Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) was one of the leaders in the development of the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) approach, and documentation protocols during the responses to the Nestucca and Exxon Valdez oil spills in 1988-1989. Since then, the SCAT shoreline program has become an integral component of spill response in Canada, the US and internationally. The SCAT is a systemic approach that uses standard terminology, documentation and decision-making for shore-line cleanup. It provides a clear organizational framework that links the SCAT process to both cleanup and logistical coordination. In July 2016 ECCC published “A Field Guide to Oil Spill Response on Marine Shorelines” and its 3rd edition of the SCAT manual will be published in early 2018.
There currently is no available Freshwater Shoreline Response Guide/Manual by ECCC. The experience gained from applications of the SCAT technique during marine and freshwater incidents over the past years by ECCC identified a number of areas in need of update, modification or clarification. As such, ECCC is leading an effort to develop a ECCC publication for Freshwater Shoreline Response Guide/Manual.
