FIELD GUIDE:

Shoreline Clean-up Assessment

Technique (SCAT)
 For more information contact us at:

TECHNICAL TEAM
Lower William Street | Southampton | SO14 5QE | United Kingdom

T: +44(0)23 8033 1551

F: +44(0)23 8033 1972
E: tech@oilspillresponse.com

Disclaimer
This Field Guide has been developed to act solely as a guidance document and the advice given should be incorporated into company philosophy
for oil spill response operations alongside suitable training and exercises to ensure safe and appropriate operations. Whilst every effort has been
made to provide accurate and complete information, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage, howsoever caused, as a result of
actions taken based on the contents of this Field Guide.

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contained in this Field Guide are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws, under national laws and international treaties.
OSRL retains the right, title, interest and intellectual property rights in and to the Materials. With the exception of photocopying any forms
contained in this Field Guide for use on response operations and exercises, and unless authorised by OSRL, the materials contained in this Field
Guide may not be replicated, reprinted or distributed and must be used solely for guidance, personal information and non-commercial purposes.
 Foreword and Contents

This Field Guide is intended to be used by anyone seeking an Safety 2

overview of the strategic and technical aspects of Shoreline Clean-
up Assessment Technique (SCAT). Included within, is information Key Steps 4
on the key steps of SCAT; from how to prepare for shoreline Plan and Train: 5
surveys, through to how to conduct and document these surveys. SCAT Surveys 7
Developing Clean-up Guidelines and Endpoints 8
SCAT requires a good knowledge of the environment in and around Preparation:
where the oil spill has occured. To ensure a SCAT programme is Organise Operations 9
successful, it is important to: The SCAT Survey Team 10
Segmentation 11
S eek and adhere to advise on health and safety aspects of all
Conduct a Shoreline Survey:
oil spill response
Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) Form 12
Prepare and train to reduce predicted risks Define the Shoreline 13
Understand standard terminology Define Surface Oil 14
Define Subsurface Oil 15
 ollect and document shoreline conditions in a clear and
C Sketches and Photos 16
concise manner
Record and Report 17
S elect and advise on the response strategy most suitable to
Tools 18
the environment and oiling conditions, always applying Net
Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA)
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Ensure communication is effective amongst all parties

 here available, seek and apply advice and input from local
W
experts.

1
 Safety

If shoreline surveys are planned, good PPE requirements will depend on the survey
Shoreline conditions and
surveilance checklist operational procedures followed and the
aerial surveilance checklist planned but the following should be considered:
composition can vary
correct use of Personal Protective Equipment
significantly. Ensure you
(PPE) adhered to, there should be minimal risk Overalls
are familiar with the local
to the health and safety of personnel. However,
Oil resistant suit conditions and environment.
residual risks to responders and the public will
always exist.
Life jacket (if operating near water) Always consider:
These risks can be minimised by: Access
Safety glasses
Identifying the risks through a Egress
Oil resistant gloves
comprehensive risk assessment process Tidal patterns
and implementing mitigation measures to Ear defenders (to be worn if working near Load bearing capacity
reduce them where practicable running machinery Exposure to the elements
 ommunicating the risks and mitigation
C Safety boots (oil resistant and with toe
protection)
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

measures in place through a safety brief

prior to any survey being carried out

Ensure full safety protocols are followed before conducting SCAT Surveys

2
 Safety
RISKS IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES
Noise (>85dBA) Danger of damage to hearing if Ear defenders to be provided and worn. Exclusion of non-essential staff from a zone
exposed to loud machinery for around the noise source. Move the source away from the working area. Explore
prolonged periods of time. alternative machinery / methods
Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Could cause nausea and in the Enforce a site entry protocol. Provide gas monitoring devices and appropriate
potentially Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) from the oil case of H2S death in extreme respiratory PPE as required.
cases. Presence of hydrocarbon
vapours may also present an
explosion risk.
Slips, trips and falls Potential for minor injuries Dangers should be highlighted in the safety brief given prior to operations commencing.
such as cuts, bruises or minor Appropriate footwear to be worn. Recognise high risks of working on or around oily
fractures. surfaces. Ensure a secure access route to work area.
Dangerous wildlife Potential for bites, stings or Refer to local knowledge. Appoint a lookout and communicate the risks. Ensure that an
contracting disease leading to emergency plan is in place.
loss of limbs, illness or death.
Small boats operations Possible injury from propeller Ensure that boat operators are trained. Engine kill cord to be worn whilst operating the
when handling towing lines. boat. Lifejackets should be worn.
Manual handling Potential for back injuries. Before any deployment manual handling training should be given to anyone involved in
the deployment. Ensure that weights are clearly marked on equipment. Make sure that
lifting equipment is available and employ group lifts where appropriate.
Water/currents Potential for falling and drowning. Ensure awareness of currents and tides. No lone working near water bodies. Life jackets
should be worn.
Dermatitis skin contamination Developing dermatitis from skin Wear gloves/barrier cream and PPE to cover the skin. Ensure type of PPE is suited to oil
contact with oil. type, likely exposure and environmental conditions.
Hypothermia/Heatstroke Can lead to fatigue, confusion, Whilst surveying, take regular breaks in shaded areas or shelters.
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

loss of consciousness, and if left Wear appropriate clothing for the response environment. Keep hydrated and regulate
untreated, death. core temperature.

Whilst this table lists some of the common hazards that are likely to be present whilst conducting shoreline surveys, a full site specific risk
assessment should always be conducted prior to a survey.

3
 Key Steps

1 ! 2 3 44 Spill Conduct a
Plan and Preparation Record and
Shoreline
Train Report
Survey
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

4
 Plan and Train
When oil contaminates shoreline habitats, responders must survey the affected areas to determine the appropriate response strategy. Planning
and training are essential to ensure that specific clean-up recommendations are based on an understanding of oil, the environment and
operational limitations.

