Environment Canada SCAT Manual 3rd Edition: What’s New in SCAT?

Abstract

The Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) is an accepted concept for the description and documentation of oiled shorelines. The field data provide systematic, science-based information that is evaluated by a spill management team as they decide on appropriate shoreline response priorities, treatment techniques, and treatment completion end points. The process is flexible and adaptable for spill responses of different scales and in the full range of Canadian coastal environments. The Third Edition of the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) SCAT Manual provides a current (2016) best practice guide for Canadian shorelinesthat, with appropriate environmental modifications, can be applied globally. The purpose of the revised SCAT Manual is to provide advice and guidance as a shoreline assessment survey program and a field and data management plan are developed for each unique spill situation. The Manual is organized to describe the key elements of:the organization and management of SCAT programs;field SCAT data collection strategies and techniques;SCAT data management and post-field information processing; andthe recommendations and decisions that depend on the SCAT field data. The Appendices include a Field Job Aid, which presents standard SCAT shoreline and oiling terms and definitions and a set of standard field data forms that may be used to document shoreline oiling, and a Management Job Aid to assist with management, planning, and logistics.