Oil spillsFederal mapping tool used in Gulf spill expanded to Arctic

Published 2 August 2012

A new federal interactive online mapping tool used by emergency responders during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has been expanded to include the Arctic, and will help address numerous challenges in the Arctic posed by increasing ship traffic and proposed energy development

A new federal interactive online mapping tool used by emergency responders during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has been expanded to include the Arctic, and will help address numerous challenges in the Arctic posed by increasing ship traffic and proposed energy development.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), called the Environmental Response Management Application, known as ERMA, an important step forward for the Arctic region.

“The addition of Arctic ERMA will be a tremendous benefit to responders in this rapidly developing region,” said Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This scientific tool could provide essential information in responding to potential oil spills and pollution releases in the Arctic.”

“We are committed to a comprehensive, science-based approach to energy policy in the Arctic,” said Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes. “This initiative is part of the Administration’s commitment to continuing the expansion of safe and responsible production of our domestic resources and is an exciting step forward in our efforts to collect, synthesize and deliver relevant information to decision-makers.”

“I know first-hand how critical it is for emergency responders to have the common operating picture ERMA provides,” said BSEE director James A. Watson. “With the potential for oil and natural gas development, as well as increased shipping activity offshore Alaska, it is essential that responders have access to real-time information that provides full situational awareness. That’s why I’m so pleased that BSEE was able to partner with NOAA to help complete this invaluable application.”

NOAA says that ERMA brings together all of the available information needed for an effective emergency response in the Arctic. In an emergency situation, ERMA is equipped with near real-time oceanographic observations and weather data from NOAA, and critical environmental, commercial, and industrial data information from BSEE, and numerous other federal and state response agencies. Responders can further customize the tool with environmental, logistical, and operational data such as fishery closure areas, resources at risk maps, and mariner notices, depending on the need.

Integrating and synthesizing real-time and static data into a single interactive map, ERMA provides a quick visualization of the situation, improving communication and coordination among responders and stakeholders. NOAA developed Arctic ERMA to be better prepared for escalating energy exploration and transportation activity in the region.

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