Shoreline Clean-Up Assessment Technique SPILL

Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Technique (SCAT) is a well-established
technique employed under the Planning Section of the Incident Define the extent and distribution of oiled
Command System (ICS) and is used to document the status of oiled shorelines
shorelines and their subsequent treatment recommendations, in a
REACTIVE PHASE
Establish shoreline clean-up priorities and
methodical and scientific manner. Shoreline protection and remobilisation potential
recovery of gross oil SPILL
Assemble environmental data on threatened
Reactive Stage
resources
Objectives of a SCAT Survey
To collect and document real-time data on stranded oil and shoreline Define shoreline segments; characterisation and
conditions in a rapid, accurate, systematic and consistent way in order PLANNING PHASE oiling conditions
to provide operational support and aid in the development of an Assist in developing clean-up objectives,
Define objectives, response
effective response. endpoints and constraints
techniques and clean-up plans
Assess treatment strategies, tactics and plans
SCAT surveys can be used for:

Development of shoreline treatment recommendations Provide detailed advice to clean up crews

Development of clean-up standards or criteria OPERATIONAL PHASE Provide overviews of the spill response status
Clean-up and progress
Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA)
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Inspect segments and report findings

Post-treatment inspection and evaluation
Provision of long-term monitoring
Provide post incident assessment and evaluation
Establishing endpoints TERMINATION PHASE
Long term monitoring

5
 Plan and Train
Shoreline surveys can be conducted by different methods and at different scales depending on the size of the affected area, the character of
the coastal area, and the level of detail that is required.
SCAT Function Responsibilities
SCAT Programme
Evaluating oil type and condition Determining need for clean-up
A successful SCAT programme should
include: Factoring in shoreline types and coastal processes to Recommending clean-up methods and
oil behavior and clean-up methods endpoints
Suitable training and calibration for
functional SCAT roles Identifying environmentally and culturally sensitive Placing constraints on clean-up if necessary,
resources due to ecological, economic or cultural
Appropriate segmentation of the concerns
shoreline SCAT Team
Flexibility to adapt the basic concept The Field Team should comprise of trained individuals with appropriate skills to complete the survey
for individual spill conditions and oiling objectives. The team may include inter-agency personnel who represent the various interests of stakeholders.
characteristics The number of persons in a SCAT team and the number of teams required will depend on the circumstances of
the incident. A SCAT team may comprise of:
Procedures that are as simple as possible, A person with previous oil spill response experience A person with operational experience who
yet provide sufficient information to with familiarity of shoreline surveys and the ability can identify practical and logistical issues of
meet the requirements of the decision to quickly identify and document oil on shorelines potential clean-up options
makers, planners, and operations crews
A person familiar with the ecological sensitivities A specialist who can advise on precautions
A process that is efficient to ensure of the affected area who can advise on real-time and constraints to protect resources in areas
that information is processed and environmental constraints, priorities and endpoints where archaeological/cultural resources exist
communicated in a timely manner
Training and Knowledge
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Establishment of a data management

system early in the programme Health and safety aspects of SCAT surveys NEBA

Integration of stakeholders Set-up and operation of equipment and techniques SCAT terminology and processes

Response strategies and tactics Environmental impacts and constraints

6
 Plan and Train: SCAT Surveys
The cornerstone activity of SCAT is the shoreline assessment survey and its fundamental objective is to collect and document data on oiled
shoreline conditions in a rapid, accurate and systematic fashion. Shoreline surveys can be conducted by different methods and on different scales
depending on the size of the affected area, the character of the coastline and the level of detail that is required.
Key principles of SCAT Surveys
SURVEY METHOD KEY OBJECTIVES
SCAT surveys are based on several fundamental principles:
To obtain an observational overview of surface oiling
A systematic assessment of all shorelines in the affected area
conditions over large areas in a relatively short time
A division of the coastline into homogeneous geographic Aerial
Reconnaissance To assist in the development of objectives, to define
units or “segments” the overall scale of the potential response operation
The use of a standard set of terms and definitions for To direct the initial deployment of response resources
documentation
A SCAT team that is objective and competent
The timely provision of data and information for decision To methodically document shoreline oiling conditions
making and planning in all segments; providing the primary source of data
Systematic and
SCAT surveys are flexible and adaptable to the spill Spot Ground Systematic documentation of the location, character
Surveys and amounts of surface and subsurface oil in all
conditions. They can be conducted: segments; spot surveying oiling conditions in selected
segments
On spills of different oil types and with different types of
shoreline oiling conditions
On spills of different sizes; from small to large Complete Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) Forms,
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

generating sketch maps in the selected segments.

By using different methods; both aerial and ground level Reporting and Photographs and/or videos are taken to record oiling

In various levels of detail, from simple single-discipline Recommendations Develop Shoreline Treatment Recommendations
surveys to complex programmes with geomorphological, (STRs) for the affected areas based on the information
generated from all the gathered data
ecological, and cultural resource components

7
 Plan and Train: Developing Clean-up Guidelines and Endpoints
Clean-up endpoints must be established early so that appropriate methods can be selected to meet the clean-up objectives.
Clean-up endpoints are an important part of spill-specific clean-up guidelines. Endpoints are selected based on NEBA with the overarching clean-up
objectives to:
Minimize risk to human health Reduce the threat of additional or prolonged Facilitate the natural recovery of
impacts impacted areas

These objectives lead to developing clean-up strategies that do not cause more harm to the environment than good. Ideally, clean-up efforts will
return the resource to its baseline condition without suffering further impact or affecting resources not initially impacted by the spill. Aggressive
and inappropriate clean-up techniques can make matters worse. Less intrusive methods or natural recovery are often preferable. The best clean-up
strategy is not the one that removes the most oil, rather it is the strategy that has the greatest net environmental benefit.

