Topics
 SCAT
Shoreline Types
Cleanup Standards
Publications
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What is SCAT?
During oil spill response, Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Teams (SCAT) systematically survey and document
the affected area to provide a rapid and accurate geographic picture of shoreline oiling conditions.
The information is used to develop real-time decisions regarding shoreline treatment and cleanup operations.
The SCAT approach and documentation protocols were initially developed over ten years ago during the Nestucca
and Exxon Valdez spill response. Today, SCAT is an integral component of spill preparedness and response in
Canada, the USA, and several other countries. The SCAT approach has been used on many spills, in a variety
of ways, and it has been modified by SCAT teams to meet a range of specific spill conditions.
The SCAT Manual: Second Edition
The approach generally used worldwide is based on the standard terms, definitions and process developed by
Environment Canada in the early 1990�s. The updated standard for SCAT is now contained in the 2000 edition
of �The SCAT Manual�. It incorporates the experience of recent spill usage, contains new add-ins, and was
developed in consultation with US Agencies (NOAA, TGLO and Cal OSPR) to enhance uniformity and compatibility
where modifications had occurred due to agency specific adaptations. The 108-page pocket manual is printed
on 4�� x 7� (12 x18 cm) waterproof paper.
Order SCAT Manual
Standard Terms and Definitions
One of the fundamental principles of shoreline assessment surveys is the use of standard terms and definitions.
These provide a basis for the collection of consistent and accurate data during the systematic documentation and description of oiled
shorelines. Terms and definitions are available in the SCAT Manual or
on request.
Shoreline Oiling Forms
Different shoreline oiling documentation and survey forms have been developed. These can be modified to reflect
the specific shoreline or oiling conditions of a spill, bearing in mind the essential SCAT data requirements
and documentation techniques outlined in the SCAT Manual. The standard generic forms relate to temperate tidal
coastal environments.
The
Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) form
is the standard template and most commonly used format for most spills and shorelines.
(Microsoft Excel format: SOS FORM.xls )
Modified versions of the SOS form include
| • | Arctic and Winter SOS form: A marine Shoreline Oiling Form for Arctic, winter, snow and shore-fast ice conditions. |
| • | Short SOS Form and Short Winter/Snow SOS Form for non-Technical 1st responders or where oiling conditions are very uniform. |
| • | Tar Ball Oiling Summary for use on spills where only tar balls or tar patties wash up on the shore or where there is only oiled debris. |
| • | Wetland Oiling Summary for use on spills where a wetland or marsh has been oiled. |
| • | Tidal Flat Oiling Summary for use on spills where a wide flat intertidal area has been oiled. |
Adaptations of the SOS forms for other environments are
| • | Large Freshwater Lakes |
| • | Rivers |
| • | Arctic Rivers |
| • | Streams |
| • | Mangroves |
| • | Coral |
Contact here for versions of modified or adapted SOS forms
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