Keys to Successful Response Waste Management Programs: Experience from Deepwater Horizon

Abstract

Developing, planning, and—when necessary—executing an effective Waste Management Program are critical to timely and efficient clean-up operations. Waste Management Programs include a written Waste Management Plan that is approved by the relevant regulatory agencies and a series of programs or initiatives that support the written plan. Both components are designed to provide a framework for safe and compliant recovery operations, and to assist with managing both short- and long-term potential environmental impacts related to the incident. This presentation reviews five key areas of an emergency response Waste Management Program and discusses them in the context of the Deepwater Horizon response in the Gulf of Mexico. The areas include talent needs, linkages to operations, data management, maintaining compliance, and green alternatives. Although each emergency response is unique, this presentation highlights key elements of effective Waste Management Programs and strategies.