MAY 22, 2015--From May 12 through 14, 2015, OR&R Emergency Response Division personnel presented Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) Training at the Hudson River National Education Research Reserve at Norrie Point, New York.

This course outlined methods for conducting shoreline assessments and incorporating the results into the decision-making process for shoreline cleanup at oil spills. It also provided methods you can use to plan and conduct shoreline assessment after an oil spill.

The attendees were shown that shoreline surveys must be conducted systematically because they are crucial components of effective decision-making. In addition, repeated surveys are needed to monitor the effectiveness and effects of ongoing treatment methods (changes in shoreline oiling conditions, as well as natural recovery), so that the need for changes in methodology, additional treatment, or constraints can be evaluated. Then they will be able to incorporate assessment results into decision-making process for the shoreline cleanup. This class focused on both riverine and coastal environments.
Attendees were from the US Coast Guard (several sectors), U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team, New York Department of Conservation Spills and Damage Assessment Divisions, Con Edison, and EPA Region 2.

Two afternoons were dedicated to practical field exercises where attendees were able to walk shorelines and fill out forms with feedback from the instructors.

If you have any questions, contact Ed.Levine@noaa.gov or Gary.Shigenaka@noaa.gov.

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