No longer releases
ENDPOINT

No visible oil - not Visible oil, but no sheens that will Oil removal to
No longer rubs off
detectable by sight, more than affect sensitive allow recovery/
on contact
smell or feel back-ground areas, wildlife or recolonisation
human health

This endpoint is used where

This endpoint is often This endpoint is usually
Can be used on sand sheening persists after
applied where there is a defined as oil removal to a
beaches where oil clean-up efforts become This endpoint is used where
EXAMPLE

significant background rate stain or coat, or weathering

removal can be effective ineffective, or on sensitive further oil removal will
of tarball deposition on the to the point that is no longer
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

without delaying habitats where further result in excessive habitat

shoreline, due to natural sticky. It is appropriate
resource recovery clean-up efforts will cause disruption
seeps or local industrial for hard substrates and
more harm than natural
activitiy vegetation
removal

8
 Preparation: Organise Operations
Establishing effective methods of communication is essential for a SCAT program to ensure consistency and information flow to incident command.
Communications Plan Command and Control Organisation
In order to ensure effective communications SCAT operations fall under the Environment Unit in the Planning Section. SCAT operations can be
it is important to produce a communications structured as follows dependant on the size of the response:
plan which will document: The Planning Section Chief is responsible for the
collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of
A communications protocol for Planning Section Chief incident information as well as maintaining the
status of assigned resources.
operational communication
The Environment Unit Leader is responsible
Emergency procedures Environment Unit Leader for environmental matters including strategic
assessment, modelling, surveillance, monitoring and
permitting.
 ames of assets deployed, call signs and
N
frequencies they are operating on The Shoreline Assessment Group performs SCAT;
Shoreline Assessment Group providing recommendations on clean-up methods.

The SCAT Coordinator manages the Shoreline

Span of Control Assessment Group; preparing reports to develop
SCAT Coordinator strategic objectives and tasking assignments. The
To ensure the safety and success of SCAT coordinator will approve Shoreline Treatment
any SCAT program, it is important that Recommendations (STRs).
personnel involved are adequately
SCAT Technical Advisor provides advice and develops
supervised. The Incident Command SCAT SCAT SCAT a Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Plan; maximising
System (ICS) recommends a finite ‘span Logistics Technical Advisor Ops Liaison recovery and enhancing natural clean-up based on
data collected from the SCAT Teams.
of control’ of 5-7 direct reports to ensure
correct levels of supervision.
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

The SCAT Teams work in the field evaluating oiling

SCAT SCAT Database conditions, segment the shoreline; taking into
Team Leaders Coordinator consideration the shoreline types and sensitivities,
providing STRs for use by Operations.

More information regarding the Incident Command System can be found in the OSRL Incident Management Handbook (IMH).

9
 Preparation: The SCAT Survey Team
Preparing the SCAT Survey Team
TOOLS CHECKLIST
Prior preparation is required before any field activities are carried out by the SCAT team(s). The aerial surveilance checklist

team(s) should be given a basic briefing, which should not be time consuming but is crucial to SCAT Field Guide, SOS Form,
ensuring systematic and consistent results. At the briefing the following should be covered: clipboard and relevant maps
Health, safety and welfare issues
A method of communication
Allocation of segments to be surveyed Pre-Survey Standardisation (e.g. mobile/satellite phones,
If there are multiple teams, it is likely
VHF radio)
Communications and reporting channels aerial surveilance checklist

to be beneficial to have a pre-survey

Distribution of maps, assessment forms session with all the teams focusing on Handheld GPS
and guidance terminology of oiling categories, shoreline
aerial surveilance checklist

types and standard definitions. This will Digital camera

Check field equipment and supplies
ensure a high degree of consistency
All team members are comfortable with and calibration between the teams.
the assessment methodology Spade
aerial
aerial surveilance
surveilance checklist
checklist

Additional batteries
SCAT Team Considerations aerial surveilance checklist

Ruler (or other) for scale

Consideration should always be given to: aerial surveilance checklist
when taking photos
Extent and duration of environmental impacts Potential for remobilised oil to affect
Tape measure
if the oil is not removed other sensitive resources
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Natural removal rates Likelihood of clean-up to cause greater Flags or stake (to mark
harm than oil alone location of buried oil)

Refer to the “Conduct a Shoreline Survey - SOS Form” section of this Field Guide for detail on the information to be obtained during SCAT surveys.

10
 Preparation: Segmentation
The essential first step of a SCAT survey is to divide the coastline into working units called SEGMENTS, within which the shoreline character is
relatively uniform in terms of physical features and sediment type.
Key Principles of Segmentation
Segmentation is the basis for the development of treatment plans.
WEST ISLAND
Each segment of shoreline is considered individually in both planning
and operational stages WI-01
WI-02
Boundaries between segments are generally geological features such WI-03
as a headland or change in shoreline type however they can also be a WI-04
change in oiling conditions, river mouths or juristictional boundaries WI-05

Satellite images, charts and sensitivity maps may assist in defining WI-07
WI-06 WI-08
shorelines WI-05a
WI-05b
Segment lengths are typically 0.2- 2.0 km. If there is long uniform coast, WI-05c WI-09
segment boundaries may be based on operational features, such as WI-05
access, or simply by set distances along the shore

Segment Characteristics Sub-Segmentation

Sub-segments are created if along-shore oiling conditions
Distinct sections of shoreline that can be used as operational vary significantly within a pre-designated segment
zones/areas
Along-shore oiling conditions change throughout time within
Relatively homogeneous physical features or sediment type a segment during a spill incident
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

If there is an operational division boundary within a segment

Identified by a unique location code
Sub-segment lengths are small enough to obtain adequate
Bounded by prominent geological or operational features, or by resolution and detail on the distribution of oil, but not so
changes in shoreline type, substrate, or oiling conditions small that too much data is generated

