ASTM F1279-19

Standard Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Restriction of the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Permeable Land Surfaces

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is meant to aid local and regional response teams who may use it during spill response planning and spill events.  
4.2 This guide should be adapted to site-specific circumstances.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the use of surface washing agents to assist in the control of oil spills. The guide is written with the goal of minimizing the environmental impacts of oil spills; this goal is the basis on which the recommendations are made. Aesthetic and socioeconomic factors are not considered although these and other factors are often important in spill response.  
1.2 In making surface washing agent use decisions, appropriate government authorities should be consulted as required by law.  
1.3 Spill responders have available several means to control or clean up spilled oil. In this guide, the use of chemical surface washing agents is considered.  
1.4 This guide applies only to permeable land surfaces. This guide does not apply to shorelines.  
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 Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2019
• ICS: 13.020.40 - Pollution, pollution control and conservation
• Technical Committee: F20 - Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response
• Drafting Committee: F20.13 - Treatment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1279-08(2014) - Standard Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Restriction of the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Permeable Land Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1280-14 - Standard Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Impermeable Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1872-12 - Standard Guide for Use of Chemical Shoreline Cleaning Agents: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1280-08 - Standard Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Impermeable Surfaces
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM F1872-05 - Standard Guide for Use of Chemical Shoreline Cleaning Agents: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1280-90(1999) - Standard Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Oilspill Dispersants in Freshwater and Other Inland Environments, Impermeable Surfaces (Withdrawn 2008)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Refers: ASTM F1872-98 - Standard Guide for Use of Chemical Shoreline Cleaning Agents: Environmental and Operational Considerations
• Effective Date: 10-May-1998
• Referred By: ASTM F1280-19 - Standard Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Impermeable Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019

Overview

ASTM F1279-19 is a standard guide developed by ASTM International that provides best practices and ecological considerations for restricting the use of surface washing agents in oil spill response operations on permeable land surfaces. The goal of this document is to minimize the environmental impacts associated with the cleanup of oil spills, specifically targeting pervious environments such as soils, agricultural and forest lands, and roadside areas. This standard is a critical reference for local and regional response teams, environmental managers, regulators, and spill response planners who want to ensure ecological protection during spill response activities.

Key Topics

• Applicability: This guide applies exclusively to permeable land surfaces-soils, agricultural land, forests, pastures, and similar terrains that allow the movement of water and oil through their structure. It does not address shoreline or impermeable surface scenarios.
• Restriction of Surface Washing Agents: The standard strongly recommends that chemical surface washing agents should not be used on permeable land surfaces due to the risk of facilitating deeper oil penetration and potential groundwater contamination.
• Ecological Impact: Use of surface washing agents can increase the downward migration of oil, enhancing the likelihood that oil will reach groundwater or persist in soils, which endangers terrestrial biota and complicates ecological recovery. Studies cited in the guide confirm that excessive use of such agents leads to sustained reductions in soil fertility, plant germination, and the health of soil-dwelling organisms.
• Consultation with Authorities: The standard emphasizes the need to consult the appropriate government authorities when considering any use of chemical agents, ensuring regulatory compliance in spill response.
• Safe Practice: Users are reminded to follow all relevant health, safety, and environmental protocols, and to consider site-specific circumstances before implementation.

Applications

• Spill Planning and Emergency Response: The guide assists spill response coordinators in developing site-specific plans for cleaning oil spills on permeable sites such as farmlands, forests, or roadside environments. By adhering to ASTM F1279-19, organizations can help prevent groundwater contamination and promote quicker soil and vegetation recovery.
• Environmental Risk Assessment: The document supports environmental professionals in evaluating the risks of using chemical agents versus alternative techniques (for example, mechanical removal or in-situ burning), thereby protecting ecological health and groundwater resources.
• Remediation Strategies: Instead of chemical agents, the guide points to established remediation techniques (aeration, fertilization, and planting of cover crops) as effective alternatives for restoring contaminated land to productive use.
• Training and Policy Development: Response teams and regulatory agencies can employ this standard to develop or update training materials, standard operating procedures, and environmental policies concerning oil spill management on permeable surfaces.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1280: Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Impermeable Surfaces - addresses similar topics for non-pervious environments.
• ASTM F1872: Guide for Use of Chemical Shoreline Cleaning Agents: Environmental and Operational Considerations - relevant for shoreline contamination events.
• International Environmental Standards: The development of this standard adheres to the World Trade Organization’s principles for international standardization, supporting harmonization with global best practices in oil spill response.

