Arctic offshore response: tough but possible

A recent report published by the National Research Council on the status of Arctic offshore oil spill response capabilities pointed out a number of areas where more research is needed, and where there is a need for better information, and for improvements in areas such as oil slick modeling. The report recommended continued development of technologies such as unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles. The report also expressed a need for controlled field testing of oil recovery techniques and commented on the general lack of Arctic support infrastructure.

Although publication of the report led to some comments that the report had demonstrated that it is not currently feasible to conduct an effective Arctic offshore oil spill response, during a May 12 webinar over viewing the report Martha Grabowski, the chair of the committee that produced the report, commented that the committee had not intended to convey this message. It is currently possible to conduct a response in the Arctic offshore, she said.

“We heard and understood from all of the agencies and individuals that provided us with information that significant (Arctic offshore spill response) resources have been developed over time,” Grabowski said. “Expertise and domain knowledge exists with respect to oil spill response.”

However, in view of the scope and the magnitude of the challenges involved in this type of response, the committee felt that additional resources, additional infrastructure, more information and more thoughtful and inclusive decision processes are needed, she said.

- Alan Bailey