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 Conduct a Shoreline Survey: SOS Form
Completion of an Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) form for each segment is a fundamental part of recording information.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
This section is important for data management:
Incident name Segment ID - Issued by command during prepation Survey time
Survey type Weather - this can affect observation
2. SURVEY TEAM
The names of all survey team members should be entered, along with their affiliation and
telephone contact number (in case of need for subsequent clarifications).
3. DEFINE SEGMENT
Total length and length surveyed - In most cases the total segment length and length surveyed will
be the same. Latitude and longitude of segment - Grid references can be used instead, ensure units
are clear and consistent.
4. DEFINE SHORELINE
It is important to identify the nature of the shoreline types within the segment, paying particular
attention to the oiled areas.
5. OPERATIONAL FEATURES
Operational features will assist decision makers and logistics or operational personnel in making an
initial evaluation of the viable options for clean-up activity. Ensure the following is recorded:
Access information If debris is present Ongoing clean-up recommendations

6. DESCRIBE SURFACE OILING

Detailed recording of oiled areas is one of the most important elements of shoreline assessment.
The form requires quantitative measurement of oiled zones, using widely recognised descriptive
terminology.
7.DESCRIBE SUBSURFACE OILING
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

The presence of subsurface (buried) oil can only be revealed by digging trial pits or trenches in the
shoreline. Such investigation should only be undertaken if there is an expectation or suspicion that
oil is buried.
8. PHOTOS AND SKETCHES
Photographs and sketchs are very useful tools in documenting the appearance of the shore.
However, some discipline is needed and care should be taken not to take too many photographs.
12
 Conduct a Shoreline Survey: Define the Shoreline
It is important to identify the nature of the shoreline types within the whole segment, paying particular attention to the oiled areas.

Shoreline Type Sediment Type Wave Exposure

Identify all notable shoreline types and Identify sediment type this is important Define the exposure rating of the upper
other features present within the segment. for oil spill clean-up activities. shore parts of the segment; this may
Select ONE primary shoreline type for affect prioritisation of clean-up sites and
both intertidal and supratidal zones. clean-up recommendations.
Sediment Size
Typically for the intertidal zone, it is
the upper intertidal zone in which oil
usually becomes stranded and where Boulder > 256 mm
clean-up activities take place. If Prevailing
Wind
there is no clear predominant
characteristic, then it is based on the Very exposed
type most sensitive to oil (highest ESI). Cobble 64-256 mm
Exposed
There can be several secondary
shoreline types within a segment.
Very Sheltered
ESI Values Shoreline Type Pebble 4-64 mm
Description
1 Exposed Rocky Shore
2 Exposed Rocky Platform Partially
3 Fine-grained Sand Beaches Sheltered
4 Coarse-grained Sand Beaches Granule 2-4 mm
5 Mixed Sand and Gravel Beaches
6a Gravel Beaches
6b Riprap Structures
7 Exposed Tidal Flats
Sand
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

0.6-2 mm
8a Sheltered Rocky Shores
8b Sheltered Man-made Structures See the Tools Section of this Field
9 Sheltered Tidal Flats
Guide (pages 18-25) for descriptive
10a Salt to Brackish Marshes
10b Freshwater Marshes Silt and Clay < 0.6 mm and photographic guidance in defining
10c Swamps the shoreline.
10d Mangroves

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 Conduct a Shoreline Survey: Define Surface Oil
Making a detailed record of oiled areas is one of the most important elements of the shoreline assessment. The SOS form requires
some quantitative measurement of oiled zones, using descriptive terminology widely recognised.

Surface Oil
Is Surface Oil present? NO Tick the “No oil observed” box OIL THAT IS VISIBLE ON THE SURFACE
AND THAT IS UP TO 5 CM BELOW THE
SURFACE OF SANDY BEACHES
YES

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Identify as many oiled Zones as Define for each zone: Annotate map and/or draw sketch map
necessary for an accurate description • Position (in relation to tide) with the location of oiled zone(s).
of oiling conditions. • Oil Cover (i.e. Length and width of the oiled zone)
Give each Zone an ID; A, B, C etc. • Percentage Distribution of oil Ensure photographs or videos of zones
• Oil Thickness (estimate actual thickness in cm or are taken and mark the position on a
Zones are defined up the mm for ‘Thick Oil’ and ‘Cover’)
beach from the lower sketch map.
intertidal to the supatidal • Oil Character
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Summarising the Degree of Oiling

The information collected in this section can be combined to create indices to characterise the degree or relative severity of oiling in a particular segment.
See the Tools Section of this Field Guide (pages 26-31) for descriptive and photographic guidance in defining surface oil.

14
 Perform a Shoreline Survey: Define Subsurface Oil
The presence of subsurface (buried) oil can only be revealed by digging trial pits or trenches in the shoreline. Such investigation
should only be undertaken if there is an expectation or suspicion that oil is buried. This may be due to the nature of the beach
material; e.g. gravel that may allow penetration by oil, or because of known movement in beach material during the incident; e.g.
due to a storm event or naturally high-energy beach.

Subsurface Oil:
Has subsurface oil been investigated? NO Tick the “No Investigation” box OIL THAT IS >5 CM BELOW
THE SURFACE OF FINE SEDIMENT
OR BOTTOM OF FIRST LAYER ON
YES COARSE SEDIMENTS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Give each Pit an ID; 1, 2, 3 etc. For each pit define: Annotate map and/or draw sketch map
• Position (in relation to tide) with the location of pit(s).
• Pit Depth
• Oiled Zone Depths (the upper and lower height Ensure photographs or videos of pits are
of penetrating or buried oil). If no subsurface oil is taken, including a scale.
present write ‘NONE’
• Oil Character
• Water Table Depth (if evident)
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

See the Tools Section of this Field Guide (pages 32-33) for descriptive and photographic guidance in defining subsurface oil.

