MAY 8, 2015--Chemical herders, can be applied to oil slicks to make them thicker and more stable, which creates conditions that are easier for burning in open water (in situ burn).

As part of the on-going research on the use of herding agents, a multi-project program funded by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers Arctic Response Technology Joint Industry Program (JIP) conducted a field research demonstration to validate the application of chemical herders by manned and robotic helicopters to oil slicks on open water.

On April 27, 2015, Catherine Berg, Scientific Support Coordinator for Alaska attended the demonstration at the Poker Flat Research Range, Fairbanks, Alaska, along with representatives from Exxon-Mobil, Cold Regions Research Environmental Lab, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and Alaska Clean Seas.

The project's overall objectives are twofold:

• Prove the operational feasibility of an aerial herder/in situ burn response strategy using both manned and remote controlled helicopters.
• Reaffirm the effectiveness of herders in open water and with ice present.

The primary objective of the field releases was to validate the use of herders in combination with in situ burning (ISB), when both are applied by helicopter.

The aim of the project is to develop a rapid response aerial system that enhances responders' ability to use offshore in situ burn in drift ice conditions ranging from limited ice cover (1 to 3/10) to ice-free waters.

For further information, contact Catherine.Berg@noaa.gov.

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