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org

ISSUE 723 | 24 FEBRUARY 2020

ISCO & THE ISCO NEWSLETTER INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The International Spill Control Organization, a
not-for profit organization dedicated to raising CLICK ON THE BANNERS BELOW FOR MORE INFO ON THE EVENTS FEATURED
worldwide preparedness and co-operation in
response to oil and chemical spills, promoting
technical development and professional
competency, and to providing a focus for making
the knowledge and experience of spill control
professionals available to Intergovernmental,
Governmental, NGO’s and interested groups and
individuals

ISCO holds consultative status at the

International Maritime Organisation and
observer Status at International Oil Pollution
Compensation Funds

ISCO COMMITTEE & COUNCIL

ISCO is managed by an EXECUTIVE
Directors
• Mr David Usher, President (USA)
• Mr Matthew Sommerville , Secretary (UK)
• Mr John McMurtrie, VP and Editor (UK)
• Ms Mary Ann Dalgleish, VP M’ship (USA)

Members
• Mr Li Guobin (China)
• M. Jean Claude Sainlos
• Mr Kerem Kemerli
(France)
(Turkey)
PROPOSAL TO BAN HFO IN THE ARCTIC
• Mr Marc Shaye
• Mr Dan Sheehan
(USA)
(USA) HAS LANDED – RUSSIA SECURES
• Captain Bill Boyle (UK)
• Lord Peter Simon Rickaby (UK) LOOPHOLE
Assisted by COUNCIL
(National Representatives)
• Mr John Wardrop (Australia)
• Mr Osman Tarzumanov (Azerbaijan)
• TBA (Brazil)
• Dr Merv Fingas (Canada)
• Captain Davy T. S. Lau (China)
• Mr Darko Domovic (Croatia)
• Eng. Ashraf Sabet (Egypt)
• Mr Torbjorn Hedrenius (Estonia)
• Mr Pauli Einarsson (Faroe Islands)
• TBA (Greece)
• Captain D. C. Sekhar (India)
• Major Ben Benny (Israel)
• Mr Sanjay Gandhi (Kenya)
• Mr Dennis van der Veen (Netherlands)
• Chief Kola Agboke (Nigeria)
• Mr Carlos Sagrera (Panama)
• TBA (Singapore)
• Mrs Fatima B. Shaik (South Africa) February 21 -The PPR working group has now submitted a proposal to prohibit vessels
• Dr Ali Saeed Al Ameri (UAE) from sailing on HFO from 2024. The proposal includes one exemption, however, as
• Mr Kevin Miller (UK)
Russia and other Arctic nations are able to exempt their own vessels until 2029.
• Dr Manik Sardessai (USA)
Shipping Watch / Read more A fuller report on the IMO PPR Meetng will be published
in next week’s ISCO Newsletter
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ISCO is managed by an elected executive
committee, members of which are:
 MEMBERSHIP OF ISCO INTERNATIONAL NEWS (CONTINUED)
Benefits pf Membership
Online Membership Application Form
EXPERTS DISCUSS ELIMINATION OF
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER BY
GAINING PROFESSIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
RECOGNITION.
Professional recognition is a visible mark of
IN THE ARCTIC
quality, competence and commitment, and can February 20 - Experts attending the fifth international conference, The Arctic: Shelf
give you a significant advantage in today’s Projects and Sustainable Development of the Regions, Arctic 2020, met for a
competitive environment. roundtable discussion on environmental safety and waste management in the Arctic.
All who have the relevant qualifications and the
The event focused on the implementation of the Environment National Project, the
required level of experience can apply for
Professional Membership of ISCO. creation of a comprehensive waste management system plus logistics, a waste
The organization offers independent validation management technology adjusted to Arctic conditions, the thermal treatment of
and integrity. Each grade of membership reflects waste, oil spill prevention and response, as well as legislative incentives for eco-friendly
an individual’s professional training, experience
business practices.
and qualifications.
You can apply for Student Membership, Associate
Membership (AMISCO), MEMBERSHIP (MISCO) or "The regional authorities need to draft standard solid waste recycling programs and
FELLOWSHIP (FISCO) offer them in the form of recommendations to companies working in the regions," said
About Professional Membership
Alexander Bagin, a member of the Committee for Environment and Sustainable Use of
Application Form (Professional Membership)
Natural Resources at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He added that
TO RECEIVE THE FREE ISCO the regions should develop partner relations with local companies, which could turn
preowned equipment over to municipal governments. "Incentives are the most
NEWSLETTER important part, though. People should be incentivized to keep their land clean," the
Go to www.spillcontrol.org and enter your name
and email address in the Registration Form official noted.
(located on the right-hand side of the home page)
then click on “subscribe” Ilya Kulikov, Director of the State Regional Centre of Standardization, Metrology and
Testing in the Murmansk Region (Murmansk CSM), reported on the development of a
new biotechnology for petrochemical spill cleanup based on three components: oil
oxidizing microorganisms, sorbents and phytoameliorants. This technology stimulates the development of bacteria and fungi living in
a given water body which can induce microbial degradation of petrochemical waste.

"We are testing the technology in our labs under conditions that are similar to those in the Arctic. Tests have shown that oil oxidizing
microorganisms can reduce the level of pollution by 36%-43% in coastal sand in a matter of two months, and by 47% in the case of
coastal alluvium. We plan to complete the tests this year," the committee official said. The Arctic / Read more

CANADA-U.S. DIXON ENTRANCE ANNEX TO THE JOINT MARINE

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR POLLUTION PREPAREDNESS
AND RESPONSE
Photo: U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Commander Rear Adm. Matthew
T. Bell, Jr., and the Canadian Coast Guard Western Region Assistant
Commissioner Roger Girouard sit together while signing the newly
revised Dixon Entrance Annex to the national Canada-United States
Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan, Feb. 19, 2020 in Juneau,
Alaska. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matthew
Schofield)

February 19 - U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Commander Rear Adm.

