Oil Spill Contingency Plan Fossil Bluff

BAS Environment Office

1st Edition, 2013

British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road,

Cambridge, UK, CB3 0ET.

OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN FOSSIL BLUFF

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 7

1.1. PURPOSE OF THE OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN (OSCP) ............................................ 7 1.2. SCOPE OF THE OSCP ..................................................................................................... 7 1.3. BAS POLICY ON OIL POLLUTION ................................................................................... 7 1.4. HOW TO USE THE OSCP ................................................................................................ 8

2. LEGISLATION .............................................................................................................. 11

2.1. ANTARCTIC LEGISLATION FOR OSCP .......................................................................... 11 2.2. OPERATING PERMIT ................................................................................................... 11 2.3. GUIDANCE FOR ANTARCTIC OSCP .............................................................................. 11

3. FOSSIL BLUFF - SITE INFORMATION.......................................................................... 13

3.1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 13 3.2. THE ROLE OF FOSSIL BLUFF ........................................................................................ 13 3.3. PHYSICAL LAYOUT OF THE SITE .................................................................................. 13 3.4. THE AREA COVERED BY THE OSCP .............................................................................. 14 3.5. SPILL KIT - LOCATION & CONTENTS ............................................................................ 14 3.6. FUEL STORAGE FACILITIES .......................................................................................... 14

3.6.1. Fuel Drum Depot ........................................................................................................................... 14 3.6.2. Refuelling Procedures ................................................................................................................... 15

3.7. THE EXPECTED PROBABILITY, SIZE AND TYPE OF OIL SPILLS ...................................... 16 3.8. THE LIKELY MOVEMENT AND FATE OF OIL SPILLS ..................................................... 16 3.9. THE CLASSIFICATION BY BAS OF OIL SPILLS ................................................................ 16 3.10. RESOURCES AT RISK .................................................................................................... 17

3.10.1. Flora and fauna ............................................................................................................................. 17 3.11. PRIORITY FOR PROTECTION ........................................................................................ 17 3.12. GENERAL SPILL RESPONSE STRATEGY ........................................................................ 17 3.13. TRAINING .................................................................................................................... 18

4. ACTIONS AND OPERATIONS ..................................................................................... 21

4.1. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONNEL .......................................................... 21 4.2. SPILL RESPONSE .......................................................................................................... 21

4.2.1. Emergency shutdown ................................................................................................................... 21 4.2.2. Rapid initial assessment ................................................................................................................ 21 4.2.3. Mobilise Response Team .............................................................................................................. 22 4.2.4. Spill Recovery ................................................................................................................................ 22 4.2.5. Communications and initial notification ....................................................................................... 26

4.3. HEALTH AND SAFETY .................................................................................................. 26 4.3.1. Fire and explosion ......................................................................................................................... 26 4.3.2. Inhalation of hydrocarbon fumes ................................................................................................. 27 4.3.3. Slips and Trips ............................................................................................................................... 27 4.3.4. Skin irritation by fuel..................................................................................................................... 27 4.3.5. Contamination of drinking water by fuel ...................................................................................... 27 4.3.6. Advice on health effects ............................................................................................................... 27 4.3.7. Material Safety Data Sheets.......................................................................................................... 28

4.4. WASTE DISPOSAL ........................................................................................................ 28 4.4.1. Storage of waste fuel and water ................................................................................................... 28 4.4.2. Transport and disposal of waste ................................................................................................... 28

4.5. TERMINATION OF OIL SPILL RESPONSE ...................................................................... 29 4.6. FINAL REPORT ............................................................................................................. 29

5. SITE PLANS, ACTION PLANS & REPORTS .................................................................. 31

5.1. FOSSIL BLUFF SITE PLANS ........................................................................................... 31 5.1.1. LOCATION MAP ............................................................................................................................. 31 5.1.2. SITE DETAIL ................................................................................................................................... 32

5.2. OIL SPILL REPORT ........................................................................................................ 33 5.3. BAS OIL SPILL RESPONSE STRUCTURE ........................................................................ 34 5.4. ACTION PLANS ............................................................................................................ 35

5.4.1. ACTION PLAN 1 – Fossil Bluff PIC .................................................................................................. 35 5.4.2. ACTION PLAN 2 – Operations Manager ........................................................................................ 36 5.4.6 ACTION PLAN 3 – Senior Environmental Manager ....................................................................... 37 5.4.7 ACTION PLAN 4 – Head of Technical Services ............................................................................... 38

6. APPENDICES ............................................................................................................... 39

6.1. Appendix 1 - MSDS ..................................................................................................... 39 6.1.3. AVTUR ........................................................................................................................................... 39 6.1.4. MGO .............................................................................................................................................. 48

AMENDMENT PROCEDURES

Amendments to the Fossil Bluff Oil Spill Contingency Plan will be issued as necessary by the BAS Environment Office. The OSCP will be updated online, and a notification sent to those on the distribution list informing them of the update. Existing copies of the OSCP must be destroyed, and replaced with the updated version. Confirmation must be provided to the Environmental Office that this has been completed.

LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

This document is produced for internal management purposes by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Its publication and/or sale do not constitute endorsement of any of the companies or products mentioned herein. BAS do not accept any responsibility or legal liability for any actions undertaken, on the basis of the advice in this document, by individuals not employed by BAS, or by organisations or companies not contracted to BAS in the field of oil spill response. Any liability of BAS to its own employees or to companies contracted to it will be limited to that under UK Health and Safety legislation or contractual agreement.

Copy No. DISTRIBUTION LIST

1. Operations Manager, BAS Cambridge

2. Field Operations Manager, Rothera

3. Base Commander’s Office, Rothera

4. Base Commander’s Office, Cambridge

5. Senior Environmental Manager

6. Head of Technical Services

7. Rothera Logistics Coordinator

8. BAS Library

9. Head, Polar Regions Unit, FCO

10. Fossil Bluff Logistics Facility Also available on BAS intranet site (Manuals) at

http://basweb.nerc-bas.ac.uk/information/manuals/index.html

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Section 1

INTRODUCTION

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. PURPOSE OF THE OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN (OSCP)

The purpose of this document is to provide practical guidance to BAS staff posted at Fossil Bluff, Alexander Island, in Antarctica. The procedures to be followed in the event of an oil or fuel spill are explained within this document to ensure that a timely, effective and co-ordinated response effort can be completed.

1.2. SCOPE OF THE OSCP

This plan describes the response procedures to be used at Fossil Bluff in the event of an oil spill resulting from:

• handling of drummed fuel; • refuelling of aircraft and vehicles; • refuelling the Refleks stove; • refuelling the generator; and • in the event of an emergency scenario e.g. plane crash

1.3. BAS POLICY ON OIL POLLUTION

BAS generally prohibits any deliberate discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures from either its research vessels or stations. BAS also makes every effort to prevent accidental oil spills through careful attention to fuel management and transfer operations, and by maintaining storage facilities and pipelines to a high standard. Nevertheless, BAS recognises that even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen and oil spill contingency procedures are required.

BAS views an oil spill which might occur from its stations and vessels as extremely serious and will seek to minimize the environmental impact as far as possible. Given the severe operational and climatic restraints of operating in Antarctica, any spill response by BAS will seek to complement and make use of natural processes whenever possible.

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1.4. HOW TO USE THE OSCP

This document is intended for use by BAS personnel stationed at Fossil Bluff. The PIC at Fossil Bluff will be responsible for co-ordinating the cleanup of a spill on site; however the Rothera Base Commander should be consulted at the earliest possible opportunity. (Section 2) Legislation – provides an outline of Antarctic legislation relevant to OSCP’s and emergency procedures. (Section 3) Site information and outline plans - contains a description of Fossil Bluff and its facilities and the area covered by the contingency plan. The probability, size, type, movement and fate of oil spills are predicted. The resources at risk around the site are examined, and the priority for protection is established. Finally, the general BAS strategy for oil spill response and the training of spill response personnel is outlined.

(Section 4) Actions and operations - describes the emergency procedures to be followed when a spill occurs and is set out in the expected chronological order of events. This section describes the roles and responsibilities of personnel, the initial assessment, and reporting requirements. Advice is given on the best practicable clean-up response, health and safety requirements, communications, waste disposal and the termination of an oil spill response. Finally, instructions are given for preparing the final spill report.

(Section 5) Site Plans, Action Plans and Reports - This section contains relevant facilities plans, action plan flow diagrams for ease of reference and a reporting template.

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Section 2

LEGISLATION

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2. LEGISLATION

2.1. ANTARCTIC LEGISLATION FOR OSCP

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1998) contains stringent and comprehensive regulations to prevent and combat pollution. Article 15 of the Protocol requires Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties (ATCPs) to;

• provide for prompt and effective response action to environmental emergencies; and

• to establish contingency plans for incidents with potential adverse effects on the Antarctic environment.

In addition Annex IV (Prevention of Marine Pollution) of the Protocol requires ATCP’s to develop contingency plans for marine pollution response in the Antarctic Treaty area. Annex VI (Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies), also requires operators to establish contingency plans for environmental incidents. The UK has enacted domestic legislation to enforce the provisions of the Protocol through the Antarctic Act, 1994, and the Antarctic Regulations, 1995.

2.2. OPERATING PERMIT BAS is granted a permit under Sections 3 and 4 of the Antarctic Act 1994 by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to operate in the Antarctic. The permit requires that each operational British base is covered by an OSCP. The plans must be reviewed and updated as necessary following regular spill response exercises.

2.3. GUIDANCE FOR ANTARCTIC OSCP

The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) has adopted a set of recommended guidelines for oil spill contingency planning to help national operators comply with the requirements of the Environmental Protocol. These guidelines have been used to help develop the Fossil Bluff OSCP.

