ASTM F1686-22

Standard Guide for Surveys to Document and Assess Oiling Conditions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Systematic surveys provide data on shoreline, lakeshore, river bank or other terrain’s character and oiling conditions from which informed planning and operational decisions can be developed with respect to cleanup (1-4).3 In particular, the data are used by decision makers to determine which oiled areas require treatment and to develop end-point criteria for use as targets for the field operations.  
3.2 Surveys may include one or more of four components or phases, as listed below. The scale of an affected area plus quantity and availability of pre-spill information will influence the selection of survey components and its level of detail.  
3.2.1 The aerial reconnaissance survey phase provides a perspective on the overall extent and general nature of the oiling conditions. This information is used in conjunction with environmental, resource, and cultural sensitivity data to guide shoreline protection, recovery of mobile oil, and to facilitate the more detailed response planning and priorities of the response operations.  
3.2.2 The aerial video survey(s) phase provides systematic audio and video documentation of the extent and type of oiling conditions, physical character, and logistics information, such as access and staging data.  
3.2.3 The ground assessment survey(s) phase provides the necessary information and data to develop appropriate response recommendations. A field team(s) collects detailed information on oil conditions, the physical and ecological character of oiled areas, and resources or cultural features that may affect or be affected by the timing or implementation of response activities.  
3.2.4 The post-treatment inspection ground survey or monitoring phase provides the necessary information and data to ensure a segment, that is part of the response program, has been treated to the approved end-point criterion. (5)  
3.3 In order to ensure data consistency, it is important to use standardized terminology and definitions in describing oi...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers field procedures by which data can be collected in a systematic manner to document and assess the oiling conditions on shorelines, river banks, and lake shores (shores and substrates) plus dry land habitats (terrain).  
1.2 This guide does not address the terminology that is used to define and describe terrain oiling conditions, the ecological character of oiled terrain, or the cultural or other resources that can be present.  
1.3 The guide is applicable to marine coasts (including estuaries) and to freshwater environments (rivers and lakes) and to dry land habitats. In alignment with Guide F2204:  
1.3.1 For the purpose of this guide, marine and estuarine shorelines, river banks, and lake shores will be collectively referred to as shorelines, shores, or shore-zones.  
1.3.2 Shore types include a range of impermeable (bedrock, ice, and manmade structures), permeable (flats, beaches, and manmade), and coastal wetland (marshes, mangroves) habitats.  
1.4 Other non-shoreline, inland habitats include wetlands (pond, fen, bog, swamp, tundra, and shrub) and drier terrains (grassland, desert, forests), and will be collectively referred to as either wetlands or terrains, respectively.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barr...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2022
• ICS: 13.300 - Protection against dangerous goods
• Technical Committee: F20 - Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response
• Drafting Committee: F20.17 - Shoreline and Inland Countermeasures

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1779-20 - Standard Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water from Aircraft
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1779-08(2014) - Standard Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1687-09 - Standard Guide for Terminology and Indices to Describe Oiling Conditions on Shorelines
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2204-09 - Standard Guide for Describing Shoreline Response Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM F1779-08 - Standard Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM F2204-02 - Standard Guide for Describing Shoreline Response Techniques
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Refers: ASTM F1779-97(2003) - Standard Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1997
• Refers: ASTM F1687-97 - Standard Guide for Terminology and Indices to Describe Oiling Conditions on Shorelines
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1997
• Refers: ASTM F1687-97(2003) - Standard Guide for Terminology and Indices to Describe Oiling Conditions on Shorelines
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1997
• Refers: ASTM F1779-97 - Standard Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997

Overview

ASTM F1686-22: Standard Guide for Surveys to Document and Assess Oiling Conditions provides comprehensive guidance on conducting field surveys to document and assess oiling on shorelines, riverbanks, lake shores, and diverse terrains. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports systematic data collection in response to oil spills, enhancing the planning and effectiveness of cleanup operations. Its adoption enables organizations to make informed decisions regarding treatment priorities, cleanup methodologies, and the establishment of endpoint criteria for affected areas. This guide is applicable to both marine and freshwater environments, as well as a wide range of wetland and inland habitats.

Key Topics

• Survey Components
  ASTM F1686-22 outlines four core survey phases:

  • Aerial Reconnaissance: Offers an overview of the extent and nature of oiling, guiding initial response efforts.
  • Aerial Video Surveys: Systematically records audio/video data about oiling conditions and terrain logistics.
  • Ground Assessment Surveys: Gathers detailed, segment-level information necessary for robust response planning and ecological/cultural resource protection.
  • Post-treatment Inspections: Confirms if cleanup endpoints have been met via detailed ground surveys.

