Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
Use of Geospatial Technology for Oil Spill
Response Planning in the Western Basin
of Lake Erie
David B. Dean and Patrick L. Lawrence
Abstract This study reviews existing plans and proposes a development process
for geospatially enabled oil spill protection strategies in the Western Lake Erie
basin. Geospatially enabled protection strategies take advantage of existing data
and the capabilities of a GIS to develop variations of protection strategies to allow
for strategic changes to plans as a result of seasonal or meteorological conditions.
It also allows the analysis, display and distribution of geospatial data in a manner
that meet the different needs of planners, responders and incident managers.
Data distribution options are discussed, including multiple paper and electronic publi-
cation options including, but not limited to Adobe Acrobat, GEOPDF, ArcReader,
Google Earth and ArcIMS to make data available in the appropriate format to all
personnel who require it.
Keywords Oil spilling planning GIS Emergency response
11.1
Introduction
Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) and their associated Geographic Response Plans
are site-specific documents designed to outline steps to be taken in response to an
oil or chemical spill. They are designed to improve the speed and efficiency of a
response during the critical 6-48 h after an incident, whether an oil or chemical spill
in water, an accidental release of hazardous chemicals from a manufacturing or
storage facility or an accident involving hazardous substances transported via road
or rail networks, when quick action on the part of responders can keep a small
incident from becoming much larger or limit the damage caused by the incident
while a broader response is initiated. ACPs are prepared by Area Committees,