Keywords

oil spill, permeable land, surface washing agents, ecological considerations, soil contamination, groundwater protection, oil spill response, environmental standards, ASTM F1279-19

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: F1279 − 19
Standard Guide for
Ecological Considerations for the Restriction of the Use of
Surface Washing Agents: Permeable Land Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1279; 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide covers the use of surface washing agents to
F1280 Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of
assist in the control of oil spills. The guide is written with the
Surface Washing Agents: Impermeable Surfaces
goal of minimizing the environmental impacts of oil spills; this
F1872 Guide for Use of Chemical Shoreline Cleaning
goal is the basis on which the recommendations are made.
Agents: Environmental and Operational Considerations
Aesthetic and socioeconomic factors are not considered al-
though these and other factors are often important in spill
3. Terminology
response.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 In making surface washing agent use decisions, appro-
3.1.1 permeability—the capacity of the surface to conduct
priate government authorities should be consulted as required
or transmit liquids such as water. An impermeable surface
by law.
would not transmit water in a short time (minutes).
1.3 Spill responders have available several means to control
3.1.2 surface—the top or cover of the land at the site of
orcleanupspilledoil.Inthisguide,theuseofchemicalsurface
interest
washing agents is considered.
3.1.3 surface washing agents—a chemical agent used to
1.4 This guide applies only to permeable land surfaces.This
loosen, mobilize or remove oil from a surface such as land.
guide does not apply to shorelines.
Surface washing agents are not dispersants and should not be
used as dispersants
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4. Significance and Use
standard.
4.1 This guide is meant to aid local and regional response
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
teams who may use it during spill response planning and spill
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
events.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 This guide should be adapted to site-specific circum-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
stances.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Environment Covered—Permeable Surfaces
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Permeable ground includes any soil, rock, agricultural
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
land and forest, pasture land, roadside or other surfaces, that
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
are permeable to water and oil.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Background
6.1 On permeable surfaces, the main concern is the penetra-
tion of the oil downwards and the possibility of soil and
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous
Substances and Oil Spill Response and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F20.13 on Treatment. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F1279 – 08(2014). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/F1279-19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1279 − 19
groundwater contamination (1, 2). Efforts are generally fo- ture and ample nutrients (4). Initially after a spill, the diversity
cused on removing liquid oil rapidly and preventing further of soil microorganisms is decreased by the toxicity of the oil,
aerial and downward contamination in the soil and to the but the total number is increased due to the increase in number