• Segmentation & Documentation

  • Divides affected coastlines and terrains into uniform segments or polygons for consistency and clarity.
  • Each segment is assigned a unique identifier, and boundaries are set based on physical features or changes in oiling.
  • Use of standard forms (e.g., Shoreline Oiling Summary, Segment Inspection Report), GPS waypoints, and annotated photographs or sketches supports accurate documentation and reporting.

• Standardization of Terminology and Methods

  • Emphasizes the importance of consistent use of standardized terminology (with reference to ASTM F1687) to enhance data reliability across response teams, regions, and over time.
  • Encourages the development and application of best management practices for survey execution and data handling.

• Safety and Environmental Considerations

  • Reminds users to implement appropriate health, safety, and environmental practices throughout the surveying process.
  • Recognizes local regulatory requirements and the importance of minimizing impacts on sensitive habitats and cultural resources.

Applications

• Oil Spill Response Planning

  • Facilitates efficient identification, assessment, and prioritization of oiled areas for treatment in both marine and inland settings.
  • Assists in the development of cleanup strategies and endpoint criteria, contributing to effective incident management under frameworks such as the Incident Command System (ICS).

• Resource Protection and Restoration

  • Comprehensive surveys help protect sensitive ecological and cultural resources, guiding decision-makers in the mitigation of environmental impacts.
  • Ground assessments can involve specialists (ecologists, archaeologists) to ensure appropriate treatment and compliance with environmental and heritage regulations.

• Data Management and Reporting

  • Enables systematic recording and archiving of survey findings for current and future reference.
  • Supports regulatory compliance, stakeholder communication, and transparent documentation of spill response actions.

• Training and Best Practice Implementation

  • Used as a standard reference in developing training materials for oil spill response teams.
  • Encourages repeatability and continual improvement through post-survey analysis and integration with related standards and best practices.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1687 – Guide for Terminology and Indices to Describe Oiling Conditions on Shorelines
• ASTM F1779 – Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water from Aircraft
• ASTM F2204 – Guide for Describing Shoreline and Inland Response Techniques

These related standards collectively provide a robust framework for describing, assessing, and managing oil contamination on various terrains, ensuring a unified approach to oil spill response.