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Section 3

FOSSIL BLUFF - SITE INFORMATION

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3. FOSSIL BLUFF - SITE INFORMATION 3.1. BACKGROUND

Fossil Bluff (71Ε20'S 68Ε17'W) is located on the east coast of Alexander Island adjacent to George VI Sound. As a summer only fuelling post for aircraft operations south of Rothera, Fossil Bluff is a vital link for the deep field science program. Mid - summer (November through to February) average temperatures range from -6 to -1. Prevailing winds are from the NNW and the South. Mean annual wind speed is 6.5 knots, an extreme maximum of 56.3kts has been recorded. There is insufficient data to provide an annual snow accumulation rate, however high ablation rates during summer months results in very lows levels of accumulation.

3.2. THE ROLE OF FOSSIL BLUFF

The primary function of Fossil Bluff is a refuelling post for aircraft transiting further south to provide logistical support for deep field parties. It is staffed by two or three people at a time and is only operational during the summer season. Fossil Bluff provides weather observations for aircraft flying from Rothera and synoptic observations which are passed via Rothera and are available for use by meteorological stations worldwide. There is an automatic weather station in place, which logs data throughout the year.

3.3. PHYSICAL LAYOUT OF THE SITE

Figure 5.1.2 shows the layout of the Fossil Bluff including the location of the ski-way and the layout of the buildings. The buildings comprise of a wooden hut known as Bluebell Cottage, which is the main accommodation unit, the garage and a number of wooden storage units and cabooses. See Figure 5.1.2 The ski-way is approx 2 km south of the main buildings and is marked by drums on the west side of the runway. A fuel drum depot is also situated to the west of the runway. To the north west of the runway there is a prefabricated hut known as the ‘Apple Hut’. This houses a weather station and radio.

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3.4. THE AREA COVERED BY THE OSCP

The OSCP covers all BAS activities at Fossil Bluff undertaken on the ski-way and at the main base.

3.5. SPILL KIT - LOCATION & CONTENTS

There are two spill kits at Fossil Bluff. One is located at the ski way adjacent to the drum depot. The other is kept in the store room adjacent to Bluebell cottage. Table 1. Spill Kit Location Equipment & clothing Spill Kit 1. Ski way adjacent to drum depot.

Absorbent Socks (hydrophobic) Pig putty Absorbent mats – rectangle (hydrophobic) Absorbent mats for drum tops Spill Trays Over-pack drum for contaminated absorbents or to contain leaking drums. Protective Gloves Waste Bags Drum funnels and smaller generator funnels Pig Drum Filter

Spill Kit 2. Store Room at Bluebell Cottage

Absorbent Socks (hydrophobic) Pig putty Absorbent mats – rectangle (hydrophobic) Absorbent mats for drum tops Spill Trays Protective Gloves & Goggles Waste Bags Drum funnels and smaller generator funnels

3.6. FUEL STORAGE FACILITIES 3.6.1. Fuel Drum Depot

205 litre drums of AVTUR are stored to the west of the ski-way. A location map is shown in Section 5.1.2 Up to a maximum of 50 drums are stored at any time. To keep the depot manageable the drums have to be stored on a flat area of snow. Planks of wood are placed under the drums to ensure they stay upright and do not get frozen into the snow. However, during the summer season as drums are rotated for use and the temperature increases the drums can easily move or get overturned. The depot therefore has to be managed

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on a regular basis. In addition to the main fuel depot, jerry cans of petrol and diesel are also stored to the west of the ski-way in a separate smaller depot. Smaller quantities of petrol, AVTUR and oils are also stored in the store room adjacent to Blue bell Cottage. Table 2. Type of fuel at skiway

Container type and size

Quantity Maximum quantity of fuel (litres)

AVTUR

Drums 205 l Jerry cans 20 l

50 20

10,250 400

Petrol Jerry cans 20 l 5 100 Skidoo oil Meths

1 litre bottle 1 litre bottle

5 5

5 5

Table 3. Type of fuel at Bluebell Cottage

Maximum number of drums

Maximum quantity of fuel (litres)

AVTUR Drums 205 l Jerry cans 20 l

2 2

405 40

Petrol Jerry cans 20 l 2 40 Skidoo oil Meths

1 litre bottle 1 litre bottle

10 10

10 10

3.6.2. Refuelling Procedures Operating procedures and risk assessments have been produced by BAS for refuelling activities at Fossil Bluff, and are available on the BAS intranet (Fossil Bluff Operating Procedures).

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3.7. THE EXPECTED PROBABILITY, SIZE AND TYPE OF OIL SPILLS

The expected probability, maximum spill size and fuel type for a range of possible scenarios at Fossil Bluff is shown below in Table 4. Table 4.