groundwater (3). (See Guide F1280.) of oleoclasts (oil degrading microorganisms). Parkinson
showed in a test spill on northern boreal soil that soil
6.2 The effects of oil and especially that of treated oil on
respiration increased 100 % and the bacterial numbers in-
terrestrial biota have been studied. In one study, oil spilled on
creased tenfold (15).
soil decreased the nematode (worm) population by as much as
80 % (4). Lai Hoi-Chaw and co-workers show that a littornid 6.6 Microbial degradation of oil occurs primarily at the soil
gastropod(snail)showedavoidancetooilspilledonthemudof surface (4, 7, 16). One study showed that below 15 cm there
amangroveswamp (5).Thisavoidancedecreasedthemortality was little degradation (16). Degradation occurs primarily at the
of the species to both oil and chemically-dispersed oil. McGill surface due to oxgyen, low but sufficient moisture, supply of
has noted that soil arthropods (insects) are quickly killed after nutrients, and because the occurrence of the great number of
spills (6). oleoclasts (4).
6.3 Oil has a broad-spectrum herbicidal effect on plants (7, 6.7 Contamination of surface water and groundwater is of
8).Effectsvarydependingonconcentrationandonspecies.Oil prime concern in land spills. Little oil degradation takes place
in low concentrations has been shown to increase growth in in groundwater and dilution alone would take many years to
some species, whereas slight contact with oil causes death in allow use of a groundwater supply contaminated by an oil spill
others (7). Black spruce, alfalfa, and canola have a low (4, 17). One study estimated that 120 to 750 years of rainfall
tolerance for oil, while willow, dogwood, and brome grass dilution alone would be required so that the supply could be
have a high tolerance (8). Light oils may be toxic to vegetation usedforhumanconsumption (17).Ontheotherhand,inakarst
on contact. Heavy oils have a tendency to smother plants over environment, flow to groundwater could do more significant
a longer period of time (6). Oiling of the vegetative portions damage. Movement of contaminated groundwater can result in
may kill the upper portion of the plant, but the root may still broad contamination of the subsurface.
live and proceed to grow new stalks (6). In one test, 0.4 to 3.4
6.8 Several biological remediation techniques have been
L/m of a light crude oil killed most plants in a northern boreal
demonstrated for oiled soils (4, 6, 8, 18, 19). Most of these
setting (9). In another experiment, light fuel oil at 0.6 % by
techniques involve aeration, addition of fertilizer, and planting
weight killed all plants present (10). Oil reduces the germina-
of cover crops. These techniques are well-documented and
tionrateofseeds.Weatheredoilonthesoilformsacrustwhich
have been effective in restoring agricultural land to full
can slow revegetation (6). Revegetation time varies but has
production in as little as five years. No scientific evidence is
ranged from 1 to 20 years depending on location and spill
available to show that surface washing agents have a useful
conditions (amount, oil type, time of year) (4, 6).
role in these remediation techniques.
6.4 Oil spilled on ground will penetrate the surface, the rate
6.9 Several spills on permeable land have been dealt with
of penetration depending on soil type, pore size, depth of the
successfully using mechanical removal, in-situ burning and
water table, and oil type. Surface washing agents increase the
other remediation techniques (1, 20, 21, 22).
penetration rate and depth (11, 12). Dewling and Silva exam-
6.10 Studies of the toxicity of natural products such as
ine
...

