ARITIME FIRE & SAFETY ASSOCIATION
EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT Oil Spill Contingency Plan Holders, such as The Maritime Fire & Safety Association (MFSA), are required to test their abilities to respond to spills in their area by deploying response equipment at least twice per year. The MFSA and its Primary Response Contractor tested their capabilities on June 29, 2022. The states of Oregon and Washington, through the Northwest Area Committee, develop specific response strategies for the waterways in their jurisdiction. The plan for this deployment was an attempt to test how some of these strategies work during periods of high water and flow like we have been experiencing. The variations in river level impact how resources can be deployed – an island or shoreline that needs to be protected when water is at a normal level may be completely under water during high water conditions. Fast water causes anchors to be pulled out of location and response boom to be “entrained,” or sink below the surface of the river. Both of these factors proved to be too much for this particular response strategy. The drill is still a success, as the information learned is evaluated and passed on to the states to help improve responder knowledge. An equipment deployment drill or exercise is intended to demonstrate a contractor’s ability to physically contain or collect spilled oil. It enables the responders to remain familiar with equipment and geographic areas by practicing real-life, hands-on skills.
Clean Rivers’ Operations Manager giving a safety briefing before going out on the water.
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