OHMSETT: 1998 year in review

In situ burn tests, boom, skimmer and sorbent material evaluations and spill response technology development and training sessions performed or organized at OHMSETT, the National Oil Response Spill Response Test Facility during 1998 are summarized. These projects provide an evaluation of the oil recovery and containment capabilities, the sea keeping abilities, and the performance of a variety of oil spill response equipment. They are intended to provide the oil spill community with objective, independent equipment performance data, photographic and video documentation, comprehensive technical reports and training. Among the projects highlighted were the high-speed skimmer first article performance tests; the US Coast Guard Vessel of Opportunity System training; testing of oil gator, a sorbent material which is a by-product of the cotton seed de-linting process; high extension sorbent barrier as sorbent media for oil spills; a rigid-plane barrier to improve boom designs; the testing of oil containment booms to determine tow forces on booms of various drafts and profiles under differing wave conditions and towing speeds, testing of rapid current booms and testing of fire containment boom blankets. Collectively, the OHMSETT test results have made significant contributions to improving state-of-the-art oil spill response equipment, while the training courses offered at OHMSETT measurably improved the proficiency and operational knowledge of oil spill responders. 1 ref., 11 figs