Oil Spill Response Tools
This project supports the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in its mission to protect the ecological integrity of Texas shorelines through improved oil spill response planning and operations. The initiative focuses on adapting and enhancing digital tools and operational resources to strengthen preparedness, training, and execution of shoreline treatment strategies.
Project Objectives:
- Adaptation of GIS-Based Planning Tools to support oil spill response
The project will tailor the existing Shoreline-Oil Spill Response Viability Analysis (S-OSRVA) tool to the unique coastal environments of Texas. This decision-support tool helps evaluate the feasibility and logistical challenges of shoreline oil spill cleanup. It considers factors like shoreline type, oil characteristics, and environmental conditions to assess treatment options and guide deployment strategies, enabling planners to make informed and effective response decisions.
- Development of Job Aids to help oil spill responders complete their response tasks
This project will develop a new suite of user-friendly Job Aids to support field preparedness, training, and operational efficiency. A Job Aid is a quick-reference tool designed to assist oil spill responders in the field or planning offices by outlining tasks, standards, or procedures in a clear, easily accessible format. These aids will guide GLO Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) teams and Incident Command System (ICS) personnel through the full lifecycle of shoreline response activities — from initial field surveys and treatment recommendations to operations support and documentation of treatment completion.