ASTM F973-86(1993)e1

1.1 This guide covers recommendations for use of chemical dispersants to assist in the control of oil spills. This guide is written with the goal of minimizing the environmental impacts of oil spills; this goal is the basis upon which recommendations are made. Aesthetic and socioeconomic factors are not considered; although, these and other factors are often important in spill response.

1.2 Each on-scene coordinator has available several means of control or cleanup of spilled oil. In this guide, use of chemical dispersants is not to be considered as a last resort after other methods have failed. Chemical dispersants are to be given equal consideration with other spill countermeasures.

1.3 This is a general guide only, assuming the oil to be dispersable and the dispersant to be effective, available, applied correctly and in compliance with relevant government regulations. Oil, as used in this guide, includes crude oils and fuel oils (No. 1 through No. 6). Differences between individual dispersants or between different oils or products are not considered.

1.4 This guide covers one type of habitat, tidal flats. Other guides, similar to this one, cover habitats such as rocky shores. The use of dispersants is considered primarily to protect such habitats from impact (or minimize impacts) and also to clean them after the spill takes place.

1.5 This guide applies to marine and estuarine environments but not to freshwater environments.

1.6 In making dispersant-use decisions, appropriate government authorities should be consulted as required by law.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.