SHORELINE CLEANUP ASSESSMENT TEAM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

1. Prepared for RRTIII Meeting, May 12-14, 2009 Frank Csulak NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator SHORELINE CLEANUP ASSESSMENT TEAM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

2. OBJECTIVE OF SHORELINE CLEANUP ASSESSMENT TEAM (SCAT) When oil contaminates shoreline habitats, responders must survey the affected areas to determine the appropriate response. Though general approvals or decision tools for use of the shoreline cleanup methods may be developed during planning stages, responders must base specific cleanup recommendations on field data on the shoreline habitats, types and degree of shoreline contamination, and spill-specific physical processes.

3. PURPOSE OF SCAT • Assessment of the need for shoreline cleanup • Selection of the most appropriate cleanup method • Determination of priorities • Documentation of the spatial oil distribution over time • Internally consistent historical record of shoreline oil distribution for use by other scientific surveys of intertidal and subtidal impacts (i.e. NRDA)

4. WHAT IS SCAT? • a SYSTEMATIC approach that uses STANDARD terminology to collect data on shoreline oiling conditions and support decision making for shoreline cleanup; • FLEXIBLE in terms of scale of the survey and detail of the data sets collected; and • MULTI-AGENCY, with TRAINED representatives from all interested parties who have authority to make decisions

5. WHY THE NEED FOR SCAT CERTIFICATION? • Assure product quality of the SCAT • Assure quality of the SCAT participants

6. Improving SCAT • NOAA leadership role – development, implementation, training • Standardize SCAT courses and curriculum –suitable for USCG qualifications • Prioritizing training • Provide “emergency” SCAT training • Support Operations • Streamline data collection • Consistency between spills • Develop generic clean-up end points • Improving data management – usefulness of data • Plan SCAT Summit

7. TRACKING DATA BASE • NOAA has created database of individuals who have taken NOAA sponsored SCAT and Science of Oil Spills (SOS) formal training. • Database being maintained NOAA/NOS/ORR/ERD Seattle, WA

8. SCAT ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

9. SCAT COORDINATOR ROLES/RESPONSIBILITES • Conducts aerial reconnaissance survey, as appropriate, to scope the shoreline oiling issues • Develops a survey and reporting schedule to produce survey results in time for incorporation into the Incident Action PlanReceives reports from field teams and synthesizes them into a daily summary that is accessible to the field teams if problems arise • Helps the team reach consensus and reports dissenting opinions when consensus is not reached • Briefs the response management team on issues raised by the SCAT, particularly where cleanup methods must be modified to increase effectiveness or decrease impacts • Continues to lead evaluation of targeted cleanup endpoints and modifies them as necessary • Serves as the primary point of contact for all SCAT activities, both at the Incident Command Post and in the field • Ensure that all SCAT field teams are present and accounted for • Ensures that teams use proper terminology and apply guidelines uniformly • Ensures that all teams have the necessary representation and all members have the necessary training and equipment • Develops daily assignments for each team and gives a daily safety brief • Coordinates with other members of the response effort with concerns on shoreline assessment to optimize data sharing, including NRDA team • Integrates cleanup concerns of the various resource agencies and managers into the decision-making process • Arranges for equipment and transportation for the SCAT Teams

10. SCAT COORDINATOR CERTIFICATION • Has completed a 5-day SCAT training course • Has current HAZWOPER certification • Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-700, and ICS-800 • For NOAA employees and NOAA contractors, has completed the NOAA Aviation Safety Program requirements: Basic Aviation Safety Training Course (annual), Aviation Safety Policies and Procedures Training Course (annual), and Water Ditching, Safety and Survival (annual egress video and once every 5 year classroom and hands-on training); for mission operations in cold weather • Has knowledge of the coastal ecology, coastal processes and/or geology of the affected area • Has SCAT experience from at least five different spills • Has read and signed the site safety plan • Has experience working with weather forecasts to make decisions on team safety while in the field • Has experience in developing cleanup guidelines and endpoints for different shoreline types • Proficient with basic computer software (Google Earth, Microsoft Excel, image viewing/manipulating software, etc.) • Is capable of uploading reports and updates to sites such as ResponseLink. • Is familiar with effective management and facilitation skills

11. SCAT LEADER ROLES/RESPONSIBILITES • Is usually the most experienced person on the team • Ensures that documentation and equipment for SCAT teams (maps, photography equipment, gear, communications, etc.) is adequate and assembled prior to deployment • Reviews each SCAT segment assigned to teams prior to deployment for issues such as access sites (vehicle, boat, helicopter), problematic terrain (eg: streams, cliffs), special safety considerations, communications, limitations, etc. • Manages the team while it conducts field surveys • Ensures that all SCAT team members are properly equipped • Acts as the team Safety Officer • Makes sure that the forms and sketches are 100% completed in the field • Guides the team toward consensus on cleanup recommendations, priorities, special constraints, etc., and notes dissenting opinions • Briefs the SCAT Coordinator and other SCAT Leaders on field survey results • Reports on cleanup issues and any other spill specific issues identified by the team that need to be addressed • Recommends modifications to cleanup methods and target cleanup endpoints • Other taks as defined by the SCAT Coordinator • Can serve as Deputy SCAT Coordinator, if required • Assists with field documentation of observed oiling conditions and/or record photo/waypoint details • May request additional expertise to address specific sites or needs, i.e. anthropologist, geomorphologist, state historic preservation officer (SHPO), response clean-up experts, etc.