15
 Perform a Shoreline Survey: Sketches and Photographs
Sketches Photographs
The field sketch is an important component of the shoreline assessment Photographs and/or video footage can be very useful for illustrating
process because it provides more detail on location of the oil, and the distribution and extent of oiling, the location and character of the
samples taken, pits dug, and photographs captured in relation to the affected areas, the location of any pits, potentially sensitive resources,
physical layout of the shoreline. access points, possible laydown areas and the shoreline response.

Be aware that oil itself does not photograph very well, so images may
North arrow, segment number, approximate scale, segment and not illustrate its character/thickness (particularly in bright lighting).
sub-segment boundaries, high water and low water levels, major
features and landmarks
If you intend to use the images for showing changes over time,
Oil conditions should be shown as shaded areas take time to set up the shots in such a way that they can be
repeated and make notes to help you reframe exactly the same
An alphabetic designation is given to each oiled area on the sketch view
that corresponds to a letter designation for the ZONE on the field
form or field notes. Indicate the dimensions for each oiled area, as Ensure that the correct date and time have been set in the
well as the percent oil cover estimates, oil character, and substrate camera
Indicate pits by a triangle, and give them a numerical designation Use a suitable scale in any view where the size of the features is
that corresponds to the one on the SCAT form. The triangle is filled not obvious
in to represent oil found in the pit; an open triangle is used if no
Mark location of the viewpoint and direction on map, take a GPS
oil is found
fix of the viewpoint to aid relocation
Include notes about flora/fauna within oiled areas; nesting
Record the photograph numbers on the SOS form
locations, etc.
Meticulously maintain a storage and cataloguing system for the
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Indicate photograph locations with a dot and connecting arrow

image files
showing the direction in which the photo was taken, with photo
number on sketch
Example Sketch/Map Symbols
Indicate location(s) where a video was recorded Photo Location & Direction Pit - No Oil Oiled Area

Video Location & Direction Pit - Oil A Zone Identifier

16
 Record and Report
Recording and reporting during shoreline surveys is integral to the SCAT process. After data collection occurs, it must be collated and
analysed so recommendations for clean-up can be made.

Data Collation Analysis

The data collected by SCAT Teams needs to be made quickly available to A wide range of maps and tables can be generated
decision makers. to assist in the understanding of the oiling
conditions or simply to document the operational
Data generated from SCAT surveys may be combined and used in a variety activities or the changes in oiling conditions
of ways. In smaller incidents the raw data may be useful, however, in larger
incidents the data can be combined to create standard oiling categories Recommendations
to assist in determining priorities and planning clean-up operations
The information generated by the SCAT surveys is
an important part of the decision making process
Surface Oil Coverage Category = width x surface distribution of the oil for setting response priorities, clean-up objectives,
Surface Oil Thickness Category = Surface Oil Coverage x thickness of the oil and standards for acceptable levels of clean-up
Recommendations for clean-up techniques will be
See pages 28 and 31 of this Field Guide for more details. made by the SCAT Teams based on NEBA in the form of
Shoreline Treatment Recommendations (STRs), which
maximise recovery and enhance natural clean-up,
Data management system requirements will depend on the size of the whilst minimising impacts to habitats and resources.
incident Stakeholder representatives and historical/cultural
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

specialists will be involved in providing input into the STRs

17
 Tools: Shoreline Types and Environmental Sensitivities Indices

Exposed Rocky Shores: ESI 1A Exposed Man-Made: ESI 1B Exposed Rocky Platforms: ESI 2A
• Typically sea walls, groynes, piers and port • The intertidal zone consists of a flat rock
Key Characteristics

• Steep intertidal zone (>30 degree slope) faciliities built to protect the shore and bench of highly variable width
with very little width and high energy provide shelter • There may be a beach of sand to boulder
• Strong vertical zonation of intertidal • Attached animals and plants are sparse/ sized sediments at the base of the scarp
biological communities moderate • These habitats can support large populations
• Species density and diversity vary • A wide range of habitats may be present of animals and plants
Example

• Oil can be held offshore by waves reflecting

off the shore • Oil is held offshore by waves reflecting off
• Oil can be held offshore by waves reflecting
• Any oil that is deposited is likely to be rapidly the steep, hard surface in exposed settings
off the shore
removed from exposed faces • Oil readily adheres to the dry, rough
Oil Behaviour

• Oil is likely to adhere to the dry, rough

OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

• Persistant oil may remain as a patchy band surfaces, but it does not adhere to wet
surfaces, but is unlikely to adhere to wet
at or above the high-tide line substrates
substrates
• Impacts to intertidal communities are • The most persistant oil would remain as a
• Persistant oil would remain as a patchy band
likely to be limited in duration unless heavy patchy band at or above the high-tide line
at or above the high-tide line
concentrations of a light refined product • Tide pools common
come ashore very quickly

18
 Tools: Shoreline Types and Environmental Sensitivities Indices
Fine-Medium Sand Beaches: ESI 3A Scarps & Steep Slopes in Sand: ESI 3B Medium-Coarse Sandy Beaches: ESI 4
• Occurs where sandy bluffs are undercut by • Relatively steep beach faces and soft
Key Characteristics

• Generally flat and hard-packed waves or currents and slump substrates

• Possible heavy accumulations of seaweed • Some scarps are fronted by narrow beaches, • Coarse-sand beaches can undergo rapid
utilised by wildlife for nesting and feeding if the erosion rates are moderate and erosion/deposition cycles, even within one
• Wildlife and plants can be moderately episodic tidal cycle
abundant, but highly variable • Biological utilisation by birds and infauna • The amount of seaweed varies considerably
is low
Example

