Countermeasures for Ice Covered Waters

Abstract

This chapter describes the state of knowledge regarding the most applicable countermeasures to deal with oil on, in or among ice. Countermeasures are discussed in the context of seasonal variations in ice conditions and observations of oil fate and behaviour in a variety of different situations. The behaviour of oil spilled in ice covered waters is governed largely by the ice concentration in the case of broken ice, and the processes of encapsulation and subsequent migration in the case of solid (fast) (ice). Each season presents different drawbacks and advantages for spill response. During freeze-up and break-up, drifting ice and limited site access tend to restrict the possible response options and significantly reduce recovery effectiveness. Mid-winter, although associated with long periods of darkness and cold temperatures, provides a stable ice cover that not only naturally contains the oil nearshore within a relatively small area but also provides a safe working platform for oil recovery and transport. For the case of spills under or on fast ice, there are a range of effective countermeasures options which can result in very high recovery effectiveness. Countermeasures to deal with spills in moving pack ice are much more limited and likely to result in highly variable recovery values depending on a variety of natural conditions and logistics constraints.

Oil Industry Activities to Advance Oil Spill Preparedness in Cold Conditions

“…However, research and response experiences in sub-arctic and arctic areas have shown that low temperatures and ice can also enhance spill response and reduce environmental impacts under certain conditions (Shell et al 1983;Payne et al, 1991;Dickins and Buist 1999;Dickins 2004;Alaska Clean Seas 2005;SINTEF 2006;Allen and Dickins 2007;SL Ross 2007;;ExxonMobil Research and Engineering 2008). However, research and response experiences in sub-arctic and arctic areas have shown that low temperatures and ice can also enhance spill response and reduce environmental impacts under certain conditions (Shell et al 1983;Payne et al, 1991;Dickins and Buist 1999;Dickins 2004;Alaska Clean Seas 2005;SINTEF 2006;Allen and Dickins 2007;SL Ross 2007;;ExxonMobil Research and Engineering 2008).…”

“…Oil-spill response strategies and tactics for cold climates must be designed to deal with a mix of open water and ice conditions that could occur throughout any portion of the operating period (Dickins and Buist 1999). In cold regions, mechanical recovery strategies are based upon the deployment of large ice-strengthened vessels and barges, carrying high-volume skimmers, and the use of containment booms.…”

“…The presence of cold water and ice can enhance response effectiveness by limiting oil spreading and slowing weathering (Dickins and Buist 1999;Brandvik and Faksness 2009). By working with the natural environment as much as possible (e.g.…”

Behavior of Oil Spills in Ice and Implications for Arctic Spill Response

“…SL Ross et al (2010), Brandvik (2007), Fingas and Hollebone (2002) and Dickins and Fleet (1992). In addition papers and reports by Dickins and Buist (1999), and Dickins et al (2000) describe the key processes associated with oil and ice interaction.…”

Modelling the spread of oil under fast sea ice using three‐dimensional multibeam sonar data

“…Any increase in human activity in the ice‐covered waters could magnify the potential for an oil spill. At present we have no means to remotely detect oil under sea ice [ Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group , 1998; Arctic Monitoring Assessment Programme , 1998; Dickins and Buist , 1999; Dickins , 2000; U.S. Arctic Research Commission ( USARC ), 2004; DeCola et al , 2006]. This is a critical deficiency affecting all aspects of a response to an oil spill under ice [ USARC , 2004]; consequently research and development projects continue to focus on technologies and methods to improve oil spill response in ice‐infested waters [ DeCola et al , 2006].…”