---

Keywords: shoreline oiling survey, oil spill assessment, ASTM F1686-22, oil spill cleanup, terrain oiling documentation, aerial reconnaissance, ground assessment, environmental response, oiling condition evaluation, survey segmentation, international standard oil spill response.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1686 − 22
Standard Guide for
Surveys to Document and Assess Oiling Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1686; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide covers field procedures by which data can be 2.1 ASTM Standards:
collected in a systematic manner to document and assess the F1687 Guide for Terminology and Indices to Describe Oil-
oiling conditions on shorelines, river banks, and lake shores ing Conditions on Shorelines
(shores and substrates) plus dry land habitats (terrain). F1779 Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on
Water from Aircraft
1.2 This guide does not address the terminology that is used
F2204 Guide for Describing Shoreline and Inland Response
to define and describe terrain oiling conditions, the ecological
Techniques
character of oiled terrain, or the cultural or other resources that
can be present.
3. Significance and Use
1.3 The guide is applicable to marine coasts (including
3.1 Systematicsurveysprovidedataonshoreline,lakeshore,
estuaries) and to freshwater environments (rivers and lakes)
river bank or other terrain’s character and oiling conditions
and to dry land habitats. In alignment with Guide F2204:
from which informed planning and operational decisions can
1.3.1 For the purpose of this guide, marine and estuarine
be developed with respect to cleanup (1-4). In particular, the
shorelines, river banks, and lake shores will be collectively
data are used by decision makers to determine which oiled
referred to as shorelines, shores, or shore-zones.
areasrequiretreatmentandtodevelopend-pointcriteriaforuse
1.3.2 Shore types include a range of impermeable (bedrock,
as targets for the field operations.
ice, and manmade structures), permeable (flats, beaches, and
manmade),andcoastalwetland(marshes,mangroves)habitats. 3.2 Surveysmayincludeoneormoreoffourcomponentsor
phases, as listed below. The scale of an affected area plus
1.4 Other non-shoreline, inland habitats include wetlands
quantity and availability of pre-spill information will influence
(pond, fen, bog, swamp, tundra, and shrub) and drier terrains
the selection of survey components and its level of detail.
(grassland, desert, forests), and will be collectively referred to
3.2.1 The aerial reconnaissance survey phase provides a
as either wetlands or terrains, respectively.
perspective on the overall extent and general nature of the
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
oiling conditions. This information is used in conjunction with
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
environmental, resource, and cultural sensitivity data to guide
standard.
shoreline protection, recovery of mobile oil, and to facilitate
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the more detailed response planning and priorities of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
response operations.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2 The aerial video survey(s) phase provides systematic
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
audio and video documentation of the extent and type of oiling
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
conditions, physical character, and logistics information, such
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
as access and staging data.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.2.3 The ground assessment survey(s) phase provides the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
necessary information and data to develop appropriate re-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- sponse recommendations. A field team(s) collects detailed
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
information on oil conditions, the physical and ecological
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Substances and Oil Spill Responseand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
F20.17 on Shoreline and Inland Countermeasures. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F1686 – 16. DOI: The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
10.1520/F1686-22. this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1686 − 22
character of oiled areas, and resources or cultural features that substrate/soil types, jurisdictional or ownership boundaries,
may affect or be affected by the timing or implementation of fencing, windrows, roadways or changes in oil conditions.
response activities.
5.4 Segment lengths are to be short enough to yield ad-
3.2.4 The post-treatment inspection ground survey or
equate resolution and detail on the distribution of oil for
monitoring phase provides the necessary information and data
response planning and operational decisions. Most segments
to ensure a segment, that is part of the response program, has
would be in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 km in length.
been treated to the approved end-point criterion. (5)
5.5 If segments already exist as part of a pre-spill planning
3.3 In order to ensure data consistency, it is important to use
exercise or sensitivity mapping database, then segment bound-
standardized terminology and definitions in describing oiling
aries might need to be adapted, segments subdivided, or the
conditions, as provided in Guide F1687. This terminology is
segment codes revised, or some combination thereof, to reflect
described in more detail in guidelines on Best Practices and
the oiling conditions from a spill.
checklists for the implementation of a survey program (1-4).
6. Aerial Reconnaissance Survey(s)
4. General Considerations
6.1 An initial aerial survey(s) is conducted along coastlines,
4.1 The specific survey procedures and the magnitude of the
banks, shores, or other terrain within the spill path. The
data sets will vary with the scale of the spill (the length and
objective is to determine which locations have been oiled to
