RRT III Preauthorization of Dispersant Use

• RRT III has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which preauthorizes the use of dispersants.

• There are four distinct zones and zone-specific conditions which determine the nature of dispersants use in each zone.

• Specific conditions apply only to spills of 50 barrels or less, except in Zone 1, where dispersants can be applied to any size spill.

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Preauthorized Zone In RRT 3• Zone A - Big Stone Beach Anchorage in Delaware Bay Limited preauthorization for the use of dispersants on spills of 50 barrels or less, or

50 barrels or less on portions of larger spills, provided the former is a spill of opportunity and the latter is for trial use only.

• Zone 1 – Sub Regional Area Preauthorization is granted with respect to spills of any size in the offshore waters

that are 3nm and seaward of the Territorial Sea Baseline along the coast of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

• Zone 2 – Coastal Waters Trail use authorized on 50 barrels or less but concurrence required for operational

use of dispersants in waters that are at least 0.5 nm from any shoreline and where the water depth is greater than 40 feet.

• Zone 3 – Near Shore Waters Concurrence required for trail or operational use in waters less than 0.5 nm from

shore or water depth less than 40 feet. Dispersants are not a primary tool in this zone.