Kids Corner - Oil-Spill Response Preparedness |
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| Although large oil spills from offshore oil platforms are rare events, such spills are
possible when a drilling, production or pipeline accident occurs. Operators are subject to stringent requirements for prevention of spills and must demonstrate a 5,000 barrel-per-day response capability and be prepared for even larger spills. |
 Northstar Spill Response Vessel, Alaska Clean Seas |
| Industry has acquired and stockpiled a vast amount of spill-response equipment for use
in Alaska. Some of the equipment is stored at the drilling location to provide for an
immediate response to a spill. Additional equipment is available from spill-response
cooperatives if needed in the event of a very large spill. The equipment includes everything from large offshore skimming systems and vessels to bird rehabilitation kits. |
 Deploying the SOCK Skimmer, Gulf of Alaska |
| MMS periodically inspects the spill response equipment to ensure that it is available,
well maintained, and appropriate for the area of operations. MMS also requires that operators field test the equipment and conduct response drills to ensure that personnel have been trained in the proper use of the equipment. |
 Inspecting Spill Response Equipment, Chukchi Sea |
| In-situ burning is recognized as a valuable response tool for use offshore in Alaska.
In-situ burning can be very effective in open water with the use of fire-resistant booms
and in broken-ice without the use of booms. Recent offshore burn tests have shown that the smoke plume from in-situ burning would not pose a health threat to onshore communities. |
 Fire Resistant Boom Burn Test |
| It is very difficult to clean up a spill especially under adverse weather conditions
and when ice is present. Prevention of spills is still the best means to protect the
environment. MMS's regulatory program includes very stringent prevention measures. MMS also funds research directed toward improving spill prevention and response. If you would like to learn more about our research program, click here. |
 Rope Mop Skimmer Deployment in Broken Ice |
| This is just one of the many fascinating topics to read about here at the Kids Corner of the MMS Alaska Region page. Click on the "shorts" below for more topics. | |
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