distribution of oiled terrain and quantity of oil), the nature or
provide an overall perspective and scale of the spill event and
complexity of the terrain, and the needs of the response
from which to plan for a more systematic documentation or
organization (1).
assessment survey.
4.2 Following a spill, in which only a few kilometers of
6.2 Findings from this survey can be augmented with
coast and other terrain have been oiled, one ground survey
information from a high-altitude surveillance and tracking
team could accomplish all of the goals in an appropriate time
program.
frame.
6.3 Fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft fly the spill path at
4.3 As the scale of an oiled area increases, it could be
slow-speeds and at altitudes in the range of 75 m to 150 m.
necessary to conduct an aerial video survey, followed by a
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) may be used to fly the spill
ground assessment using one or more survey teams.
path at slow speeds and at altitudes in the range of 10 m to 150
m. Local regulations may restrict altitude. Repeat surveys
4.4 Followingspillswhichoillongsectionsofcoastorother
could be beneficial for spill circumstances when slick move-
terrain (for example, more than 100 km), a sequence of initial
ment continues to oil new segments.
aerial reconnaissance, aerial video survey, and ground assess-
ment surveys may be necessary to provide appropriately-
6.4 Helicopters are preferred over fixed-wing aircraft, as
phased information to satisfy response planning and opera-
they allow easier landings to confirm observations made from
tional requirements in a timely manner.
the air. Among fixed-wing aircraft, those with wings mounted
above the fuselage (high-wing aircraft) are essential to allow
4.5 Each of the four survey phases requires a separate
visibility of terrain features.
survey design, assignment of duties to personnel, logistics
planning, and establishment of survey and documentation
6.5 If possible, in manned aircraft, the survey team should
procedures.AShoreline Response (SRP) Plan which describes
consist of an oil observer and a navigator/recorder. The
the work plan for this phased approach, and defines Best
observer should be an oil spill specialist familiar with oil on
Management Practices, appropriate treatment methods, and the
shorelines, coasts, banks, and other terrain and able to distin-
treatment end-point criteria should be developed, reviewed and
guish between natural materials on water and shores versus oil
approved as early as possible in the response. (4)
(forexample,strandedkelp,blacklichen,heavymineralbands,
etc.) and distinguish various liquids on dry terrain features
4.6 All field surveys in areas influenced by tides should be
versus oil (rainwater, dark soils, exposed peat). The oil
conducted during the lowest one-quarter to one-third of the
observer operates the video camera and provides a continuous
tidal cycle to ensure maximum (viewing) exposure of the
audio commentary. The navigator logs the flight lines, locates
intertidal zone.
segments being observed on maps or charts, and records oil
observations.
5. Segmentation
6.6 If possible, for unmanned aircraft (UAV), the survey
5.1 The shore, substrate or terrain to be surveyed is divided
teamshouldconsistofapilot,oilobserverandspotter/recorder.
into working units, called either segments, within which the
The observer should be an oil spill specialist familiar with oil
terrain’s character is relatively homogeneous in terms of
on shorelines, coasts, banks, and other terrain and able to
physical features and sediment type or called polygons, for
distinguish between natural materials on water and shores
water features. (1)
versus oil (for example, stranded kelp, black lichen, heavy
5.2 Each segment is assigned a unique location identifier
mineral bands, etc.) and distinguish various liquids on dry
(for example, an alpha-numeric code).
terrain features versus oil (rainwater, dark soils, exposed peat).
5.3 Segment boundaries can be set using prominent geo- The pilot operates the UAV and video camera. The observer
logical features (headlands, streams, etc.), changes in shore/ locates segments being observed on maps or charts, and
F1686 − 22
records oil observations. The spotter maintains visual sight 8. Ground Assessment Survey(s) Phase
lines with the UAV and provides safety feedback to the pilot.
8.1 Systematic ground assessment surveys are conducted on
oiled and unoiled segments within affected areas to provide
6.7 Records of observations can be made on maps and
detailed and complete documentation to guide development of
notebooks. Video and still photography can be used to add a
appropriate response priorities, endpoints, constraints, and
visual record of examples of oiling conditions and terrain or
segment treatment tactics (1 and 4).
shorelinecharacterforimmediateusebyresponseplannersand
decision makers.
8.2 The scale of the ground assessment survey is dependent
on the size and character of the area affected and the intended
6.8 Aerial reconnaissance is generally not needed where the
use of the survey data.
presence of oil has been defined clearly from other means or
where the affected terrain is short enough in length that an
8.3 Where more than one survey team is deployed, mea-
aerial video survey can be completed in one-half day or for
sures are needed to ensure calibration across teams used for
tidally influenced areas, during one low-tide cycle.
consistency in procedures, terminology, reporting and interpre-
tation of observations.
7. Aerial Video and Mapping Survey(s)
8.4 Typically, a ground assessment survey team contains an
oil spill specialist, at the minimum. Teams can include an
7.1 The aerial video recording and mapping survey(s) are
ecologist, cultural resources specialist, and government agency
conducted where there is known or potential oiling.The survey
representatives, depending on available personnel and the
is used to provide detailed and systematic documentation on
complexity of the spill.
the extent and type of shoreline oiling and other shoreline
8.4.1 In the simplest form, the survey is conducted by an
conditions.