SPILL PROBABILITY MAX. SPILL SIZE

(litres)

FUEL TYPE

Damaged drum during drum raising or manoeuvring drums from aircraft

High 205 -10250 litres

AVTUR

Oil/fuel leak from generator or refuelling pump

High 20 AVTUR/ Lubricating Oil

During refuelling (vehicles or aircraft) minor spills may occur from drums or bowser

High 5 AVTUR Petrol Lubricating Oil

3.8. THE LIKELY MOVEMENT AND FATE OF OIL SPILLS Spills are most likely at the ski-way during the refuelling of aircraft and skidoos or whilst manoeuvring drums from the aircraft to the drum depot. Spills will be of AVTUR, petrol or oils. Spills are also possible when transporting AVTUR to Bluebell cottage for use in the reflex stove. Very small spills may also occur when refuelling the primus stove and tilly lamps. However funnels and drip trays should be used to prevent this from occurring. Spills outside are likely to seep through the snow very rapidly to an irrecoverable depth. Some fuel will be absorbed at the snow-surface, which may be recovered.

3.9. THE CLASSIFICATION BY BAS OF OIL SPILLS

Fuel spill incidents within the British Antarctic Survey are classified as follows: Tier 1 Small local spills that can be dealt with immediately by one

person or a dedicated station response team.

Tier 2 Medium spills that require the full resources of the station and assistance from BAS Cambridge.

Tier 3 Large spills which exceed the resources of the station and BAS Cambridge, and which require outside assistance.

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Spills may not always fall neatly into the above classes. It is, therefore, important to be prepared to move to the next highest tier from the earliest moments of a spill. It is easier to stand down a response than to escalate it at the last moment.

3.10. RESOURCES AT RISK

3.10.1. Flora and fauna

There are no breeding birds or mammals, or vegetation, at Fossil Bluff. (On very rare occasions a single penguin or a single skua has been seen in the vicinity of Fossil Bluff.) Therefore it is extremely unlikely that any fauna would be affected by an oil spill at the station.

3.11. PRIORITY FOR PROTECTION The health and safety of station personnel, and station resources, are paramount during a spill. The fresh water supply therefore has the highest priority for protection. In the event of a spill in the stream or the area uphill from Bluebell Cottage where snow blocks are cut, the snow for water consumption must be taken from a new and clean location. All reasonable efforts should be made to protect other station facilities.

3.12. GENERAL SPILL RESPONSE STRATEGY The general strategy of BAS is:

1. To stop, contain and recover fuel spills at stations; 2. To clean up as much spilled fuel as possible in the first few days

after a spill and then leave the rest to natural processes; and 3. To remove oily wastes from Antarctica.

Long-term, intensive clean-ups are not carried out by BAS because of the severe climatic and logistical constraints of operating safely in Antarctica. Fuel spilled outside will seep very rapidly through the snow surface and it is unlikely that large quantities can be recovered. Fossil Bluff has sufficient materials and equipment stored on base to follow the response strategy for all Tier 1 and 2 spills. Due to the amount of fuel stored on site it would be unlikely that a Tier 3 spill could occur. Full details of the materials and equipment held on base are given in Section 3.5.

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3.13. TRAINING Key staff will attend the spill response course held in conjunction with Oil Spill Response (OSR), during the annual pre-deployment conference. A list of staff who have attended these courses will be kept on record. Staff located at Fossil Bluff are rotated frequently throughout the summer season. Staff will be given a briefing prior to visiting the site covering procedures for reporting a spill, use of basic equipment (e.g. absorbents) and health and safety issues. In addition wintering staff at Rothera will be involved in the oil spill exercises carried out at Rothera which will enable familiarisation of the use of spill equipment and this OSCP. At least once a season an oil spill exercise will be undertaken to ensure that the equipment on site is suitable for use, being stored in the appropriate area and that the staff on site are familiar with the OSCP. The OSCP will be updated as and when required. A major review of the plan will be carried out every five years as progress and experience in oil spill response continues within BAS, or following a Tier 2 or Tier 3 incident.

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Section 4

ACTIONS AND OPERATIONS

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4. ACTIONS AND OPERATIONS 4.1. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONNEL

There will be a minimum of two staff on site at Fossil Bluff at any one time. There may be other staff transiting through when aircraft are being refuelled. The PIC will decide on the most appropriate response strategy and where necessary will consult with the BC at Rothera. It is the duty of the team to protect: 1. Health and safety. 2. Station facilities. 3. Threatened resources. Staff involved in any spill response will be under the direct supervision of the PIC.

4.2. SPILL RESPONSE The Action Plan in section 5.4.3 should be used to assist the PIC formulate the onsite response to a spill.

