1.1This guide covers considerations in determining net environmental benefit of dispersant use on oil spills. This guide is applicable to both surface and sub-surface application. The purpose of this guide is to minimize environmental and socioeconomic impacts of oil spills.

1.2Net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA) should be conducted as part of oil spill contingency planning.

1.3There are many methods to control, cleanup or treat oil spills. Dispersants should be given equal consideration with other spill response options.

1.4Only general guidance is provided here. For the purposes of this guide, it is assumed that the crude or fuel oil is dispersible to some extent. The dispersant is also assumed to be relatively effective, applied correctly, and in compliance with relevant government regulations. Differences between commercial dispersants or between different oils are not considered in this guide.

1.5This guide applies to marine and estuarine environments only.

1.6When 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.