OR&R’s Emergency Response Division is pleased to announce the release of its latest update to the Sensitivity of Coastal Environments and Wildlife to Spilled Oil for Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

This release of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) is a two volume set covering the coastal areas of three states. Volume 1 covers DE, PA, and the upper portion of the Delaware Bay on the NJ shore. Volume 2 covers NJ from the lower Delaware Bay, around Cape May up to Toms River on the Atlantic coast.

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps provide a concise summary of coastal resources that are at risk and most likely to be affected by spilled oil. The ESI is a compilation of information from three main categories: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. Examples of at-risk resources include biological resources (such as birds and shellfish beds), sensitive shorelines (such as marshes and tidal flats), and human-use resources (such as public beaches and parks).

When an oil spill occurs, ESI maps can help responders meet one of the main response objectives: reducing the environmental consequences of the spill and the cleanup efforts. Additionally, ESI maps can be used by planners—before a spill happens—to identify vulnerable locations, establish protection priorities, and identify cleanup strategies.

For further information, contact Jill.Petersen@noaa.gov, or Ed.Levine@noaa.gov.

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