4.2.1. Emergency shutdown

Once a spill has been discovered it is to be reported immediately to the person in charge (PIC) on site. Spill response then becomes the PIC’s responsibility. He/she must first ensure the health and safety of personnel. If safe to do so, the PIC must order any emergency shutdown measures needed to stop or minimise further spillage. If the spillage occurs during the refuelling of a plane the pilot can also order the refuelling to stop. When extremely volatile fuels, such as petrol, are spilled in a confined area (e.g. inside the storage huts), there may be a risk of fire or explosion. In such circumstances, explosion and fire prevention are the top priority. In unventilated areas fuel fumes can also affect breathing and cause nausea. Isolate all possible sources of ignition including electrical equipment that may case sparks or run hot. Close off cut-off valves. No clean-up is to be attempted until the spill area is safe.

4.2.2. Rapid initial assessment

The PIC must carry out a rapid initial assessment of the situation. He/she must check the:

• Risk of fire or harm to human health; • Time of spill; • Location of spill; • Type of fuel; • Probable quantity of fuel spilled; and • Source and cause.

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4.2.3. Mobilise Response Team

The PIC is responsible for co-ordinating any spill response activities and for mobilising any staff at Fossil Bluff at the time of a spill.

4.2.4. Spill Recovery

See Page 26 - Table 5 for specific instructions on the use of the spill kit equipment stored at Fossil Bluff. Although each oil spill is different, general common advice is given below. If classed as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 spill and there is no risk of fire or explosion clean up of the spill can be started.

• Ensure PPE is worn (e.g. over-suits, rubber gloves, goggles etc where required).

• Outdoors, contaminated snow can be shovelled into the empty 205 litre drums which have had their tops removed and have been specifically allocated for this purpose. Allow the snow to melt before pouring the contaminated water through the ‘Pig’ drum filter. Once filtered, the water can be discharged back into the snow. The pig drum can filter up to 125 litres of fuel/oil after which the internal absorbent pads should be replaced.

• White absorbents (socks or mats) can be used directly on the snow/ice.

They are hydrophobic and will only absorb oil/fuel rather than water.

• If the spill occurs indoors, the area must be considered a confined space. Access must be controlled and only allowed after a careful assessment of the risk posed by fumes, lack of oxygen, risk of fire and the ability to safely evacuate staff in an emergency.

• Indoors, grey or blue absorbent pads should be spread on spilled fuel or oil.

• If the spill is greater than a Tier 1 then the PIC must notify the BC at Rothera

as soon as practicable who will in turn notify BAS Cambridge as necessary.

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Table 5. How to use the Spill Equipment Spill Equipment What does it do? Where can it be used? How do I use it? 1. White absorbents

(socks, pre cut mats, pillows)

They absorb oil-based liquids, lubricants and fuels but do not absorb water. HYDROPHOBIC

• Ideal for outdoor use and in wet or snowy conditions

• In water and anywhere that you don’t want to absorb water

• Ideal for soaking up waterborne spills. • Fuel bunds, on or around fuel drums

stored on snow

• Place directly on spilt fuel or oil • Pillows and mats to be used for recovery of fuel/oil on

snow, ice or directly on water. (will float) • Socks are better used for containment of a spill

(dikes/booms) • Pillows good for high volume spills • Can be used during initial clean up but also useful for

final sheen removal on water or snow and longer term maintenance absorption of oil

• Dispose of when saturated 2. Grey /blue

absorbents - mats

Designed to soak up and retain oils, coolants, solvents and water. NOT HYDROPHOBIC

• Highly absorbent, can be used anywhere indoors or around machinery

• Absorbs water so no good outdoors on snow/ice.

• Pre-cut mats e.g. for drum tops very useful for minimising spills during everyday use.

• Ideal for recovery of spilt fluids rather than containment.

• Place directly on spilt fluid • Ideal for small spills • Dispose of when saturated • Socks can be used to contain spills indoors/around

machinery 3. Pig pans/drip

trays Designed to soak up and retain oils, coolants, solvents and water.

• Underneath drum taps, leaking machinery and vehicle engines

• Fuel line connections • Underneath fuel nozzles during

aircraft/vehicle refuelling

• Put in position where spill is likely to occur – ideal for proactive spill response rather than reactive.

• Can be used on several occasions as tray retains fluids • Dispose of when saturated

4. Pig Putty Patches up leaking drums and pipes

• Damaged drums or fuel pipes • Short term emergency solution

• Knead components together and apply to damaged drum

• Fuel should be decanted to an undamaged drum as soon as possible

5. Waste Bags Used to store waste absorbents prior to transportation

• Can be used for blue, grey and white absorbents that have been used for oil/fuel recovery.

• Ensure filled bags are cabled tied and clearly labelled • Bags should be placed in empty 205l fuel drums prior to

transportation on board the ship/aircraft. 6. Pig Drum Filter Used to separate oil

from contaminated water or snow using gravity

• Where fuel has been spilt on snow/ice • Anywhere that it is warm enough for the

contaminated snow to melt and drain through the filter

• Collect contaminated snow in an old fuel drum and store until melted

• Pour contaminated liquid in at the top and filtered water will flow out the bottom. This can safely be discharged into the environment.