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: F1279 − 08 (Reapproved 2014) F1279 − 19
Standard Guide for
Ecological Considerations for the Restriction of the Use of
Surface Washing Agents: Permeable Land Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1279; 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 the use of surface washing agents to assist in the control of oil spills. The guide is written with the goal
of minimizing the environmental impacts of oil spills; this goal is the basis on which the recommendations are made. Aesthetic
and socioeconomic factors are not considered although these and other factors are often important in spill response.
1.2 In making surface washing agent use decisions, appropriate government authorities should be consulted as required by law.
1.3 Spill responders have available several means to control or clean up spilled oil. In this guide, the use of chemical surface
washing agents is considered.
1.4 This guide applies only to permeable land surfaces. This guide does not apply to shorelines.
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:
F1280 Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Surface Washing Agents: Impermeable Surfaces
F1872 Guide for Use of Chemical Shoreline Cleaning Agents: Environmental and Operational Considerations
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 permeability—the capacity of the surface to conduct or transmit liquids such as water. An impermeable surface would not
transmit water in a short time (minutes).
3.1.2 surface—the top or cover of the land at the site of interest
3.1.3 surface washing agents—a chemical agent used to loosen loosen, mobilize or remove oil from a surface such as land.
Surface washing agents are not dispersants and should not be used as dispersants
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide is meant to aid local and regional response teams who may use it during spill response planning and spill events.
4.2 This guide should be adapted to site-specific circumstances.
5. Environment Covered—Permeable Surfaces
5.1 Permeable ground includes any soil, rock, agricultural land and forest, pasture land, roadside or other surfaces, that are
permeable to water and oil.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F20.13
on Treatment.
Current edition approved March 1, 2014March 1, 2019. Published March 2014March 2019. Originally approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 20082014 as
F1279 – 08.F1279 – 08(2014). DOI: 10.1520/F1279-08R14.10.1520/F1279-19.
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
F1279 − 19
6. Background
6.1 On permeable surfaces, the main concern is the penetration of the oil downwards and the possibility of soil and groundwater
contamination (1, 2). Efforts are generally focused on removing liquid oil rapidly and preventing further aerial and downward
contamination in the soil and to the groundwater (3). (See Guide F1280.)
6.2 The effects of oil and especially that of treated oil on terrestrial biota have been studied. In one study, oil spilled on soil
decreased the nematode (worm) population by as much as 80 % (4). Lai Hoi-Chaw and co-workers show that a littornid gastropod
(snail) showed avoidance to oil spilled on the mud of a mangrove swamp (5). This avoidance decreased the mortality of the species
to both oil and chemically-dispersed oil. McGill has noted that soil arthropods (insects) are quickly killed after spills (6).
6.3 Oil has a broad-spectrum herbicidal effect on plants (7, 8). Effects vary depending on concentration and on species. Oil in
low concentrations has been shown to increase growth in some species, whereas slight contact with oil causes death in others (7).
Black spruce, alfalfa, and canola have a low tolerance for oil, while willow, dogwood, and brome grass have a high tolerance (8).
Light oils may be toxic to vegetation on contact. Heavy oils have a tendency to smother plants over a longer period of time (6).
Oiling of the vegetative portions may kill the upper portion of the plant, but the root may still live and proceed to grow new stalks
(6). In one test, 0.4 to 3.4 L/m of a light crude oil killed most plants in a northern boreal setting (9). In another experiment, light
fuel oil at 0.6 % by weight killed all plants present (10). Oil reduces the germination rate of seeds. Weathered oil on the soil forms
a crust which can slow revegetation (6). Revegetation time varies but has ranged from 1 to 20 years depending on location and
spill conditions (amount, oil type, time of year) (4, 6).
6.4 Oil spilled on ground will penetrate the surface, the rate of penetration depending on soil type, pore size, depth of the water
table, and oil type. Surface washing agents increase the penetration rate and depth (11, 12). Dewling and Silva examined the use
of surface washing agents in Brazil and determined that the average penetration of oil was increased from 5 to 60 cm by the use
of hydrocarbon-based surface washing agents (13). Similarly, Calderon et al. examined the use of surfactants on oil through sandy
soil and found that penetration downward was increased (14).
6.5 Oil degradation takes place on soil surfaces under many conditions. Factors that increase degradation rate and amount
include higher-than-normal oxygen level, ample but not excessive (saturating) moisture, slightly alkaline pH, high temperature and
ample nutrients (4). Initially after a spill, the diversity of soil microorganisms is decreased by the toxicity of the oil, but the total
number is increased due to the increase in number of oleoclasts (oil degrading microorganisms). Parkinson showed in a test spill
on northern boreal soil that soil respiration increased 100 % and the bacterial numbers increased tenfold (1415).
6.6 Microbial degradation of oil occurs primarily at the soil surface (4, 7, 1516). One study showed that below 15 cm there was
little degradation (1516). Degradation occurs primarily at the surface due to oxgyen, low but sufficient moisture, supply of
nutrients, and because the occurrence of the great number of oleoclasts (4).
6.7 Contamination of surface water and groundwater is of prime concern in land spills. Little oil degradation takes place in
groundwater and dilution alone would take many years to allow use of a groundwater supply contaminated by an oil spill (4, 1617).
One study estimated that 120 to 750 years of rainfall dilution alone would be required so that the supply could be used for human
consumption (1617). On the other hand, in a karst environment, flow to groundwater could do more significant damage. Movement
of contaminated groundwater can result in broad contamination of the subsurface.
6.8 Several biological remediation techni
...