ESTD West Topics of Investigation [ ETC > Organization > ESTD > Western Office > Topics ] Topics SCAT Shoreline Types Cleanup Standards Publications   Español Topics of Investigation The Emergency Preparedness R&D Program has addressed a wide range of issues over the last 30 years of operation, although historically there has been a focus on oil-on-shorelines issues. Projects vary in size, mode and purpose. They include laboratory, meso-scale and field scale applied research studies designed to improve response preparedness, projects to develop decision-making aids (manuals, guidelines), protocols and standard methods. The importance of technology transfer is recognized, as is the adaptation of existing knowledge and technologies to issues within other countries. Some of the topics of investigation and study are listed below. Intertidal Oil Behaviour and Persistence Orimulsion® (bitumen fuel) on Shorelines Evaluation of Shoreline Response Options Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Guidance and Standards for Preparedness Effects and Toxicity Biodegradation Biotechnology (emerging issue) Intertidal Oil Behaviour and Persistence   • Oil loading, penetration and retention in sediments • Sampling and measurement techniques for oil on shorelines • Natural rates of oil removal • Natural oil removal process - oil & fine particle interaction • Post spill monitoring of long-term persistence and character • Modelling for prediction of stranded oil persistence • Sediment columns, basins, experimental oil spills studies Orimulsion® (bitumen fuel) on Shorelines   • Penetration and retention in sediments • Adhesion to rock surfaces • Removal of coatings from rock surfaces • Disposal options for recovered bitumen • Field guide for the protection and cleanup of shorelines Evaluation of Shoreline Response Options   • Oil removal effectiveness, ecological effects and recovery • Biological effects associated with shoreline washing • Insitu techniques; sediment relocation • Natural recovery options and accelerated natural recovery • Mesoscale, experimental oil spills and actual spills studies Shoreline Cleanup Assessment   • Development, refinement and adaptation of the SCAT approach • Development of standard terminology, SCAT Manual and forms. Guidance and Standards for Preparedness   • Oiled shoreline treatment, cleanup, response, strategies, methods, standards, assessment; shoreline mapping, classification and GIS systems. • Development of manuals, standards and guidance material Effects and Toxicity   • Oil and cleanup effects to nearshore and intertidal biota • Toxicity of spill treating agents • Development of standard toxicity methods Biodegradation   • Efficacy of marine and freshwater oil spill bioremediation agents • Oil biodegradation potential • Standard microbial inoculums for biodegradation studies Biotechnology (emerging issue)   • Scientific knowledge, techniques and technology based tools required to address environmental emergencies that result from the accidental or problematic releases to the environment of substances of biotechnology origin     Important Notices  Home | News | Organization | Databases | Publications | Contact | Help Environmental Science and Technology Centre URL: http://www.etc-cte.ec.gc.ca Copyright © 2003, Environment Canada. All rights reserved.