oil-spill shoreline specialist who has a basic understanding of
7.2 Small high-wing, rotary-wing, aircraft, or UAVs fly at
marine coastal or inland water geomorphology and processes,
very slow speeds at altitudes in the range of 25 to 75 m.
soils and upland geomorphology and processes, oil behavior,
7.3 The primary survey
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1686 − 16 F1686 − 22
Standard Guide for
Surveys to Document and Assess Oiling Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1686; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers field procedures by which data can be collected in a systematic manner to document and assess the oiling
conditions on shorelines, river banks, and lake shores (shores and substrates) plus dry land habitats (terrain).
1.2 This guide does not address the terminology that is used to define and describe terrain oiling conditions, the ecological
character of oiled terrain, or the cultural or other resources that can be present.
1.3 The guide is applicable to marine coasts (including estuaries) and to freshwater environments (rivers and lakes) and to dry land
habitats. In alignment with Guide F2204:
1.3.1 For the purpose of this guide, marine and estuarine shorelines, river banks, and lake shores will be collectively referred to
as shorelines, shores, or shore-zones.
1.3.2 Shore types include a range of impermeable (bedrock, ice, and manmade structures), permeable (flats, beaches, and
manmade), and coastal wetland (marshes, mangroves) habitats.
1.4 Other non-shoreline, inland habitats include wetlands (pond, fen, bog, swamp, tundra, and shrub) and drier terrains (grassland,
desert, forests), and will be collectively referred to as either wetlands or terrains, respectively.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1687 Guide for Terminology and Indices to Describe Oiling Conditions on Shorelines
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Responseand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F20.17
on Shoreline and Inland Countermeasures.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2016Sept. 1, 2022. Published February 2016October 2022. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20092016 as
ɛ1
F1686 – 09F1686 – 16. . DOI: 10.1520/F1686-16.10.1520/F1686-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1686 − 22
F1779 Practice for Reporting Visual Observations of Oil on Water from Aircraft
F2204 Guide for Describing Shoreline and Inland Response Techniques
3. Significance and Use
3.1 Systematic surveys provide data on shoreline, lakeshore, river bank or other terrain’s character and oiling conditions from
which informed planning and operational decisions can be developed with respect to cleanup (1-4). In particular, the data are used
by decision makers to determine which oiled areas require treatment and to develop end-point criteria for use as targets for the field
operations.
3.2 Surveys may include one or more of four components or phases, as listed below. The scale of an affected area plus quantity
and availability of pre-spill information will influence the selection of survey components and its level of detail.
3.2.1 The aerial reconnaissance survey phase provides a perspective on the overall extent and general nature of the oiling
conditions. This information is used in conjunction with environmental, resource, and cultural sensitivity data to guide shoreline
protection, recovery of mobile oil, and to facilitate the more detailed response planning and priorities of the response operations.
3.2.2 The aerial video survey(s) phase provides systematic audio and video documentation of the extent and type of oiling
conditions, physical character, and logistics information, such as access and staging data.
3.2.3 The ground assessment survey(s) phase provides the necessary information and data to develop appropriate response
recommendations. A field team(s) collects detailed information on oil conditions, the physical and ecological character of oiled
areas, and resources or cultural features that may affect or be affected by the timing or implementation of response activities.
3.2.4 The post-treatment inspection ground survey or monitoring phase provides the necessary information and data to ensure
a segment, that is part of the response program, has been treated to the approved end-point criterion. (5)
3.3 In order to ensure data consistency, it is important to use standardized terminology and definitions in describing oiling
conditions, as provided in Guide F1687. This terminology is described in more detail in guidelines on Best Practices and checklists
for the implementation of a survey program (1-4).
4. General Considerations
4.1 The specific survey procedures and the magnitude of the data sets will vary with the scale of the spill (the length and
distribution of oiled terrain and quantity of oil), the nature or complexity of the terrain, and the needs of the response organization
(1).
4.2 Following a spill, in which only a few kilometers of coast and other terrain have been oiled, one ground survey team could
accomplish all of the goals in an appropriate time frame.
4.3 As the scale of an oiled area increases, it could be necessary to conduct an aerial video survey, followed by a ground
assessment using one or more survey teams.
4.4 Following spills which oil long sections of coast or other terrain (for example, more than 100 km), a sequence of initial aerial
reconnaissance, aerial video survey, and ground assessment surveys may be necessary to provide appropriately-phased information
to satisfy response planning and operational requirements in a timely manner.
4.5 Each of the four survey phases requires a separate survey design, assignment of duties to personnel, logistics planning, and
establishment of survey and documentation procedures. An Oiling Assessment Survey (OAS) A Shoreline Response (SRP) Plan
which describes the work plan for this phased approach, and defines Best Management Practices, appropriate treatment methods,
and the treatment end-point criteria should be developed, reviewed and approved as early as possible in the response. (4)
