Penetration of diluted bitumen on shorelines in the event of a marine spill

The goal of this research is to create a knowledge tool that can assist responders to act quickly and effectively in the event of a marine oil spill. In order to accomplish this goal, we will (1) develop a simple field test to gauge shoreline permeability in relation to stranded diluted bitumen on natural shorelines; (2) compare those findings against a series of experiments recently conducted by Environment Canada in a project named Bit_Ex; and (3) develop maps that estimate potential diluted bitumen retention for areas along British Columbia?s coast. Such
information can be utilized to identify specific areas of danger when shipping dilbit and could aid in contingency planning. Additionally, if a dilbit spill were to occur, the product of this research would aid the emergency responders by providing them vital information about bitumen?s retention and penetration on a given shoreline.
The industrial partners a company with its primary focus on coastal sensitive habitat mapping which is use in oil spill response. The void that this research will fill allows for CORI to stay on the leading edge of shoreline response research which ultimately strengthens their presence in the industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dan Smith

Student:

Lee A. S. Britton

Partner:

Coastal and Ocean Resources

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

University of Victoria