Matthew T. Bell, Jr., and the Canadian Coast Guard Western Region
Assistant Commissioner Roger Girouard signed the newly revised Dixon
Entrance Annex to the national Canada-United States Joint Marine
Pollution Contingency Plan today in Juneau.

The updated annex includes basic content and format changes in accordance with new national guidelines, clearer pollution
notification and response protocols, and refreshed references to U.S. Customs Service procedures for transboundary movement of
personnel and resources. The new annex also incorporates organizational changes within the two Coast Guards.

Canada and the United States are parties to a long-standing bilateral agreement regarding cooperation in protection of natural
resources in Canada-U.S. (CAN-US) trans-boundary areas. Homeland Security Today / Read more
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS (CONTINUED)
RATIFICATION OF HNS CONVENTION IS A MATTER OF URGENCY
February 21 - During the European Shipping Week 2020, shipowners organised an event as part of their ratification campaign of the
2010 International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious
Substances by Sea (HNS Convention).

Wednesday’s event gathered representatives from the IMO, the IOPC fund, the European Commission, Member States as well as
industry representatives to speak about the purpose and benefit of the Convention, how the convention will strengthen the
international liability framework and the main reasons why states are being encouraged to ratify or accede to the Convention as soon
as possible. Hellenic Shipping News / Read more

IAEA HOSTS FIRST PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COURSE

January 27 - The IAEA (The International Atomic Energy Agency) has hosted its first course on preparedness and response to a nuclear
or radiological emergency combined with other emergencies.

Participants — mainly nuclear power plant operators, regulators and first responders — learned about the specific requirements
different response professionals need to meet to effectively respond to combined emergencies and their associated challenges.

Combined emergencies increase the challenges emergency responders must manage and during the week-long course, they analysed
real case studies including the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant which was a nuclear emergency combined with a
natural emergency caused by a severe earthquake and tsunami. Combined emergencies became especially relevant and was
prioritized by the international community after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

Following this pilot course, the IAEA plans to publish an Emergency Preparedness and Response series publication on nuclear or
radiological emergencies combined with other incidents or emergencies. The topic of combined emergencies became especially
relevant and was prioritized by the international community after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. The IAEA then
developed specific guidance that reflects the lessons learned from the accident. The Emergency Planning Society / Read more

LLOYD’S CONCLUDES REVIEW OF LOF, STEAMSHIP COMMENTS

February 14 - Steamship Mutual’s Ian Freeman, Syndicate Manager Claims, Americas Syndicate has reported that, continuing from
the publication of the revised SCOPIC 2018 form, Lloyd’s of London had now concluded its review of the Lloyd’s Standard Form of
Salvage Agreement, more commonly known as the Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF).

He noted that LOF 2020, and its associated Lloyd’s Salvage Arbitration Clauses named LSAC 2020, contained significant changes. The
first was the consolidation into one document of the previously separate arbitration clauses and procedural rules of LOF 2011. Lloyd’s
has included in the same document the Fixed Cost Arbitration Procedure (FCAP), with the aim of encouraging its use.

There are two amendments to the main LOF 2020 form. Insurance Marine News / Continue reading

IOPC FUNDS – REMOTE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION & TRAINING

February 17 - As part of its commitment to increasing awareness of the international liability and compensation regime and improving
engagement with all Member States, the Secretariat has been exploring ways in which the organisation can widen its audience by
creating information and training opportunities which are accessible remotely.
IOPC Funds / Read more about the options being considered by the IOPC Funds Secretariat

NEWS REPORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (COUNTRIES LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
AUSTRALIA: ATSB RELEASES FINAL REPORT INTO YM EFFICIENCY CONTAINER
LOSSES
February 15 - The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its final report from its investigation into the loss of
containers from the container ship YM Efficiency, saying the loss of 81 containers overboard in very rough seas on July 1, 2018
highlights the importance of safe and effective container stowage planning.
Substantial debris from the lost containers subsequently washed ashore on the New South Wales coast. Search efforts have located
only 66 containers of the containers, with a few having washed ashore or close to shore. Five containers have been removed, and 15
containers have yet to be found. The Maritime Executive / Read more

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NEWS REPORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (CONTINUED)
AUSTRALIA: DEAL TO COMMERCIALISE OIL SPILL TECHNOLOGY
February 17 - A material made from waste cooking oil and sulphur that can soak up oil spills and other pollution will be commercialised
following a deal between its South Australian inventors and a Singaporean company.
The collaboration between Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies will result in a manufacturing facility in South Australia
to produce commercial quantities of the absorbent polysulfide. The Lead / Read more

BRAZIL: FULL IMPACT OF MYSTERIOUS BRAZIL OIL SPILL REMAINS UNKNOWN

February 20 - Last summer, an oil spill of unknown origin hit Brazil’s northeast coast – just as migrating shorebirds arrived in the area.
Our Partner SAVE Brasil has been campaigning for action and striving to measure the impact on birds - but more support is urgently
needed.
We do not yet know the full impact of the disaster on bird populations. Our Partner SAVE Brasil is currently collaborating with other
organisations to discover more. To encourage action, they sent out a letter to several levels of the Brazilian government on behalf of
the National Shorebird Conservation Plan, outlining the impact of oil on shorebirds and the measures required to protect them.
Bird Life International / Read more

