13
Jan
0
By: kXChange On: January 13, 2015 In: Publication Comments: 0

A Method to Enable a Dynamic Spill Response Regime through the Use of Numerical Modeling

Aurelien Hospital, Jim Stronach, and M.W. (MAC) McCARTHY

Abstract:
On behalf of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, a framework of numerical models was used to simulate the transport and fate of a number of hypothetic diluted bitumen spills in coastal BC. In addition to providing the required information for permit applications, the modeling framework also demonstrated its value with respect to establishing a dynamic spill response regime.

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14
Feb
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By: kXChange On: February 14, 2015 In: Publication Comments: 0

Intertidal Zone Oil Recovery from the Buried Derelict S.S. Catala

M.W. (MAC) McCARTHY and Devon Grennan

Abstract:
In the spring of 2006 a beachcomber discovered black oil within the shipwreck of the Catala, setting-off an effort to remediate the wreck before the winter storm season created a catastrophic persistent oil release. Heeled over and buried in the intertidal zone, the Catala’s keel was 26’ below grade; a robust sheet pile cell had to be constructed to provide worker safety from unstable soils and manage water inflow. Despite these conditions the project team was able to safely remove over 30,000 gallons of bunker oil from the ship delivering to the State of Washington a striking example of the benefits of a pro-active derelict vessel response.

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05
Aug
0
By: kXChange On: August 05, 2015 In: Publication Comments: 0

The Contribution of Air Cushioned Vehicles in Oil Spill Response

MAC W. McCARTHY and Captain John McGrath

Abstract:
On July 22, 1991, the Tuo Hai, a 46,500 ton Chinese grain carrier, collided with the Tenyo Maru, a 4,800 ton Japanese fish processing ship, off the coast of Washington State. In response to this incident, the Canadian Coast Guard mobilized an SRN-6 hovercraft to provide logistical support to responders on both sides of the international boundary. Based on this experience, it can be argued that the hovercraft offers great potential value in responding to marine oil spills.

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17
Aug
0
By: kXChange On: August 17, 2015 In: Publication Comments: 0

Dilbit Crude Oil, Properties, Weathering Behavior, and Spill Countermeasures

E. Taylor, G. Challenger, J. Rios, M.W. McCARTHY, C. Brown, and J. Morris

Abstract:
Diluted bitumen (dilbit) crude oil represents a range of oils produced from bitumen extracted from oil sands in Alberta, Canada. As these reserves are increasingly in demand, more transportation options are being sought to deliver the product to refineries both in North America and abroad. This paper provides a review of dilbit oil properties, applicable countermeasures, and potential fate, behavior and effects for spills to land, freshwater, and marine settings and compares these oils to other oil commodities that have been transported and used over the past decades.

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17
Aug
0
By: kXChange On: August 17, 2015 In: Publication Comments: 0

Spill Response Plan Evaluation Using an Oil Spill Model

Aurelien Hospital, James A. Stronach, M.W. McCARTHY, Mark Johncox

Abstract:
Numerical simulation was used to evaluate the effectiveness of an oil spill response plan for the southwest coast of Canada. The plan was part of the permitting process for a proposed terminal expansion that would result in an increase in tanker traffic. The purpose of this response evaluation was to point the way to the development of a risk-informed enhanced oil spill response capacity that would be capable of managing large spills in coastal British Columbia. Mitigation inputs such as deployment time, storage capacity and speed were based on existing and proposed equipment. Results confirmed the need to reduce the time to first response due to the effects of currents on the floating oil and the close proximity of shorelines along the proposed shipping route. In addition, results validated the need to upgrade availability of early on-water storage capacity, which could be met by a large fast storage vessel, enabling the spill response to be more efficient and to obtain a much higher recovery rate.

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17
Aug
0
By: kXChange On: August 17, 2015 In: Publication Comments: 0

Dilbit Crude Oil Weathering on Brackish Water: Meso-scale Tests of Behavior and Spill Countermeasures

Elliott Taylor, Greg Challenger, Jose Rios, Jim Morris, MAC McCARTHY, and Colin Brown

Abstract:
Oil weathering and countermeasures testing was conducted with Cold Lake Blend and Access Western Blend dilbits from May 13 through May 26, 2013 at the Kinder Morgan/Trans Mountain Pipeline pump station in Gainford, Alberta. Based mostly on visual observations, both dilbits exhibited properties that one would expect of a heavy “conventional” crude oil. In no instance was any oil observed to have sunk. Densities increased as oil weathered, approaching—and in some cases exceeding—values of 1000 kg/m3. Viscosities increased rapidly with weathering exceeding 10,000cP within 24 hours for both dilbits exposed to moderate agitation. Visual observations of the oil’s surface in the various tanks showed that a crust formed as the oil weathered. Chemical analyses of the weathered oils and water column showed that concentrations of BTEX diminished rapidly, although TPH values in the water column were variable and dependent on the degree of surface agitation. Countermeasures tested included dispersant application, burning, shoreline cleaners, and skimmers. Visual observations of the dispersant test revealed that Corexit 9500 was marginally effective on 6-hour weathered oil and not particularly effective for more weathered dilbit. The test burn on 6-hour weathered oil was effective with a sustained burn and an estimated 70% oil combusted. Estimates show that approximately 50% of 24-hour weathered oil was burned, but only after sustained effort to ignite. The 72-hour weathered oil was not successfully ignited. Tests with Corexit 9580 found the cleaning agent to be effective on oils weathered up to 5 days and applied to granite tile. Observers noted that the time oil weathers on water before being placed on the tile was less important than the time the weathered oil was exposed to air. The three brush skimmers tested all effectively recovered dilbit throughout the oil weathering tests.

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