One of the key considerations in making sound clean-up decisions for oiled shorelines and marine resources is the relative sensitivity of the impacted area. Some areas may be so sensitive that cleaning methods could cause more harm than benefit. In such cases, natural recovery will be the preferred approach. In other cases, depending on the type of oil, the amount of oil present may be so extensive that recovery will be significantly delayed or not occur at all unless active intervention is carried out.

This guide presents summary information taken from API Publication 4706 and NOAA Publication Characteristic Coastal Habitats on the relative physical and biological sensitivities of shorelines and other marine habitats. It is to be used along with Guides F 1686, F 1687, and F 2204 as well as the other referenced publications to make informed decisions prior to undertaking cleaning operations.

The relative sensitivities of shorelines and resources relate to a number of factors:

3.3.1 Shoreline type (substrate, grain size, tidal elevation, etc.),

3.3.2 Biological productivity, diversity and vulnerability,

3.3.3 Exposure to wave and tidal energy, and

3.3.4 Ability to conduct cleanup without undue ancillary damage.

1.1 This guide provides information on shoreline types and sensitive habitats that can be used as guidance for selecting appropriate cleaning techniques following an oil spill. The emphasis is on typical physical and biological attributes of coastal habitats that could be at risk from marine oil spills. It reviews and encompasses the entire spectrum of shoreline types representing a wide range of sensitivities. It is largely based on NOAA's Characteristic Coastal Habitats, and the API 4706 Publication Environmental Considerations for Marine Oil Spill Response.

1.2 This guide provides only very broad guidance on cleaning strategies for the various habitats. For more in-depth guidance, the reader is referred to Section , Referenced Documents.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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.