1.1 This guide covers recommendations for use of chemicaldispersants to assist in the control of oil spills and is writtenwith the goal of minimizing the environmental impacts of oilspills. Aesthetic and socioeconomic factors are not considered;although, these and other factors are often important in spillresponse.

1.2 Each on-scene commander has available several means ofcontrol or cleanup of spilled oil. In this guide, use of chemicaldispersants should not be considered as a last resort after othermethods have failed. Chemical dispersants should be given equalconsideration with other spill countermeasures.

1.3 This guide presents general guidelines only. The oil isassumed to be dispersible and the dispersant to be effective,available, applied correctly, and in compliance with relevantgovernment regulations. Oil, as used in this guide, includes crudeoils and fuel oils. Differences between individual dispersants andto a certain degree, differences between different oils are notconsidered.

1.4 This guide is one of several related to dispersantconsiderations in different environments. The other standards arelisted in Section 2.

1.5 This guide applies to marine and estuarine environments butnot to freshwater environments.

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

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establishappropriate safety and health practices and determine theapplicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.