7. Over-pack Drum Can be used to hold a leaky drum or to store and transport waste absorbents

• Anywhere • Remove and upturn the lid of the over-pack drum and place leaking drum on top of it. Place main body of over pack drum on top of drum and screw tight. Turn the right way up.

• Can also be used to store and transport waste absorbents or clothing (fuel soaked rags made of natural fibres can not be transported by plane)

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4.2.5. Communications and initial notification

i. Tier 1 Spill – A tier 1 spill should be reported to the Rothera BC once clean up has been completed. The Rothera BC should then input the incident on the AINME system as soon as is practical.

ii. Tier 2 or 3 Spill - If the spill is a Tier 2 or higher the PIC must open a logbook

of actions and communications which is to be kept up to date throughout the incident.

• The PIC must inform the BC at Rothera who in turn will inform the

Operations Manager, BAS Cambridge of a spill as soon as possible by the best means practicable.

• The initial notification should be completed on the oil spill report

form (Section 5.2). Notification must not be delayed if some of the required information is not available.

• The Operations Manager will provide immediate notification to,

and assess the incident with, the Environmental Officer and the Head of Technical Services. After responding to the initial notification, the Operations Manager will then alert the Head of Administration and the Director.

• Ongoing situation reports should then be provided to Rothera BC

every 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. After which, situation reports are to be sent every 24 hrs until otherwise agreed by BAS Cambridge and the BC. It should also be reported through the online Accident, Incident, Near Miss and Environment reporting system at the first opportunity.

• All communications are to be recorded in the incident log books

maintained at Rothera station and at BAS Cambridge.

4.3. HEALTH AND SAFETY The health and safety of personnel is paramount during an oil spill. Emergency spill response actions should not be undertaken in periods of extreme weather conditions or darkness unless the situation has been fully assessed by the PIC and deemed safe.

4.3.1. Fire and explosion

One of the major risks to health and safety during a fuel spill is that of fire or explosion. Before commencing any clean-up operation, the risk of fire or explosion must be assessed. Sources of ignition must be eliminated. Periodic reassessment of risks should be carried out during protracted operations.

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4.3.2. Inhalation of hydrocarbon fumes

Inhalation of hydrocarbon fumes can cause headaches and nausea, and may affect critical judgement. If there is any risk to the health and safety of the response team, they should not approach the site of the spill until the vapours have dissipated. BAS does not advocate the use of respirators, the correct fitting of which cannot be guaranteed and which may lead to a false sense of security and well-being. To avoid the build-up of fumes inside Bluebell Cottage during a spill, staff involved in the clean-up should avoid entering the building in oiled clothes. A decontamination area should be established for storing oiled clothes until they are ready for disposal. Particular care should be taken to ensure rooms used by the response team are cleaned daily whilst spill response is being completed.

4.3.3. Slips and Trips

Spilled fuel increases the risks of slips and falls. Correct protective footwear, good ‘housekeeping’ and limiting the spread of contamination will help to reduce these risks.

4.3.4. Skin irritation by fuel

Fuel and oil can be a skin irritant. Severe reactions can lead to dermatitis. When fuel comes into contact with the skin, it also increases the risk of cold-induced injuries (frostbite). Clean-up personnel must wear the correct PPE and change out of contaminated clothing as soon as possible. Skin which has been in contact with fuel and oil should be washed at the end of the working day.

4.3.5. Contamination of drinking water by fuel

Drinking water would have to be highly contaminated by hydrocarbons for harm to occur. This is highly unlikely since very low concentrations of hydrocarbons alter the taste of water and make it completely unpalatable

4.3.6. Advice on health effects The Station Doctor at Rothera is to advise on likely health effects of a fuel spill. If symptoms attributable to the spill occur, the doctor is to inform the BAS Medical Unit immediately, who will provide instructions and advice. Care must be taken to avoid slips, trips and accidents from manual handling of the equipment.

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4.3.7. Material Safety Data Sheets The Material Safety Data Sheets for AVTUR and MGO are included in Appendix 1.

4.4. WASTE DISPOSAL 4.4.1. Storage of waste fuel and water

(i) Contaminated snow For small quantities (up to 30 litres at a time) of contaminated snow and water the ‘Pig Drum filter’ can be used to filter off fuel or oil. The filtered water can then be discharged on site. The ‘Pig Drum filter’ can only filter liquid and therefore contaminated snow will have to be stored until it has melted. A 205l drum (with the top removed) should be allocated specifically for this purpose. Check the absorbents inside the ‘Pig Drum Filter’ prior to use to ensure they are not saturated. (ii) Waste Fuel and Oil Waste fuel and oil should be stored in 205l drums clearly marked as waste. Allow for expansion and do not overfill drums. Watch out for pinhole leaks. (iii) Waste Absorbents and Contaminated Clothing Store in the yellow waste bags provided in the spill kit. Only UN approved containers coded UN 1H2, are suitable for transporting fuel soaked absorbents by air, back to Rothera. The red lidded ‘poo’ bins coded UN1H2 are suitable for this purpose.