CANADA: MINISTER OF TRANSPORT UPDATES MINISTERIAL ORDER TO REDUCE

THE RISKS OF DERAILMENT OF TRAINS TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS
February 16 - Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, announced specific measures through an amended
Ministerial Order, to help prevent further derailment of trains carrying large quantities of dangerous goods, like petroleum crude oil,
liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline and ethanol.
Following the derailment of a key train on February 6th, 2020, in Guernsey Saskatchewan, a Ministerial Order was issued for the
immediate slowdown of key trains. A key train is one carrying 20 or more cars containing dangerous goods; or a train carrying one or
more cars of toxic inhalation gas. Transport Canada / Read more

CANADA: THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS A GLOBAL BAN ON HEAVY

FUEL OIL IN THE ARCTIC
February 18 - Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable
François-Philippe Champagne, announced the Government of Canada’s support for a ban on heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters. Ministers
also announced they will be seeking a phased-in approach to the ban as Canada discusses with IMO countries ways to help balance
the environmental benefits with the economic realities of northern, Indigenous and Inuit communities.
Transport Canada / Read more

CANADA: INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM CONCLUDES THAT CANADA IS WELL

PREPARED TO RESPOND TO A NUCLEAR OR RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY
February 19 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today published its final report following an 11-day mission to review
Canada’s emergency preparedness and response framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies. The Emergency Preparedness
Review (EPREV) was carried out at the request of the Canadian government, making Canada the first G7 country to request an EPREV
mission and highlighting its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
The mission, which took place June 3-13, 2019, focused on preparedness for emergencies that could stem from events at nuclear
power plants. The IAEA commended Canada for the well-developed and mature preparedness system in place across all levels of
government, and for its robust implementation of the IAEA safety standards in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness
response. Health Canada / Read more

DENMARK: EFFECTIVE OIL SPILL RESPONSE WITH NEW SHALLOW WATER VESSELS
Photo: Shallow water vessels in action at the fjord of Aabenraa, January 2020.
Photographed by Danish Emergency Agency Great Copenhagen’s drone. Photo: DEMA
February 21 - From time to time an oil spill occurs in Danish waters, and to limit the
damages the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has invested in new
boats – so-called shallow water vessels. Monday and Tuesday, they were deployed for
the first time.
During the weekend, an oil spill occurred at the fjord of Aabenraa. The fire and rescue
service of Southern Jutland, the Danish Defence, the Danish Home Guard, and DEMA

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NEWS REPORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (CONTINUED)
managed to contain the oil using floating booms. Monday and Tuesday three shallow water vessels succeeded relatively quickly in
collecting the oil on open water.
The concept of the new shallow water vessels has been tested and used in several foreign emergency management services. The
vessels use a crane and a grab as well as a brush skimmer to collect the oil on shallow water before it drifts ashore.
Danish Environmental Management Agency / Read more

FINLAND: INTRODUCING THE OIL SPILL PROJECT OFFICE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF

TURKU
February 18 - This week starts the introductory series of OIL SPILL Project Partners. During the spring of 2020, we will move around
the Baltic Sea Region and visit each Partner for a week. The first stop is in Turku, Finland.
University of Turku (UTU) is the Lead Partner of the OIL SPILL project. The location on the southwest coast of Finland has had a
significant influence on the development of both the city and the University. Turku region has become the most significant production
cluster of the Finnish maritime industry, and Sea and maritime studies forms one of the major research areas of the University. Here,
the focus is firmly on the Baltic Sea. University of Turku / Read more

INDIA: COAST GUARD BEGINS POLLUTION RESPONSE EXERCISE

February 20 - A two-day State-level pollution response exercise under the auspices of the Coast Guard Karnataka began here on
Thursday.
The exercise, the first such this year, was conducted to validate and reinforce the response mechanism for oil pollution incidents and
enable the Indian Coast Guard to fine tune the actions required in such eventualities.
Other stakeholders such as New Mangalore Port Trust, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd also
took part in the exercise, according to Deputy Inspector General S.B. Venkatesh, Commander, Coast Guard Karnataka.
The Hindu / Read more

JAPAN: PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION OF JAPAN OIL SPILL WORKSHOP

February 18 - On 14 February 2020, the Director, José Maura, participated in an oil spill workshop organised by the Petroleum
Association of Japan (PAJ) and funded by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. As part of the workshop, entitled
‘Developments in the oil spill response structure in South-eastern Asia’, the Director delivered a presentation on recent developments
in incidents involving the IOPC Funds as well as on future challenges facing the organisation. IOPC Funds / Read more

NIGERIA: ‘WHY BUHARI REFUSED ASSENT TO NOSDRA AMENDMENT BILL’

February 17 - Following concerns by stakeholders on the refusal of the President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to National Oil Spill
Detection and Response Agency (NOSRDA) Amendment Bill, the Minister of State Environment, Sharon Ikeazor has explained that the
reason was due to observations in the proposed legislation. The Guardian / Read more

NIGERIA: BMI ASSESSES PLANTED MANGROVE SITES

February 18 - The Bodo Mediation Initiative (BMI) Project carried out an evaluation of
mangrove seedlings planted at two sites two years ago, to assess the viability of replanting
the nearly 1000 hectares of mangroves that were killed from oil spillage in the Bodo area.
Seven sites showing varying levels of oil contamination were replanted as a test in 2017 and
then repetitively monitored over two years.
The purpose of the monitoring program is to assess the survival and growth rates of
mangrove planted within areas showing different levels of oil contamination. The mangrove
plant shown in the photograph was planted in an area of low oiling and showed growth of
seventy-three percent, from 60 cm to 104 cm, over the past two years. All monitored plants
at this site survived. Several new seedlings were also present showing that the site is
beginning to regenerate naturally. ND Link / Read more

