1.1This guide covers the use of oil spill dispersants to assist in the control of oil spills. This guide is written with the goal of minimizing the environmental impacts of oil spills; this goal is the basis on which the recommendations are made. Aesthetic and socioeconomic factors are not considered, although these and other factors are often important in spill response.

1.2Spill responders have available several means to control or clean up spilled oil. In this guide, the use of dispersants is given equal consideration with other spill countermeasures. It is not considered as “last resort” after all other methods have failed.

1.3This is a general guide only. Oil, as used in this guide, includes crude oils and refined petroleum products. Differences between individual dispersants or between different oil products are not considered.

1.4This guide is organized by habitat type, for example, small ponds and lakes, rivers and streams, and land. It considers the use of dispersants primarily to protect habitats from impact (or to minimize impacts).

1.5This guide applies only to freshwater and other inland environments. It does not consider the direct application of dispersants to subsurface waters.

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

1.7This 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.