Case Studies Session #2: Spill & Response

Brian Falk – Director of Safety, Kirby Marine

 

Brian reviews an asphalt unplanned release in a remote part of the Gulf Intercoastal Canal,  covering the challenges of remote cleanup operations that involved moving several hundred responders into a small town. This amplified the logistics of supplying food, water, shelter, and facilities for the responders without overwhelming the community, who itself had limited resources. In addition, the cleanup was conducted in summer which presented a challenge with procurement of ice, shade, and water. Also, the incident crossed a state line, leading to political considerations and a need for agreement on what “clean” looks like when restoring a dynamic waterway overseen by two states and the federal government.