• Any stranded oil will concentrate at the

• Light oil accumulations will be deposited as high-water line and may penetrate sandy • Light oil accumulations will be deposited as
oily bands along the upper intertidal zone sediments oily bands along the upper intertidal zone
• Heavy oil accumulations will cover the entire • Oil will adhere to the dry surfaces of any • Heavy oil accumulations will cover the entire
Oil Behaviour
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

beach surface; oil may be lifted off the lower woody debris accumulated at the base of beach surface; oil will be lifted off the lower
beach with the rising tide the scarp beach with the rising tide
• Maximum penetration of oil into fine- • There is little potential for burial except • Maximum oil penetration is about 20 cm
grained sand is about 10 cm when a major slumping of the bluff occurs • Burial of oiled layers by clean sand within
• Burial of oiled layers by clean sand may • Active erosion of the scarp will remove the the first week after a spill can be up to 50 cm
occur oil

19
 Tools: Shoreline Types and Environmental Sensitivities Indices
Mixed Sand and Gravel: ESI 5 Gravel Beaches: ESI 6A RipRap: ESI 6B
• These beaches are moderately sloping and • Gravel beaches are composed of sediments • Riprap is composed of cobble to boulder
Key Characteristics

composed of a mixture of sand and gravel ranging in size from pebbles to boulders sized blocks of granite, limestone, or
• There can be large-scale changes in the • They can be very steep, with multiple wave- concrete
sediment distribution patterns depending built berms forming the upper beach • Riprap structures are used for shoreline
upon season protection and channel stabilization (jetties)
• The presence of attached biota indicates
• Animal and plant life will vary significantly beaches that are relatively sheltered • Attached biota are sparse
with levels of exposure
Example

• During small spills, oil will be deposited

along and above the high-tide swash • Deep penetration and rapid burial of
• Large spills will spread across the entire stranded oil is likely on exposed beaches • Oil adheres readily to the rough surfaces of
intertidal area • On exposed beaches, oil can be pushed over the blocks
Oil Behaviour

• Oil penetration into the beach sediments the high-tide and storm berms, pooling and
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

• Deep penetration of oil between the blocks

may be up to 50 cm persisting above the normal zone of wave is likely
• Burial of oil may be deep particularly where wash
beaches are only intermittently exposed to • Uncleaned oil can cause chronic leaching
• On the more sheltered portions of beaches, until the oil solidifies
waves formation of asphalt pavements is possible
• In sheltered areas of asphalt, pavements where accumulations are heavy
can form

20
 Tools: Shoreline Types and Environmental Sensitivities Indices
Exposed Tidal Flats: ESI 7 Sheltered Rocky Shores: ESI 8A Sheltered Man-Made: ESI 8B
• Bedrock shores of variable slope; vertical
• Broad intertidal areas composed primarily of cliffs to wide, rocky ledges, sheltered from
Key Characteristics

sand and minor amounts of shell and mud exposure • Often there is no exposed beach at low tide,
• Biological utilisation can be very high, with • Wide shores may have some surface but a wide variety habitats may be present
large numbers of infauna, heavy use by sediments, but bedrock is the dominant • Attached animal and plant life can be
birds for breeding and feeding, and use by substrate type moderate to high
feeding fish • Species density and diversity vary greatly,
but are often very abundant
Example

• Oil does not usually adhere to the surface of • Oil will adhere readily to the rough rocky
exposed tidal flats, but rather moves across surface, particularly along the high-tide line,
the flat and accumulates at the high-tide line forming a distinct oil band • Oil will adhere readily to the rough surface,
• Deposition of oil on the flat may occur on a particularly along the high-tide line, forming
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Oil Behaviour

• The lower intertidal zone usually stays wet a distinct oil band
falling tide if concentrations are heavy preventing oil from adhering to the rock
• Oil does not penetrate water-saturated surface • The lower intertidal zone usually stays wet
sediments (particularly if algae covered), preventing oil
• Heavy and weathered oils can cover the from adhering to the surface
• Biological damage may be severe, primarily upper zone with little impacts to the rich
to infauna, thereby reducing food sources biological communities of the lower zones

21
 Tools: Shoreline Types and Environmental Sensitivities Indices

Sheltered Tidal Flats: ESI 9A Salt Marshes: ESI 10A Mangroves: ESI 10D
• Composed mainly of mud with small • Mangroves are several different tropical
• Width of the marsh can vary, from a narrow evergreen trees or shrubs that have stiltlike
Key Characteristics

amounts of sand and shell which cannot fringe to extensive areas

support weight, often backed by marshes roots and stems forming dense thickets along
• Sediments are composed of organic-rich tidal shores
• Sparsely to heavily covered with algae and/ muds except on the margins of barrier
or seagrasses, possible large concentrations • Mangrove forests are physically intricate
islands where sand is abundant making access difficult
of biota on and in the sediments
• Resident wildlife and plants are abundant • Resident wildlife and plants are abundant
• Heavily utilised by birds and fish for feeding with high use for feeding and breeding
Example

• Oil adheres readily to intertidal vegetation

• Oil does not usually adhere to the surface, • Oil adheres readily to intertidal vegetation.
but tends to move across the flat and • Oiling will depend on the water level at the
• Oiling will depend on the water level at the
accumulates at the high-tide line time, there may be numerous bands
time, there may be numerous bands
• Penetration will depend on marsh thickness
Oil Behaviour

• Deposition of oil on the flat may occur on a • Penetration will depend on oil thickness, oil
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

falling tide if concentrations are heavy and oil type

type and substrate type
• Oil does not tend to penetrate the water- • Medium to heavy oils can pool on the
• Medium to heavy oils can pool on the surface
saturated sediments, but could penetrate surface/burrows
• Light oils can penetrate the top few
burrows and root cavities • Light oils can penetrate the top few
centimeters of sediment and deeply into
• Biological damage may be severe centimeters of sediment and deeply into
burrows
burrows

22
 Tools: Tidal Zones
Tidal zones are defined by the position on the shore relative to the tidal range for that area.

Lower Intertidal Zone

The lower approximate one-third of the
LI
intertidal zone.

