24-10-2012, 10:46 AM
Characteristics of Spilled Oils, Fuels, and Petroleum Products: 3a. Simulation of Oil Spills and Dispersants Under Conditions of Uncertainty
ABSTRACT
The National Exposure Research Laboratory’s Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) in Athens, Georgia, conducts
research on organic and inorganic chemicals, greenhouse gas biogeochemical cycles, and land use perturbations that create
direct and indirect, chemical and non-chemical stresses, exposures, and potential risks to humans and ecosystems. ERD
develops, tests, applies and provides technical support for exposure and ecosystem response models used for assessing and
managing risks to humans and ecosystems, within a watershed / regional context. The Regulatory Support Branch (RSB)
conducts problem-driven and applied research, develops technology tools, and provides technical support to customer Program
and Regional Offices, States, Municipalities, and Tribes. Models are distributed and supported via the EPACenter for Exposure
Assessment Modeling (CEAM) and through access to Internet tools. At the request of the US EPA Oil Program Center, ERD
is developing an oil spill model that focuses on fate and transport of oil components under various response scenarios. This
model includes various simulation options, including the use of chemical dispersing agents on oil slicks. The dispersant
simulation is backed by empirical data on the effectiveness of dispersants and oil composition and properties. The model is
offered as a tool for oil spill response and planning.