NIGERIA: INSECURITY GRIPS THE BODO CLEANUP AREA

February 13 - Clean-up activities for the Phase 2 Bodo remediation Project restarted on Monday 20 January 2020, with community
workers very enthusiastic and ready to work. However, a few incidences of rival cult clashes and fear of possible reprisals have left
the workers in fear as anyone could be a victim of stray bullets.
A survey showed a high level of security concern in the Community and tensions from probable cult reprisals and counter reprisals.
This could impact negatively on the Project, despite the resolve of key stakeholders to remediate and restore the mangrove ecosystem
within the Bodo creek. ND Link / Read more
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NEWS REPORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (CONTINUED)
USA: POISONED FISH AND BIRDS? FEDS TO STUDY HOW POLLUTION IN N.J. RIVER
HAS AFFECTED WILDLIFE
February 14 - Two federal agencies are set to conduct a sweeping set of studies aimed at fully understanding how widespread pollution
in the Passaic River has affected the water and the wildlife that rely on it. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration will soon begin studying the Diamond Alkali Superfund site, which includes historic contamination in
a roughly 17-mile stretch of the river between Newark Bay and the Dundee Dam in Garfield. NJ News / Read more

USA: SCAA – STRATEGIC VISION FOR 2025

The Spill Control Association of America’s 2025 Vision is focused on three themes: recognition by industry, energy and transportation
clients, and all governmental entities as the single, united voice of the response industry; continued value to members through
networking events, best management practices sharing, code of ethics for professional response, and a conduit for government
agency interaction; and consistent advocacy for the response service industry through a full time Executive Director position and
concentrated engagement with federal and state agencies. http://www.scaa-spill.org/downloads/2019-Business-Plan.pdf

USA: CHEMICAL COMPANIES STABLE ENOUGH TO PAY FOR SPILLS, FIRES: EPA
February 20 - The EPA won’t ask for assurance that chemical companies are capable of paying for cleanup after a fire, spill, explosion,
or leak, the agency said in a proposal Thursday.
The Environmental Protection Agency found the chemical manufacturing industry is “financially stable,” and individual companies
don’t need to submit proof of their ability to pay for environmental disasters at chemical facilities. The agency is proposing not
requiring financial assurance for that industry under Superfund law, and will accept comments once the proposal (RIN:2050-AH05) is
published in the Federal Register Friday. Bloomberg Environment / Read more

USA: LATEST ACTIVITY REPORTS FROM NOAA OR&R

February 21 – Please click on the links below to read the latest News Reports from NOAA OR&R
OECD Workshop on Microfibers from Synthetic Textiles in the Environment
Did you know that on average, garments are worn only 7 times before being disposed? Or that only 1% of textiles are recycled
(garment to garment)?
Oil Spill Response Training in the Florida Keys
During the week of February 10, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) held the first Science of Oil Spill (SOS) class of
2020, training 38 students from five federal agencies, one state agency and two industrial companies at the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Eco-Discovery Center in Key West, Florida.
Final Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan for Diamond Alkali Site in New Jersey Released
NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have released a final Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan for the Diamond Alkali
Superfund Site.
Marine Debris Program Presents at 2020 Stormwater and Litter Workshop in Virginia
On February 10, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program participated in the 2020 Stormwater and Litter Workshop hosted at Randolph–Macon
College in Ashland, Virginia.
Disaster Preparedness Program Participates in Region IV Regional Response Team Meeting
On February 4-6, 2020, members of NOAA’s Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) and Emergency Response Division (ERD) attended
the Regional Response Team IV Winter Meeting in Franklin, Tennessee.
2020 Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan Educator Workshop
On January 30-31, Marine Debris Program representatives Andrew Mason (Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator) and Shanelle
Naone (Pacific Islands Regional Communications and Outreach Coordinator) attended a workshop comprised of partners from across
Oregon.
Alaska Forum on the Environment 2020
The Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE) was held this week in Anchorage, Alaska, offering six keynote events, over 100
presentations, panel discussions, special events and workshops.

Marine Debris Program Participates in 2020 Maui Whale Day

On Saturday, February 8, the NOAA Marine Debris Program participated in Whale Day 2020 at Kalama Park in Kihei, Maui.

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NEWS REPORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (CONTINUED)
Science of Oil Spills (SOS) Training Coming to Seattle
NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), a leader in providing scientific information in response to marine pollution, has
scheduled a Science of Oil Spills (SOS) class for the week of June 22, in Seattle, Washington.
OR&R Prepares for IOSC Short Courses
In a few months, over 1,500 professionals from the international spill response community will gather at the International Oil Spill
Conference and Exhibition (IOSC 2020) in New Orleans, Louisiana.
NOAA Experts Facilitate an Urban Environmental Education Workshop in Wilmington, Delaware
There’s no better place to learn about environmental resilience than the South Wilmington Wetlands project in urban Wilmington,
Delaware.

ISCO NEWS
NEW READERS SUBSCRIBING TO THE ISCO NEWSLETTER
ISCO’s newspaper distribution contractor (Campaign Monitor) has just launched a new feature – reporting on new readers joining
the mailing list. For your interest 12 new subscribers were added last week.

The locations of our new readers included Ecuador, Argentina, Pakistan, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, UK, USA, India, and Ukraine.

This just shows how international the readership is. Currently, the complete list of recipients includes readers in 64 countries.

