Aerial view of the Ohmsett facility located in Leonardo, NJ approximately one hour south of New York City”.

Ohmsett provides oil spill response testing, training, and research opportunities to government, industry, academia, and private organizations on a reimbursable basis. Ohmsett is the only facility that can test full sized oil spill response equipment with a variety of crude oils and refined petroleum products under reproducible marine conditions. BOEMRE is now collaborating with partners to test renewable wave energy devices. Additional information about this capability is available in this fact sheet. (29.37 KB PDF)

Ohmsett assists BOEMRE to fulfill oil spill regulatory responsibilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Responsibility to manage Ohmsett came from OPA 90. Funding for operation and maintenance costs of Ohmsett are covered by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSTLF). The OSTLF derives its funds from a tax on companies that produce or transport oil.

The Ohmsett tank is 667 feet long, 65 feet wide and 11 feet deep. The tank is filled to a depth of 8 feet with 2.6 million gallons of crystal clear water. Three different wave forms up to 3 feet high can be created by the wave generator. The tank water is drawn from nearby Sandy Hook Bay and filtered. Salt is added to bring the salinity up to open ocean values. Oil spill response equipment can be towed at speeds up to 6.5 knots.

Breaking waves generated at Ohmsett.

Standard test protocols are used at Ohmsett to evaluate oil spill containment booms and skimmers. Ohmsett provides the intermediate step between small scale and open water testing of equipment. It is estimated that 95% of the performance data on mechanical equipment was obtained at Ohmsett.

BOEMRE continues to expand the capabilities at Ohmsett. In 1998, in situ burning was added. An air-injected underwater propane burner system simulates the temperatures associated with burning oil at sea. The system is used to evaluate the performance and survivability of fire resistant booms. In 1999, the capability to measure dispersant effectiveness over a wide range of conditions was added. In 2009, BOEMRE added Spanish language response classes, dispersant training classes, and renewable wave energy testing capabilities.

The Ohmsett staff has extensive experience in oil spill response testing and training. The engineers are available to assist in equipment design, manufacture, and evaluation procedures. For further information on the Ohmsett facility or to order brochures, newsletters and videos, please visit the Ohmsett website.

To arrange a tour, or to discuss testing, training or research opportunities at Ohmsett contact:

Matthew Quinney
Project Manager, Ohmsett Facility
732-866-7055
732-866-7189 (FAX)

Address: Ohmsett Facility
Naval Weapons Station Earle, Waterfront
Route 36, Building R-26
Leonardo, New Jersey 07737