The EPPR field guide for oil spill response in Arctic waters

Completion of a 'Field Guide for Oil Spill Response in Arctic Waters' has been announced by the Emergency, Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (EPPR) Working Group, a group of experts composed of representatives of eight nations. The Field Guide is intended for use by circumpolar countries to facilitate oil spill response and training for seas, lakes, rivers, and shorelines, with emphasis on the unique climatic and physiographic characteristics of Arctic environments. Part A of the Field Guide is intended for first responders and contains information on practical actions that can be taken immediately to limit the effects of a spill; it also describes response strategies in the context of source control, protection and shoreline treatment, and response methods on water, in ice and on shorelines. Part B contains support information, including sections on the behaviour and fate of spilled oil and the notification and decision processes associated with managing spill response operations. 5 refs., 6 tabs., 5 figs