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Our activation procedure including contact details and forms for activation, in addition to equipment stockpile and aviation status reports can be found here.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Please note that:

Response services are guaranteed ONLY for Members. Non-members are not guaranteed a response and will be required to sign a Non-member contract. Services and rates differ. Duty managers can be contacted for exercises.

Oil Spill Response Limited Oil Spill Response Limited

Welcome to OSRL

Services

Environmental Sensitivity Mapping

OSRL's dedicated Geomatics team not only undertake preparedness modelling and modelling for response situations, but also provide mapping services. We can aid with tactical response plans (TRPs) and general support through to undertaking large scale oil spill sensitivity mapping projects.

 

Oil Spill Sensitivity Mapping

Sensitivity mapping aids situational awareness and response strategy development for responders and decision makers during an incident, making it a vital tool in oil spill preparedness and response.

Oil spill sensitivity maps should be considered as a support tool to develop the oil spill response strategy, and as an operational tool which complements the oil spill contingency plan. As such, it is beneficial if maps are developed during the contingency planning process. 

Oil spill sensitivity maps (including the mapping of coastal sub-tidal habitats) can also support the development of a dispersant use policy by providing information on the potential impact of dispersed oil in the water column. 

The sensitivity maps provide a comprehensive overview of the coastline and the sensitive resources at risk in the event of an oil spill.

 

Benefits:

Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) is at the forefront of industry good practice, having significantly contributed to several International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) Good Practice Guides. We closely follow the guidelines for IPIECA’s ‘Sensitivity Mapping for Oil Spill Response’ 2012 where applicable; and can tailor the project to any client specific guidelines. Environmental sensitivity mapping brings together environmental, socio-economic and operational data into a simple, focused and user-friendly tool.

 

Planning:

  • Combines the Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and oil spill modelling outputs in one clear visualisation
  • Identifies the habitats, species and resources most at risk from an oil spill
  • Aids the development of protection plans and identification of the most appropriate response strategies

 

Response:

  • Enables response techniques to be prioritised to protect the most vulnerable/important areas
  • Assists Incident Commanders/Planners to decide which strategy will be the most efficient for different locations

 

Features:

  • Completed by OSRL’s dedicated Geomatics team who also produce preparedness and response oil spill modelling and are available 24/7 for incidents
  • Can be developed in conjunction with your OSCP or Tactical Response Plan (TRP), by working closely with our consultancy and operational teams
  • Value added products such as dispersant exclusion zones can be developed, in conjunction with our dispersant experts
  • Can feed directly into your Common Operating Picture (COP), or web mapping service
  • We work with Esri’s ArcGIS platform, but can assist with alternative platforms and deliverable formats, particularly useful for clients without geomatics expertise

 

Sensitivity Mapping Infographic.png

 

Map Development:

OSRL produces sensitivity maps appropriate for each user’s needs. Maps are designed according to the level of detail required, the type of response and the user’s role within the response structure.

 

OSRL gathers data from a variety of sources:

  • International Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT)
    • This contains an authoritative source of key biodiversity areas, protected areas and breeding sites.
    • If you are a member of IBAT, then this access is free. Otherwise, OSRL can purchase the required data on your behalf, using our ‘pay-as-you-go’ agreement
  • Satellite Imagery
    • OSRL can use freely available satellite imagery for manual identification and classification of features such as shoreline type and human use areas (amenity beaches, harbours, etc.).
  • Open Street Map
    • A freely available source of data for logistical features such as roads, waterways, medical facilities, etc.
  • Client data
    • Client provided data (such as local facilities) can also be incorporated.

Map Types

Strategic Maps

 

Who is it for? Planners and decision makers
How does it help?

Clear identification of the most sensitive sites

Aids prioritisation and response strategy development

Fits into Strategic Response Plans

What does it include?

Vulnerability ranking of shoreline, based on:

  • Shoreline type/sensitivity (Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI))
  • Habitats, species and natural resources
  • Socio-economic features

 

Scale Small scale, typically 1:1,000,000 – 1:200,000

 

Tactical Maps

 

Who is it for? Incident managers and responders
How does it help?

Identifies sensitive environments that may be affected by an oil spill

Identifies all the necessary environmental, socio-economic and logistical information to plan and implement response operations

Fits into Strategic Response Plans

What does it include?

Shoreline type/sensitivity (ESI)

Protected areas

Sensitive biological resources, such as endangered species

Sensitive socio-economic features, such as aquaculture, ports and villages

 

Scale Medium scale, typically 1:100,000 – 1:25,000

 

Operational Maps

 

Who is it for? Responders
How does it help?

Provides site specific information

Reproduced in a suitable format for use in the field

Optional, only developed for the most sensitive sites

Fits into Tactical Response Plans (TRPs)

What does it include?

All logistical and operational information, such as:

  • Booming plans
  • Location of equipment stockpiles
  • Access points and designated zones

 

Scale Large scale, typically 1:25,000 – 1:10,000

 

Unsure which map you need for your operations?

Speak to one of the Geomatics Team who will guide you through your options.

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