|
Oil Spill Modeling Program
The Bureau assesses oil-spill risks associated
with offshore energy activities off the U.S. continental coast and
Alaska by calculating spill trajectories and contact probabilities.
These analyses address the likelihood of spill occurrences, the
transport and fate of any spilled oil, and the environmental impacts
that might occur as a result of the spill. The Bureau Oil-Spill Risk
Analysis (OSRA) model combines the probability of spill occurrence with
a statistical description of hypothetical oil-spill movement on the
ocean surface.
Modeling results are used by the Bureau staff for preparation of
environmental documents in accordance with the National Environmental
Policy Act; other Federal and State agencies for review of environmental
impact statements (EISs), environmental assessments, and endangered
species consultations; and oil industry specialists preparing the oil
spill response plans (OSRP).
Paths of hypothetical oil spills are based on hindcasts
(history) of winds, ocean currents, and ice in arctic waters, using the
best available input of environmental information. Outputs of the model
include tables of probable contact and GIS (Geographic Information
System) representations of these probabilities, with and without the
probability of the occurrence of one or more spills.
The Bureau is committed to the continuous improvement of OSRA
estimations and EIS analysis, and use the results of new field and
modeling studies to fulfill that commitment. As offshore activity
expands into deeper waters and new geographic areas, Bureau oil-spill
modeling will be applied to pertinent risk assessments and validated
with environmental observations.
For information
pertaining to operational safety, pollution prevention, oil spill
response, and cleanup capabilities, visit our
Technology Assessment and Research (TA&R) Program. The TA&R
Program is a research element encompassed by the Bureau Regulatory Program.
|
