Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Environmental Protec1on Agency (EPA) is upda1ng the rules for using chemicals, including dispersants, for responding to oil spills in the United States.
SUBPART J – Regula1ng Dispersants
WAF: Water Accommodated Frac.on
2
What are dispersants and how are they supposed to work? Dispersants are chemicals applied to spilled oil to try to break down the oil into small par1cles with the hope that these par1cles disperse into the water column rather than
remain floa1ng on the surface in a slick.
Why update the rule that deals with dispersants?
� It has been 21 years since the rule was first introduced.
� To address concerns from the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill where an unprecedented amount of dispersants was used (over 1.8 million gallons of
dispersants were applied)
� Several environmental groups sued the EPA to update the rule to address new informa1on
What is Subpart J ?? � EPA’s rule or guidance regarding the use of dispersants and other
chemicals when responding to oil spills � Called Subpart J because the rule is in that sec.on of the na.onal
con.ngency plan (NCP) � Includes a “catalog” of dispersants that are approved by the EPA � Spells out where dispersants can be used, and how much may be used
Public Review: This spring, EPA sought public input on the sec1on of the NCP that governs use of dispersants and other chemical and biological agents when responding to oil spills. More opportuni.es to comment are likely!
PWSRCAC Review and Commen1ng Process � The council project team began review at the start of the 90 day
public comment period � The team started out with staff and volunteers, added contractors and reached out to regulators (current and re1red) and others
� The team developed several draWs,
refining as they went � Final product approved by the Execu1ve
CommiZee prior to the comment deadline
� This allowed comments to be
shared with Member organiza1ons, stakeholders, and other interested par1es.
PWSRCAC Review – Some Key Issues � Cau1ous approach to use of chemicals � Emphasis on science-‐based decision-‐making � Toxicity and chronic effects � Emphasis on authorizing dispersants before a spill happens
� Reliance on responsible party and manufacturer science
The council’s full comments are available on our website: www.bit.ly/DispersantComments