NEWS FROM ISCO MEMBERS

INTERTANKO ANNUAL TANKER EVENT 50TH ANNIVERSARY, OSLO – JUNE 2020
INTERTANKO will be celebrating a special 50th Anniversary edition of its Annual Tanker Event between 9-11 June 2020 in Oslo,
where the Association was founded in 1970.
Now into its 24th edition, the Annual Tanker Event is recognised as THE event for tanker-related matters. Join us in Oslo as we
celebrate 50 years of championing a tanker industry dedicated to delivering safe, efficient and environmentally sound transport
services.
The 2020 Annual Tanker Event will be held in downtown Oslo at the Oslo Congress Centre (view map).
Address: Oslo Congress Centre, Youngs gate 21, 0181, Oslo Website: https://www.oslokongressenter.no
INTERTANKO / Read more

ALPHAMERS – ISCO MEMBER OF COUNCIL FOR INDIA INTERVIEWED BY INDIAN

ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
Captain D. C. Sekhar, founder director of AlphaMERS Ltd., was recently interviewed by Paryavaran, the Indian Environmental Network.
The live broadcast can be viewed at https://www.paryavaran.com/

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEW MULTI OPERATIONAL DISSOLVED INORGANIC CARBON ANALYZER F
February 4 - Introducing new Multi Operational Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Analyzer (MODICA), jointly developed by UIC Inc. and
AlphaZeta Sciences LLC
A multi-sample and multi-detector capable instrument for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), with pH, and salinity probes, for
measurements in aqueous solutions (seawater, fresh water, etc.). MODICA (CM5260) can automatically process up to ten samples
using predefined routines according to sample types. Multiple readings can be obtained from the same sample.
Oceanbuzz / For more information, visit: www.uicinc.com

NEW TECHNIQUE FOR OIL SPILL RECOVERY FROM UNIVERSITY OF BONN

February 3 - Researchers at the Universities of Bonn and Aachen and the Heimbach-GmbH have developed a new technology for the
removal of such contaminations: Textiles with special surface properties passively skim off the oil and move it into a floating container.
The scientists used surfaces from the plant kingdom as a model. The study has now been published in the journal Philosophical
Transactions A.The video clip is as short as it is impressive: The 18-second sequence shows a pipette from which dark-colored crude
oil drips into a glass of water. Then a researcher holds a green leaf against the spot. Within a matter of seconds the leaf sucks the oil
from the surface of the water, leaving not even a trace behind.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The star of the movie, the small green leaf, comes from the floating fern Salvinia. The special abilities of its leaves make it highly
interesting for scientists, because they are extremely hydrophobic: When submerged, they wrap themselves in an air jacket and
remain completely dry. Researchers call this behavior "superhydrophobic," which can be translated as "extremely water repellent."
However, the Salvinia surface loves oil which is, in a way, a flip side of superhydrophobia. "This allows the leaves to transport an oil
film on their surface," explains Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Barthlott, emeritus of the University of Bonn and former director of its botanic
gardens. "And we have also been able to transfer this property to technically producible surfaces, such as textiles."
Such superhydrophobic substances can then for instance be used to remove oil films from water surfaces efficiently and without the
use of chemicals. However, unlike other materials that have been used for this purpose so far, they do not absorb the oil. "Instead, it
travels along the surface of the fabric, moved forward solely by its adhesive forces," explains Barthlott. "For example, in the laboratory
we hung such fabric tapes over the edge of a container floating on the water. Within a short time they had almost completely removed
the oil from the water surface and transported it into the container." Science Daily / Read more

WASTE COOKING OIL CONVERTED INTO SPONGE-LIKE OIL SPILL CLEAN-UP

February 19 - Scientists at Flinders University in Adelaide have developed a new material that could revolutionise oil spill clean-up
operations with a company from Singapore agreeing to help commercialise the product.
The material – absorbent polysulfide made from waste cooking oil and sulphur – acts like a sponge and can absorb up to three times
its mass in oil or diesel and is reusable.
The product is hydrophobic, whereby it separates from water and binds well to oil. The polymer absorbs oil much like a sponge,
forming a gel that can be scooped out of the water.
The newly agreed collaboration between Flinders University and Singapore’s Clean Earth Technologies will see a manufacturing facility
launched in South Australia to produce commercial quantities of the absorbent polysulfide.
Associate professor Justin Chalker who has led the development of the new material told local media yesterday, “Just making a
product from waste, regardless of what the end use, is a viable thing to think about. In this case, we’re converting waste into something
that can help clean up the environment.” Splash 247 / Read more Related article in Oil & Gas Product News [Thanks to Dan
Sheehan Hon.FISCO, Member of ISCO Executive Committee]

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
E-LEARNING - CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS – MYTHS AND REALITIES
Australia has general guidance on vapour intrusion and more specific guidance on assessing vapour intrusion into buildings for
petroleum hydrocarbons. However Australian does not have specific guidance for chlorinated hydrocarbons. Most of the guidance
for petroleum hydrocarbons also applies to chlorinateds, but it is becoming increasingly clear that there are a range of myths doing
the rounds in the industry. This session will help you to understand what the NEPM says about chlorinated hydrocarbons, what the
standard approach to assessing risks from vapour intrusion for these chemicals actually involves and what practices need to be
avoided.
We will conclude the session with audience driven questions and answers. Please email me at [email protected]
with any detailed aspects of the subject you would like addressed.
Therese Manning is a principal at Environmental Risk Sciences and a Fellow of ACTRA. She has a long history of
undertaking human health and environmental risk assessments as part of the NSW EPA and as a consultant. She
provides risk assessment support to a range of government departments and she has been involved in the development
of guidance and guidelines for contaminated land assessment.