4.4.2. Transport and disposal of waste

At the first available opportunity fuel and other wastes from the clean-up should be sent back to Rothera where they can be sent out on BAS vessels for disposal. Only UN approved containers coded 1H2 are suitable for transporting fuel soaked absorbents by air, back to Rothera. The red lidded ‘poo’ bins coded UN 1H2, are suitable for this purpose. (Do not overfill containers as they may become difficult to handle.) A Bill of Lading (BOL) must be prepared for each consignment of waste prior to it being sent back to the UK for disposal. Follow the instructions given in the BAS Waste Management Handbook.

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4.5. TERMINATION OF OIL SPILL RESPONSE

The termination of a Tier 1 oil spill response is to be decided by the PIC. The termination of Tier 2 or 3 spills is to be decided in consultation with the Rothera BC, the Operations Manager, the Senior Environmental Officer and the Head of Technical Services. All personnel involved in the response to a Tier 2 or Tier 3 spill must be given a medical check-up by the Station Doctor.

Equipment must be washed and cleaned by the response team before being put into storage. First remove as much oil as possible using absorbent pads. Arrangements for the repair and replacement of damaged or used equipment are to be made with the Senior Environmental Manager at BAS Cambridge at the earliest opportunity.

4.6. FINAL REPORT

Tier 1 – Details of the spill should be inputted on AINME as soon as possible after the event by either the PIC or the Rothera BC. Tier 2 or 3 - The PIC or Rothera BC is to prepare a final report on the spill at the end of the incident. The report should describe the: • time (GMT) and date of spill; • estimated quantity of fuel lost (litres); • type of fuel; • source and cause; • location and extent of spill (map); • resources affected; • environmental impact; • response action taken;

o stopping or minimising spill (technical work carried out to fuel tanks or pipelines);

o clean-up (number of personnel, techniques used, amount of oil/water collected (litres);

o environmental monitoring (photographs, video, visual inspection, water and soil samples);

• effectiveness of response action; • health of station personnel, if affected by spill incident; • estimated quantity of usable fuel remaining; • final classification of spill (Tier 2 or 3); • post-spill evaluation of contingency plan, and suggested amendments if

necessary; • further action. The final report and any accompanying digital photographs are to be entered on the AINME system within one month of the end of the incident. Accompanying photographic and video records are to be sent to the Operations Manager by the first available route. The Operations Manager is to file the log, reports and photographic/video material of the incident in ERMS.

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Section 5

SITE PLANS, ACTION PLANS &

REPORTS

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5. SITE PLANS, ACTION PLANS & REPORTS 5.1. FOSSIL BLUFF SITE PLANS 5.1.1. LOCATION MAP

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5.1.2. SITE DETAIL

5.2. OIL SPILL REPORT

Information to be reported back to Rothera BC for Tier 2 or 3 spills

1. Initial Report or Situation Report If a Situation report please provide the reporting

hour (i.e. 3, 6, 12 ,or 24 etc) ...........

2. Date : Time (GMT = local time + 3hrs) :

3. Type of fuel and estimated quantity / revised estimate of quantity of fuel spilled (litres):

4. Source and cause:

5. Location, area covered and movement of spill (attach map if possible):

6. Weather conditions:

7. Resources at risk and environmental impact :

8. Response action (include actions to stop or minimise spill, clean-up techniques, no. of

personnel involved, quantity of fuel recovered, environmental monitoring / samples taken)

9. Classification / revised classification of spill:

10. Useable bulk fuel remaining (litres):

11. Advice requested from BAS Cambridge

12. Additional comments (continue on separate sheet if necessary) : Signature:

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5.3. BAS OIL SPILL RESPONSE STRUCTURE

Chief Executive, NERC

Director, BAS

Board Member for Operations and Engineering

Head, Polar Regions Unit, Foreign & Commonwealth

Office Operations Manager

Rothera BC & Fossil Bluff PIC

Head of Environment

Office

Head of Press, PR and Education

Section

OSR Environmental Monitoring

Team

Fossil Bluff Response

Team

Head of Technical Services

BASMU

Technical Officers (BAS and/or Contractors)

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5.4. ACTION PLANS 5.4.1. ACTION PLAN 1 – Fossil Bluff PIC

Identification of spill

Emergency shutdown (if needed) to stop or minimise further spill. (Section 4.2.1.)

Actions & Communications Log (Section 4.2.5) Start recording all activities and maintain ongoing log.

Notify Rothera BC (Section 4.2.5)

Report - Send situation reports at 3, 6, 12, 24 hrs and then every 24hrs

until otherwise agreed.

Waste Management (Section 4.4) - Remove drums filled with waste fuel, contaminated absorbents & PPE etc. See Waste Management Handbook for appropriate disposal options.