4.6 All field surveys in areas influenced by tides should be conducted during the lowest one-quarter to one-third of the tidal cycle
to ensure maximum (viewing) exposure of the intertidal zone.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard.
F1686 − 22
5. Segmentation
5.1 The shore, substrate or terrain to be surveyed is divided into working units, called either segments, within which the terrain’s
character is relatively homogeneous in terms of physical features and sediment type or called polygons, for water features. (1)
5.2 Each segment is assigned a unique location identifier (for example, an alpha-numeric code).
5.3 Segment boundaries can be set using prominent geological features (headlands, streams, etc.), changes in shore/substrate/soil
types, jurisdictional or ownership boundaries, fencing, windrows, roadways or changes in oil conditions.
5.4 Segment lengths are to be short enough to yield adequate resolution and detail on the distribution of oil for response planning
and operational decisions. Most segments would be in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 km in length.
5.5 If segments already exist as part of a pre-spill planning exercise or sensitivity mapping database, then segment boundaries
might need to be adapted, segments subdivided, or the segment codes revised, or some combination thereof, to reflect the oiling
conditions from a spill.
6. Aerial Reconnaissance Survey(s)
6.1 An initial aerial survey(s) is conducted along coastlines, banks, shores, or other terrain within the spill path. The objective is
to determine which locations have been oiled to provide an overall perspective and scale of the spill event and from which to plan
for a more systematic documentation or assessment survey.
6.2 Findings from this survey can be augmented with information from a high-altitude surveillance and tracking program.
6.3 Fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft fly the spill path at slow-speeds and at altitudes in the range of 75 to 150 m. 75 m to 150 m.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) may be used to fly the spill path at slow speeds and at altitudes in the range of 10 m to 150 m.
Local regulations may restrict altitude. Repeat surveys could be beneficial for spill circumstances when slick movement continues
to oil new segments.
6.4 Helicopters are preferred over fixed-wing aircraft, as they allow easier landings to confirm observations made from the air.
Among fixed-wing aircraft, those with wings mounted above the fuselage (high-wing aircraft) are essential to allow visibility of
terrain features.
6.5 If possible, in manned aircraft, the survey team should consist of an oil observer and a navigator/recorder. The observer should
be an oil spill specialist familiar with oil on shorelines, coasts, banks, and other terrain and able to distinguish between natural
materials on water and shores versus oil (for example, stranded kelp, black lichen, heavy mineral bands, etc.) and distinguish
various liquids on dry terrain features versus oil (rainwater, dark soils, exposed peat). The oil observer operates the video camera
and provides a continuous audio commentary. The navigator logs the flight lines, locates segments being observed on maps or
charts, and records oil observations.
6.6 If possible, for unmanned aircraft (UAV), the survey team should consist of a pilot, oil observer and spotter/recorder. The
observer should be an oil spill specialist familiar with oil on shorelines, coasts, banks, and other terrain and able to distinguish
between natural materials on water and shores versus oil (for example, stranded kelp, black lichen, heavy mineral bands, etc.) and
distinguish various liquids on dry terrain features versus oil (rainwater, dark soils, exposed peat). The pilot operates the UAV and
video camera. The observer locates segments being observed on maps or charts, and records oil observations. The spotter maintains
visual sight lines with the UAV and provides safety feedback to the pilot.
6.7 Records of observations can be made on maps and notebooks. Video and still photography can be used to add a visual record
of examples of oiling conditions and terrain or shoreline character for immediate use by response planners and decision makers.
6.8 Aerial reconnaissance is generally not needed where the presence of oil has been defined clearly from other means or where
the affected terrain is short enough in length that an aerial video survey can be completed in one-half day or for tidally influenced
areas, during one low-tide cycle.
F1686 − 22
7. Aerial Video and Mapping Survey(s)
7.1 The aerial video recording and mapping survey(s) are conducted where there is known or potential oiling. The survey is used
to provide detailed and systematic documentation on the extent and type of shoreline oiling and other shoreline conditions.
7.2 Small high-wing or rotary-wing aircraft high-wing, rotary-wing, aircraft, or UAVs fly at very slow speeds at altitudes in the
range of 25 to 75 m.
7.3 The primary survey team consists of an oil observer and a navigator. The navigator records and maps relevant flight
information. The oil observer operates the video camera and provides a continuous audio commentary, for which the color video
image provides a visual frame of reference. In some cases, a video technician might be desirable for operation and quality control
of audio and video recordings
7.4 Duties of the oil observer are as follows:
7.4.1 To identify or create segment boundaries and verbally describe their location on one of the audio channels. These
descriptions are also recorded by the navigator on a set of digital or hard-copy flight-line maps or charts.
7.4.2 To video continuously through an open aircraft door or window with the camera angled down (30 to 45°) and slightly ahead
of the aircraft (15 to 30°), so the area being described comes into focus and is in the visual foreground during commentary. Video
resolution is best when a flight line has the sun is behind the aircraft.
7.4.3 To provide a continuous descriptive commentary on oiling conditions, including the (1) length and width of the oiled areas
and the oil distribution (percent surface oil cover), (2) physical substrate or terrain c
...