Dr Jackie Wright is Director of enRiskS, a Fellow of ACTRA and an adjunct lecturer with Flinders University. She has been
assessing risks from chlorinated hydrocarbons since the early 1990s. She has prepared national guidance for the NEPM
(Schedule B4 and B7) and the CRC CARE Petroleum Vapour Intrusion Guidance and CRC CARE Weathered Petroleums
guidance. Her work analysing vapour intrusion data has been included in the USEPA databases. She has been
conducting research on characterising exposures and health effects that occur within methamphetamine contaminated
properties.
DATE & TIME: Thursday, February 27, 2020 1:30pm - 2:30pm
FEES (incl. GST): ALGA Member $22 ALGA Student Member $11 Everyone else $55
CPD POINTS: Earn up to 1 CPD Point
CONTACT: Michal Grigor +61 490 082 260 [email protected]

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TECHNICAL SUPPORT (CONTINUED)
WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION CASE STUDY WEBINAR
This is a reminder that our fourth tales from the field webinar is happening on Wednesday 11th March at 1pm GMT, you can secure
your place here.

Following on from the success of the Tools for Effective Water Pollution Prevention Webinar and our first three Tales From the Field
Webinars, Practical Water Pollution in Practice, Automated Water Pollution Prevention and Making the most of your Existing
Assets which contained a total of 11 case studies, people are still asking for more case study based content.

So we are going yet again, this time we will be delving into much greater detail on one case study, you can secure your place here.

In this webinar we will be going all the way through a single water pollution prevention project, from the very first meeting,
through challenge identification, solution proposal and selection, implementation, environmental permit application and approval
through to ongoing automated maintenance and reporting. If you are thinking that effective water pollution prevention is beyond
your means or capability this webinar will walk you through the entire process and demonstrate that failsafe water pollution
prevention and compliance with CIRIA c736 is much more affordable and achievable than you might imagine, you can register here.

This webinar is is an interactive presentation designed to provide you with the latest information around water pollution
prevention. It is entirely normal to think that your challenges are unique, and whilst there is certainly some variation we will be
demonstrating in this presentation that a consistent approach will yield effective water pollution prevention in your business that is
typically more achievable, affordable and less disruptive than you might imagine if you have been proposed more traditional
solutions.

You will have the opportunity to submit any specific questions that you may have in advance of the event, and during, if time allows.

This presentation is for Environmental Managers, Facilities Managers, HSE’s, Spill Control Managers, Drainage Engineers, Drainage
Design Engineers, and anyone else looking to ensure that spill containment and water pollution prevention systems and processes
will be effective in the event of a spill, fire or flood.

You can register here, I hope you will find it interesting and useful.

CONTRACTS, TENDERS & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL OPEN TENDER NOTIFICATION SERVICE
This is a subscription service. Have a look to see examples of open tenders.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES: USA & EUROPE

USA - Government solicitations are frequently posted in Technology Innovation News Survey and US EPA Tech Direct. EUROPE –
European Maritime Safety Agency invitations to tender are often posted in The EMSA Newsletter. See “Links for other publications”
for links to download current issues. ISCO Members are welcome to post tender opportunities in this section.

MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM EVENT ORGANISERS

OIL SPILL INDIA – ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
As an internationally recognized technical and policy forum, Oil Spill India is seeking thematically related papers/abstracts for the 6th
edition of the conference. Focusing on stakeholders "Commitment" for environmental sustainability, oil spill preparedness &
prevention, the need for "Synergy" in oil spill response & "Excellence" in restoration efforts, these paper presentations will be the
backbone of the OSI's technical program and contribute to the vast canon of oil pollution knowledge shared between the government,
industry, and academia.

The Advisory Board has developed a list of focus topics that are considered timely and appealing for presentations in the conference
on which authors are requested to submit related papers. Invited authors would present their respective papers during the technical
or interactive sessions scheduled during the conference.

Before a paper is invited for presentation at OSI 2020, an author must first submit a comprehensive abstract for consideration. Starting
December, 15th, 2019, interested authors should visit http://www.oilspillindia.org and click the "Abstract Submission" tab to find
instructions for submitting abstracts electronically using OSI's online abstract submission system. Abstracts must be in English &
should not exceed 400 words. They will be evaluated based on relevance, uniqueness/originality, technical content, and clarity. Key
areas for deliberations to be addressed during the conference include the following:

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MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM EVENT ORGANISERS (CONTINUED)
A) Outlook & Developments - Global, Regional & National
B) Advances in Prevention, Planning & Prepardeness
C) Trasboundry Collaboration - Integration & Response
D) Next Generation Technologies - Surveillance, Mapping, Modelling & Remote Sensing
E) Innovations in Response Management & Mitigation
F) Emerging & Future Risks - Assessment & Perspectives
G) Marine Response - Shipping, Salvage & Wreck Removal
H) Conventions, Claims & Compensation - Regulatory & Industry Perspectives
I) Recent Incident Case Studies & Lessons Learned
J) Offshore & Sub-Sea Response
K) Inland Spills, Wildlife Response & Remediation
More info: http://www.oilspillindia.org/

4TH ANNUAL CLEAN WATERWAYS CONFERENCE

At the 4th Annual CLEAN WATERWAYS Conference, April 7-9 in Indianapolis, IN, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with
attendees and exhibitors during dedicated networking activities, conference sessions and on the exhibit floor. Conference sessions
cover hazardous materials management, spill prevention and response, waste management and environmental considerations.
Sessions are complemented by exhibiting companies on the show floor that provide solutions and technologies to prevent, prepare
or respond to hazardous spills and environmental emergencies.

