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GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES |
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Whenever there is a spill of petroleum products or other contaminants into inland surface waters, a big part of a successful response comes from effective communication of spill characteristics and response sites to responders in the field – before the liquid has been dispersed by winds and currents. A pilot project using a Geographic Response Plan (GRP) in the western United States will help the State of Washington better manage the data related to surface water spill response and also help emergency response teams arrive more quickly at the places where their actions can do the most good. Previously, much of the necessary spill response information was held in multiple databases and a hard copy report was difficult to keep current. Golder’s GRP is a dynamic product which allows for easy data updates, “one-click” output of updated data, a standardized database for entering new response areas and a dynamic tool to estimate how quickly a spill is moving. The GRP will include maps of spill response sites, the method of response, sensitive resources to protect and other geographic information necessary to understand and access the area – all factors that contribute to good emergency planning. In developing the GRP, Golder used Geographic Information System (ESRI) software to develop a data structure that can quickly receive input of data for other watersheds in the State and produce the necessary maps and reports. The availability of high-speed computers and advanced databases means it is possible to provide more effective spill containment services at the right time and place.
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Facilitating fast response to petroleum spills