?'). The oil spill com bat module in the simulator represents individual sets of equipment, w ith capabilities and deployment strategies being specified explicitly by the user. The coupling to the oil spill model allows the mass balan ce of the spill to be affected appropriately in space and time by the cleanup operation as the simulation proceeds. An example application i s described to demonstrate system capabilities, which include evaluati on of the potential for both surface and subsurface environmental effe cts. This quantitative, objective approach to analysis of alternative response strategies provides a useful tool for designing more optimal, functional, rational, and cost-effective oil spill contingency soluti ons for offshore platforms, and coastal terminals and refineries.