Fresh Conference Content: New session topics covering data management & information sharing, including Indigenous/Tribal
Communities in emergency response planning, and storage tank emergency response are included in this year’s program. In
addition, a new track on emerging trends and technologies has been added and sessions covering waste disposal are in the works!

Exhibit Hall: Over 60 vendors will be in the exhibit hall showcasing their solutions and technologies to prevent, prepare or respond
to a hazardous spill or environmental emergency. Breakfast, lunch, scheduled networking breaks, and a reception will also be held in
the exhibit hall.

Demonstration: Indiana's Response Capabilities for Inland Water Incidents: This extensive demonstration will showcase multiple
disciplines used during a water response including Incident Command, drone deployment with video feed, outfall containment and
recovery, deflection boom strategy, sweep and snare techniques, and swift water rescue standby.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Tour: Take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and stop to “Kiss the
Bricks,” from the original 1909 track surface at the start/finish line. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers 37,500 square feet of
exhibit space featuring cars, trophies, photographs, racing records, memorabilia, and fine art to interpret the national and
international significance of motorsports.

Networking Receptions: A reception hosted by CTEH, LLC and E3 Environmental will take place on Tuesday, April 7th at the JW
Marriott Indianapolis. On Wednesday, Heritage Environmental Services will host a 50th Anniversary celebration at their facility
immediately following the reception held in the exhibit hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

COUNTRY 2019 TITLE OF EVENT LOCATION

For more information click on Title of Event
COUNTRY 2020 TITLE OF EVENT LOCATION
DENMARK February 26-28 HELCOM Response Working Group Meeting Vejle
USA March 4 Demonstration of Oil Spill Response Equipment Des Allemands, LA
UK March 11-13 Meeting of IOPC Funds’ governing bodies London
FRANCE March 17 25th Cedre Information Day Paris
COLOMBIA March 17-19 SPE HSE & Sustainability Conference Bogotá
USA March 19 2020 MI-AHMP Annual Conference Howell, MI

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UPCOMING EVENTS

UK March 20 Marine Insurance London Conference London

USA March 24-25 SCAA Annual Meeting & Conference Arlington, VA
TOGO March 25-27 Workshop on oil spill liability and compensation Lome
UK Mar. 30 – Apr.3 IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee London
TUNISIA April 1-2 Regional Workshop on Oil Spill Waste Management Tunis
USA April 7-9 Clean Waterways Conference Indianapolis, IN
USA April 20-24 Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council Minneapolis, MN
USA April 28 – May 1 Oil Spill Response Strategies & Tactics Training Leonardo, NJ
USA May 10 APICOM GM Meeting New Orleans, LA
USA May 11-14 International Oil Spill Conference & Exhibition New Orleans, LA
UK May 13-14 HAZMAT 2020 Conference Stratford on Avon
IRELAND May 14-15 European Maritime Day Forum Event Cork
CANADA June 2-4 43rd AMOP Technical Seminar on Environmental Edmonton, Alberta
Contamination and Response.
USA June 2-4 Elastec’s Spring 2020 River Workshop Carni, Il
UK June 8-12 2020 IOPC Funds’ Short Course London
NORWAY June 9-11 INTERTANKO Annual Tanker Event Oslo
USA June 9-11 Clean Pacific Conference & Exhibition Seattle, WA
NETHERLANDS June 24-25 European Environmental Ports Conference 2020 Rotterdam
ESTONIA August 25-27 BALEX DELTA 2020 pollution response exercise Talinn
USA Sept. 8-11 HazMat Emergency Response Workshop Scaramento, CA
AUSTRALIA Sept. 15-17 Ecoforum Conference & Exhibition Darwin
INDIA Sept. 22-24 Oil Spill India Comference & Exhibition Mumbai
UK October 19-23 IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee London
USA October 20-22 Clean Gulf Conference & Exhibition San Antonio, TX
COUNTRY 2021 TITLE OF EVENT LOCATION
NETHERLANDS March 22-26 Interspill Conference & Exhibition Amsterdam
To request posting of an event of interest to the Spill Response Community please send details to the Editor

LINKS FOR DOWNLOADING & READING OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Alga Chronicle News from Australia on Contaminated Land Remediation December 2019
AMSA Update Latest news from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority January 2020
ATRAC Newsletter News from the Adriatic Training and Research Centre December 2019
AUSMEPA Bulletin News from the Australian Marine Environment Protection Assoc’n Summer 2020
BIMCO Bulletin Marine and shipping-related news from BIMCO December 2019
Newsletter from George Holliday News and commentary on HSE issues from George Holliday On request email
Cedre Newsletter News from Cedre in Brittany, France January 2020
Clean Nigeria Associates Newsletter News from CNA about Oil Spill Response in Nigeria December2018
EMSA Newsletter News from the European Maritime Safety Agency Current issue
GEF Newsletter Monthly Newsletter from the Global Environment Facility December 2019
GESAMP Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection Latest news
GISEA Quarterly Newsletter News from Global Initiative for South-East Asia Q4 2019
IMO News Magazine News from the International Maritime Organization Winter 2019
IMO Publishing Newsletter New and forthcoming IMO publications January 2020
ITOPF Ocean Orbit News from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation October 2019
JOIFF “The Catalyst” Int’l Organisation for Industrial Hazard Management Q1 2020 issue
Maritime Executive Magazine Often contains articles of interest to the spill response community Jan.-Feb. 2019
MOIG Newsletter News from the Mediterranean Oil Industry Group January 2020
Nautical Institute News News from the Nautical Institute October, 2019
Navigate Response Global crisis communications network for shipping & marine October 2019
NOAA OR&R Weekly round-up of news from NOAA’s Office of Response & Restoration Latest issue
Oceanbuzz Newsletter giving news on the Ocean Technology Industry Current issue
OCIMF Newsletter News from the Oil Companies International Marine Forum January 2020
OHMSETT Gazette Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility Quarterly Summer 2019
OSPAR Newsletter Protecting & Conserving the N.E. Atlantic and its resources End of year 2019
PEMSEA Newsletter Healthy oceans, people and economies in the East Asian Seas September, 2019
Pollution Online Newsletter News for pollution prevention & control professionals Current issue

