This 3- to 5-day course can be designed to meet the requests of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal On-Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) in their regions, including exercising Geographic Response Plans (GRPs). The goal of this course is to have participants learn, then demonstrate, containment and recovery techniques for an inland oil spill in either a fast or slow water environment. Participants will typically learn boater safety; operate boats and deploy containment boom on lakes or rivers; provide protection to shorelines and sensitive areas; establish an oil recovery site; and install weirs, underflow dams and filter fences on streams. The course can be tailored to a three- to five-day delivery depending on the time allotted and select portions have been delivered in an even shorter timeframe.
This course will be delivered in-person. Instructional methods include classroom instruction, case studies, and primarily on-water field work.
After completion of the course, the participants will be able to demonstrate or discuss: small boat safety and operations, various methods of containment boom deployment and anchoring, recovery site selection and operations, and health and safety issues relevant to oil spill response and recovery operations. All this will be based on the selection of course materials to be presented, situations to be covered, and suitability of the selected location(s) for delivery.
Course instructors may include current and former federal and state OSCs who currently serve as technical advisors in oil spill control and cleanup and experienced oil spill responders from the and private sector.
This course includes hands-on field activities that can be strenuous. *Attendees will need to wear appropriate attire for fieldwork and on-water operations. This includes appropriate work gloves, eye protection, footwear, and outerwear for foul weather. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen, insect repellant, and Personal Flotation Device (PFD) since supplies will be limited.*
Class size is limited to 30 students.
Continuing Education Units: 2.4 to 4.0
Participants must complete all modules for all days of the course to receive the course completion certificate.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*