12. SCAT LEADER CERTIFICATION •  Completion of SCAT training course, preferably a 4-day course • Has current HAZWOPER certification • Has participated as a member on a SCAT in at least two significant responses • Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 • For NOAA employees and NOAA contractors, has completed the NOAA Aviation Safety Program requirements: Basic Aviation Safety Training Course (annual), Aviation Safety Policies and Procedures Training Course (annual), and Water Ditching, Safety and Survival (annual egress video and once every 5 year classroom and hands-on training); for mission operations in cold weather • Has knowledge of the coastal ecology, coastal processes, and/or geology of the affected area • Has experience in evaluating cleanup methods for different shoreline types • Has read and signed the site safety plan • Proficient with operating a GPS, including collection, upload, and download of waypoints and track lines and selecting datum and coordinate formats • Proficient with operating a digital camera, including setting the correct date and time • Knows proper sampling methods and how to maintain chain of custody of samples • Has participated in spill-specific training on terminology, cleanup guidelines and endpoints, and safety issues and participated in a calibration exercise • (annual egress video and once every 5 year classroom and hands-on training); for mission operations in cold weather • Has experience conducting field surveys • Knows how to download images captured in the field and organize them based on SCAT protocols

13. SCAT MEMBER ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist in data collection on oiling conditions and special considerations • May include experts in resource sensitivity and priorities for response considerations • Recommend site-specific constraints or precautions to be followed during cleanup • Determine need for cleanup, considering cleanup guidelines and endpoints, site safety, and sensitive resources • Recommend cleanup methods, priorities, and endpoints considering cleanup guidelines, site safety, and sensitive resources • Assists with field documentation of observed oiling conditions and/or record photo/waypoint details • Responsible for personal safety

14. SCAT MEMBER CERTIFICATION • Has current HAZWOPER certification • Has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 • Has received formal SCAT training • For NOAA employees and NOAA contractors - has completed the NOAA Aviation Safety Program requirements: Basic Aviation Safety Training Course (annual), Aviation Safety Policies and Procedures Training Course (annual), and Water Ditching, Safety and Survival (annual egress video and once every 5 year classroom and hands-on training); for mission operations in cold weather • Has a general knowledge of the coastal ecology, coastal processes, and/or geology of the affected area • Has read and signed the site safety plan • Proficient with operating a GPS, including collection of waypoints and track lines • Proficient with operating a digital camera, including setting the correct date and time • Proficient with downloading images captured in the field and organizing/labeling them based on agreed protocols • Understands proper sampling methodologies and chain of custody protocols

15. SCAT DATABASE MANAGER ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES • Modify existing SCAT data entry forms as needed (working with SCAT Coordinator) • Review daily SCAT forms for completeness and consistency • Enter or supervise the entry of daily SCAT data • Conduct data QA/QC; identify common data problems and train SCAT members how to prevent future problems • Generate daily summary reports, maps, and data summaries • Upload data to ResponseLink as requested • Maintain an archive of all SCAT data, forms, photographs, GPS data, etc. • Provide access to all SCAT data entry forms and field manuals • Prepared to work odd and extended hours • Be aware of health and safety issues for particular work site

16. SCAT DATABASE MANAGER CERTIFICATION • Ability to set up and maintain hardware and software needed for response • It is preferred that person has completed the following NIMS training courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS-800 • Completion of “basic” SCAT training course (familiar with SCAT terminology) • Skilled in use of Excel software • Skilled in use of Access • Knows how to operate a GPS, including collection of waypoints and track lines, selecting datum and coordinate formats, and download data to computer • Skilled in use of ArcGIS • Skilled in creation of Google Earth kmz files • Knows how to operate a digital camera, including setting the correct date and time includes organizing photos based on SCAT protocols • Skilled in use of different “photo-link” software packages • General knowledge of relational database structures • General knowledge of QA/QA procedures • Ability to diagnose/troubleshoot hardware/software/networking issues

17. NEXT STEPS • NOAA to prepare final draft SCAT certification requirements • Coordinate with USCG • SCAT summit • Finalize and implement certification at national level to establish consistent standards