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LINKS FOR DOWNLOADING & READING OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Safe Seas, Clean Seas Quarterly Newsletter from Maritime New Zealand July 2018 issue
Salvage World Quarterly Newsletter of the International Salvage Union Current issue
Sea Alarm Foundation Newsletter Oiled wildlife Preparedness and Response news from Sea Alarm Current issue
Technology Innovation News Survey News from US EPA – Contaminated Site Decontamination Jan. 1-15, 2020
USA EPA Tech Direct Remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater February 1, 2020
WestMOPoCo Western Mediterranean Region Marine Oil & HNS Pollution Cooperation January 2020
Your editor depends on regular receipt of updated URL links for listed publications. If these are not received, relevant entries will be discontinued.

INCIDENT REPORTS (IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)

IRELAND: MAY SHE REST IN PEACE ON THE ROCKS? GHOST SHIP BEACHED BY
STORM

February 16 - Abandoned and unmanned general cargo ship ALTA (ELIAS), anchored off Cork coast, Ireland, was pushed aground on
Feb 16 by storm Dennis, and remains beached on the rocks. The ship is hard aground in a legal sense also, for quite some time. There’s
dispute over her ownership and a mystery story of hijacking behind it. Understood Coast Guard is trying to find out owner, to task
him with refloating or wreck removal. The ship made quite a story last year, being distressed in the Atlantic and drifting for about a
year:
The mystery of cargo ship found in the Atlantic a year after she was abandoned Maritime Bulletin / Read more

February 17 - No impact on protected nature area from Cork shipwreck, says Council - Cork County Council has said that there are
no signs of contamination to the protected Ballycotton Bay as a result of yesterday evening’s wreck of an abandoned cargo ship off
East Cork.
Ballycotton Bay is a special protected area and home to endangered bird species including Ringland Plovers, Teals and Lapwings. The
Bay’s wetland habitats have also been identified of conservation significance for non-breeding waterbirds. Green News / Read more
Related article in CorkBeo

February 19 - Waste materials to be airlifted from MV Alta wreck - Oil and other waste materials are due to be airlifted from the
wreck of the MV Alta in Cork next week. “Cork County Council’s marine contractor is progressing well with preparations for the
removal of the oil and other materials identified which could pose a pollution risk in the event of their spillage,” the local authority
said in an update on Friday. Irish Times / Read more

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INCIDENT REPORTS (CONTINUED)
CANADA: CN TRAIN CARRYING CRUDE OIL DERAILS NEAR FORT FRANCES, ONT.
February 19 - Multiple rail cars are leaking crude oil after a CN Rail train derailment west of Fort Frances, Ont. A statement from the
railway said the incident occurred Tuesday night near Emo, and local emergency responders and provincial authorities were at the
scene Wednesday morning.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks spokesperson Gary Wheeler said five of the approximately 30 cars that
derailed have developed leaks. Wheeler said the leaking oil appears to have remained close to the area of the derailment, likely helped
by overnight temperatures of around –25 C. CBC News / Read more Related report and video in Global News

USA: OREGON - LOW LEVELS OF FUEL IN NORTH SANTIAM RIVER AFTER SPILL

February 20 - Gas that spilled into the North Santiam River after a tanker
crash last weekend continues to be detected in the river but not at levels
high enough to impact drinking water supply, state officials said Thursday.

A double-tanker truck crashed on Highway 22 east of Idanha on Sunday,

releasing 7,800 gallons of oil and gas into the soil and river and closing a
30-mile stretch of the highway all week.

All week, cleanup crews have dug up and hauled away petroleum-
contaminated soil. As of Wednesday, the crews had dug up and hauled
away about 2,300 cubic yards of contaminated soil. Dump trucks are taking
the contaminated soil to Coffin Butte Landfill near Corvallis.
Statesman Journal / Read more

HISTORY
HELPING SAVE 20,000 OILED PENGUINS IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
On June 23, 2000 the damaged bulk ore carrier MV
Treasure sank off the coast of South Africa between
Dassen and Robben islands, which support the largest
and third largest colonies of African Penguins
(Spheniscus demersus), worldwide. The worldwide
population of African penguins is numbered at less than
180,000 and dwindling. The ship spilled over 1,300 tons
of bunker oil, which immediately oiled thousands of
penguins on and around the islands.

The International Bird Rescue's response team was

immediately mobilized by the International Fund for
Animal Welfare (IFAW) who helped organize the
rehabilitation effort of over 20,000 oiled penguins.

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mistakes can occur. No liability for consequences of errors is accepted but, if an error is brought to our attention, a correction will be
printed in a following issue of this newsletter. Products and services featured in the ISCO Newsletter and/or the ISCO website,
including the International Directory of Spill Response Supplies and Services, have not been tested, approved or endorsed by ISCO.
Any claims made by suppliers of products or services are solely those of the suppliers and ISCO does not accept any liability for their
accuracy. It should not be assumed that views and opinions expressed in linked reports, articles and other content reflect the views
of the organization. Subscription is subject to acceptance of ISCO’s Terms and Conditions as published on the website
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