Case Study Xodus AURORA personnel developed the oil spill plan for the Flotta Terminal. The plan was produced in parallel with the development of the Orkney Harbours spill plans for all its harbours, including the Scapa Flow Oil Port. By producing these plans side by side, it was possible to ensure that the two sets of plans dove-tailed, allowing effective use of resources and personnel in the event of a spill in Scapa Flow. “The development of these plans demonstrated the effectiveness of a good working relationship between consultant and client and enabled full involvement of all relevant personnel and local government.” – John Taylor, Shipping Superintendent.

Contingency Planning
Priority in the planning of any new development is the prevention of accidental events both through design and operational processes. Nevertheless, planning is always required in order to ensure any emergency event is dealt with promptly and efficiently by appropriately trained staff. Xodus AURORA has extensive experience of undertaking contingency planning for a range of emergency events including oil and chemical spills, major accident hazards and other industry specific issues such as large scale aquaculture escapes.

Oil spill contingency plans are a statutory requirement for the oil and gas industry and harbour authorities in the UK and internationally. Risk assessment is used to identify potential spill scenarios and environmental / socio-economic sensitivities in order to establish response resources and procedures in the event of a spill. Spill prevention, clear and concise documented procedures and staff training also forms a key element to this service.

Xodus AURORA personnel have extensive UK and international experience of providing oil spill and chemical spill planning support to meet UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, US Environmental Protection Agency and World Bank requirements.

Xodus AURORA is also able to work closely with the TSR Division in other areas of contingency planning for example under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations where there can be a combination of environmental and safety aspects to consider. Such studies include detailed hazard identification, environmental risk assessment and use of emissions modelling software (e.g. atmospheric emissions) where appropriate.