Tier 2 Spill Tier 1 Spill

Medical & Equipment Check (Section 4.3) - Ensure medical check-up for response team on return to Rothera and that

equipment is cleaned and made ready for storage.

Notify and Report (Section 4.2.5) Inform Rothera BC and provide

details to be logged on AINME at end of incident.

Final Report (section 4.6) - Prepare detailed spill report at end of incident and submit to Operations Manager.

Mobilise Response Team (Section 4.2.3)

Rapid Initial Assessment (Section 4.2.2) - Risk of fire or harm to human health; - Time & location of spill; - Type of fuel & estimated quantity; - Source and cause.

Contain and Recover Spill Refer to – Spill Recovery

(Section 4.2.4)

Contain and Recover Spill Refer to – Spill Recovery

(Section 4.2.4)

Spill Termination (Section 4.5) - to be decided by PIC and Rothera BC (in conjunction with BAS Cambridge if Tier 2 or above.)

If Tier 3, outside assistance will be required. Monitor situation & await instructions from BAS Cambridge, via Operations Manager.

5.4.2. ACTION PLAN 2 – Operations Manager

Notification of spill from Rothera BC.

Assume overall control of spill response operation.

Inform Directorate

Respond to initial notification by telephone and confirm by fax. Check:

- Time (GMT) & date of spill - Estimated quantity of fuel spilled (litres) - Type of fuel - Source and cause - Location of spill - Resources under threat/ impact - Response action - Useable bulk fuel remaining.

Advise on: - Technical remedial action - Clean-up techniques - Operations (itineraries/pax mvmts)

Information: - Weather maps (if available).

Inform Senior Environment Manager, Head of Technical Services & Directorate.

Terminate Response Action when appropriate. Liaise with; - BC - Environmental Officer - Outside Agencies (as necessary).

File message and final report from BC with registry

If Tier 1, acknowledge notification by fax.

If necessary, contact FCO and any other outside agencies.

Mobilise BAS HQ Response Team; - Environmental Officer - Head of Technical Services.

If Tier 3, immediately set up Emergency Response Centre at BAS – Room 133a.

File log & BC’s report, photographs and video footage of incident with Registry.

If Tier 2, immediately assess incident with; - Environmental Officer - Head of Technical Services.

Open and maintain actions and communications log.

Prepare Draft Press Statement. Liaise with; - Directorate - Environmental Officer - Information Officer.

Send actions to BC and respond to requests as necessary. Liaise with; - Environmental Officer - Information Officer.

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5.4.6 ACTION PLAN 3 – Senior Environmental Manager

Notification of spill from Operations Manager.

If Tier 2, immediately assess incident with: - Operations Manager - Head of Technical Services.

Send actions to BC via Operations Manager and respond to requests for information as necessary to co-ordinate clean-up. Liaise with: - Operations Manager - Head of Technical Services.

Co-ordinate environmental monitoring - Sampling of water, sediment, flora & fauna - Chemical analysis of seawater Liaison with BAS scientific staff & contractors as ap ropriate.

Advise Operations Manager on termination of response action.

Organise review meeting on oil spill response within 6 months.

Advise Operations Manager on draft press statement.

Co-ordinate removal and disposal of contaminated fuel and oily wastes including absorbents and clothing. Liaison with;

- Base Commander - BAS Shipping officer - Waste disposal contractor.

Revise Oil Spill Contingency Plan as necessary.

If Tier 3, immediately move to Emergency Response Centre at BAS - Room 133a

If Tier 1, provide advice as requested.

Telephone Oil Spill Response, confirm call by fax; - Time (GMT) & date of spill; - Estimated quantity of fuel spilled (litres); - Type of fuel; - Source and cause; - Location of spill; - Resources under threat/ impact; - Response action taken; - Spill classification (Tier 2 or 3);

Ask for assistance or advice as appropriate.

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5.4.7 ACTION PLAN 4 – Head of Technical Services

Notification of spill from Operations Manager

If Tier 2, immediately assess incident with: - Operations Manager - Senior Environmental Manager.

Send actions to BC via Operations Manager and respond to requests for information as necessary, on fuel management and storage. Liaise with:

- Technical Officers - Outside companies and agencies on technical issues.

Co-ordinate procurement of emergency spare parts and back-up fuel systems as required.

At end of incident, review fuel storage and transfer systems. Revise fuel management systems to prevent a similar spill in the future

If Tier 3, move immediately to Emergency Response Centre at BAS - Room 133a.

If Tier 1, provide advice as requested.

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6. Appendices 6.1. Appendix 1 - MSDS The exact formulation of fuels delivered to Rothera will vary from year to year depending on the supplier used. These Material Safety Data Sheets are therefore an example only and the most current MSDS should be consulted if possible. 6.1.3. AVTUR

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

6.1.4. MGO

49

50

51

52

53

54

55