Mid Intertidal Zone

The middle approximate one-third of the
MI
intertidal zone.

Upper Intertidal Zone

The upper approximate one-third of the
UI
intertidal zone.

Supratidal Zone
The area above the mean high-tide that
Granule 2-5 mm SU occasionally experiences wave activity.
Also known as the Splash Zone.
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

23
 Tools: Surface Sediment Size
The following can be used as a guide to sediment size to determine the nature of the beach:
Sediment Size

Boulder > 256 mm Bigger than a basket ball

Bigger than a tennis ball

Cobble 64-256 mm but smaller than
a basket ball

Bigger than a golf ball

Pebble 4-64 mm but smaller than
a tennis ball
Description

Bigger than a grain of rice

Granule 2-4 mm but smaller than
a golf ball

Grain of sugar
Sand 0.6-2 mm
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Smaller than a grain

Silt and Clay < 0.6 mm of sugar

24
 Tools: Wave Exposure
Wave exposure refers to the approximate overall exposure rating of the upper shore (or oiled parts) of the segment.

Prevailing Very Exposed

Wind Sites which face into prevailing winds and receive
oceanic, long fetch swell.

Very Exposed
Exposed
Sites where onshore strong winds are frequent (but
Exposed not necessarily prevailing) but also with a degree of
shelter provided by extensive shallow areas or other
obstructions to seaward.

Very Sheltered
Very Sheltered
Sites with a very restricted sea area over which the
wind blows (e.g. <2 km) and which face away from
prevailing winds or have obstructions such as reefs to
seaward or are fully enclosed.

Granule 2-5 mm Partially

Partially Sheltered
Sheltered
Sites with a restricted sea area over which the wind
blows (e.g. <10 km). They can face prevailing winds but
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

with extensive shallow areas to seaward or they may

face away from prevailing winds.

25
 Tools: Surface Oil Distribution - Percentage Cover

TR SP PT BR CN
TRACE SPORADIC PATCHY BROKEN CONTINUOUS
<1% 1 - 10% 11 - 50% 51 - 90% 91 - 100%
10% 20% 30% 40% 60% 70% 80% 90%
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

26
 Tools: Surface Oil Distribution

SP PT BR CN
SPORADIC PATCHY BROKEN CONTINUOUS
1 - 10% 11 - 50% 51 - 90% 91 - 100%
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

27
 Tools: Surface Oil Width and Coverage

Wide (W) >6m

Medium (M) >3m and <6m
Narrow (N) >0.5m and <3m
Very Narrow (VN) <0.5m
The two parameters (Width, above, and Distribution, prior page) are combined on the Initial Surface Oil Cover Matrix detailed below:

Initial Surface Oil Cover Matrix

Width of Oiled Zone

Wide Medium Narrow Very Narrow

>6m >3m - <6m >0.5m - <3m <0.5m

Continuous Heavy Heavy Moderate Light

91 - 100%

Broken Heavy Heavy Moderate Light

51 - 90%
Oil Distribution

Patchy Moderate Moderate Light Very Light

11 - 50%

Sporadic Light Light Very Light Very Light

1 - 10%

Trace
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Very Light Very Light Very Light Very Light

<1%

28
 Tools: Surface Oil Character
This provides a qualitative description of the form of oil.
Characteristic

FR MS TB PT
Fresh Mousse Tar Ball Tar Patties
Emulsified oil (oil and water Discrete balls, lumps or patches
Discrete lumps or patches >10 cm
Description

mixture) existing as patches on a beach or adhered to the

Unweathered, low viscosity oil diameter that are on a beach or
or accumulations, or within substrate. Tar ball diameters are
adhered to the substrate
interstitial spaces generally <10 cm
Example
Characteristic

TC SR AP NO
Tar Surface Oil Residue Asphalt Pavement No Oil Observed
Consists of non-cohesive, oiled, Cohesive mixture of oil and
Description

Weathered coat or cover of tarry, surface sediments, either as sediments

almost solid consistency continous patches or in coarse-
sediment interstices
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Example

29
 Tools: Surface Oil Thickness

Characteristic
TO CV CT
Thick Oil Cover Coat

Accumulations of fresh oil >0.01cm and <0.1cm thick. It can

Description
Oil or mousse from >0.1cm and
(including pools) or mousse be scratched off with a fingernail
<1cm thickness
>1cm thick on coarse sediments
Example
Characteristic

ST FL
Stain Flim

<0.01cm thick. It cannot be

Description

scratched off easily on coarse Transparent or translucent flim

sediments or bedrock or sheen
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Example

30
 Tools: Surface Oil Thickness and Categorisation
This refers to the average or dominant oil thickness within the segment or zone.
TO
TO Thick Oil Accumulations of fresh oil (including pools) or mousse >1cm thick
CV
CV Cover >0.1cm and <1cm thick
CT
CT Coat >0.01cm and <0.1cm thick. It can be scratched off with a fingernail on coarse sediments or bedrock
ST Stain <0.01cm thick. It cannot be scratched off easily on coarse sediments or bedrock
FL Film Transparent or translucent film or sheen

The Initial Surface Oil Cover Matrix is combined with Oil Thickness in the Surface Oil Categorisation Matrix below:

Initial Surface Oil Categorisation Matrix

Initial categorization of surface oil

Heavy Moderate Light Very Light

Thick Heavy Heavy Moderate Light

>1cm
Average thickness

Cover Heavy Heavy Moderate Light

>0.1-<1.0cm

Coat Moderate Moderate Light Very Light

>0.01-<0.1cm
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

Stain/film Light Light Very Light Very Light

<0.01cm

31
 Tools: Subsurface Oiling Character
This provides a qualitative description of subsurface oil.

Characteristic
SAP OP PP
Subsurface Asphalt Oil-Filled Pores Partially Filled Pores
Pavement Pore spaces in the sediment
Cohesive mixture of weathered matrix are completely filled with Pore spaces filled with oil, but
Description oil and sediment situated oil; often characterised by oil generally does not flow out
completely below a surface flowing out of the sediments when exposed or disturbed
sediment layer (record thickness) when disturbed
Example
Characteristic

OR OF TR
Oil Residue as a Cover Flim or Stain Trace
0.1-1cm or Coat - 0.01-0.1cm <0.01cm of oil residue on the
Discontinuous film or spots of
of oil on sediments and/or pore sediment surfaces. Non-
Description

oil on sediments, or an odour

spaces partially filled with oil. cohesive. It cannot be scratched
or tackiness with no visible
It can be scratched off easily on off easily on coarse sediments or
evidence of oil
bedrock
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

coarse sediments or bedrock

Example

32
 Tools: Surface Oil Thickness and Categorisation

This is described in terms of depth of penetration or thickness of the buried oil with a qualitative description of the character or
concentration of oil.

Fine Sediments Coarse Sediments Asphalt Pavement

Coarse sediments (pebble, cobble, boulder) Where asphalt pavement exists on the surface,
Fine sediments (pebble, granules, sand, mud) and armoured beaches. The subsurface begins the subsurface begins at the underside of the
and/or fine mixed sediments. The subsurface at the bottom of the first layer of surface pavement. For the purpose of measurement,
begins at 5 cm below the beach surface. For material (i.e. disregard the surface layer). the beach surface reference point (0 cm) begins
the purpose of measurement, the beach For the purpose of measurement, the beach at the top surface of the pavement.
surface is the 0 cm reference level. surface reference point (0 cm) begins at the
bottom of the first layer.

0 0
Subsurface
Subsurface begins
5 Subsurface 0 begins at 5 below
begins at bottom of pavement
Depth (cm)

Depth (cm)
5cm below 1st layer
10 the beach 10 Subsurface
12
Depth (cm)

surface Subsurface oiled zone

oiled zone (10-15cm)
15 (12-28cm) 15
Subsurface 28
oiled zone
(10-20cm)
20 20
40
OSRL - SCAT Field Guide

33
 Metric
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

CONVERSION TABLE
VOLUME SPEED
1 US Oil Barrel 42 US Gallons 159 Litres 1 Knot 1.85 km/Hour 0.51 Metres/Second
1 US Oil Barrel 35 Gallons (Imp) 1 Metre/Second 3.6 km/Hour 1.94 Knots
1 Gallon (Imp) 1.2 US Gallons 4.546 Litres MASS
1 US Gallon 0.833 Gallons (Imp) 3.785 Litres 1 Metric Tonne 1000 Kilogrammes 0.984 Tons
1 Cubic Metre 1000 Litres 6.29 US Oil Barrels 1 Ton (Imp) 20 Hundredweight 1016.05 Tonnes
1 Litre 0.26 US Gallons 0.03531 Cubic Feet 1 Hundredweight 50.8 Kilograms 112 lbs
1 Cubic Yard 0.765 Cubic Metres 1 Kilogramme 2.205 lbs 1 Litre of Water
1 Cubic Foot 0.0283 Cubic Metres 1 Gramme 0.025 ounces
1 Cubic Decimetre 0.001 Cubic Metres 1 Litre FLOW
1 Met Tonne 7.33 US Oil Barrels 257 Gallons (Imp) 1 Cubic Metre/Hour 16.7 Litres/Minute 3.671 Gallons (Imp) /Minute
AREA 1 Litre/Second 2.119 Cubic Feet/Minute 13.21 Gallons (Imp)/Minute
1 Acre 0.405 Hectares 4050 Square Metres 1 Cubic Foot/Minute 0.1039 Gallons (Imp)/Second 0.472 Litres/Second
1 Hectare 10,000 Square Metres 2.471 Acres 1 US Gallon/Minute 0.0631 Litres/Second
1 Square Kilometre 100 Hectares 247 Acres 1 Gallon (Imp)/Minute 0.0767 Litres/Second 0.5825 Gallons (Imp)/Minute
1 Square Metre 1.196 Square Yards 1 Barrel/Hour 2.65 Litres/Minute
1 Square Yard 0.836 Square Metres 9 Square Feet 1 US Gallon/Acre 9.354 Litres/Hectare
1 Square Foot 0.093 Square Metres 1 Gallon (Imp)/Acre 11.224 Litres/Hectare
1 Square Mile 2.59 Square Kilometres 640 Acres PRESSURE
LENGTH/DISTANCE 1 Psi 0.069 Bar 6901 Pascal
1 Kilometre 0.54 Nautical Miles 0.622 Miles 1 Bar 100,000 Pascal 14.49 Psi
1 Nautical Mile 1.852 Kilometres 1.151 Miles 1 Bar 30 Feet of Water
1 Mile 1.609 Kilometres 1760 Yards ENGINE POWER
1 Metre 1.094 Yards 3.282 Feet 1 Horsepower 0.7457 Kilowatts
1 Yard 0.914 Metres TEMPERATURE
F to C - dedu c t 3 2 , mu ltiply by 5 , div ide 9 . C to F - mu litply 9 , div ide 5 , a dd 3 2
1 Foot 0.305 Metres
Celcius 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
1 Inch 25.4 Millimetres
Farenheit 32 50 68 86 104 122 140 158 176 194 212

Inches 1 2 3 4 5

FIELD GUIDE: Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Technique (SCAT)