cleanup operations in inland waters. The Department of Defense provides' 

 assistance in critical spill situations, and NOAA provides scientific advisory 

 services and environmental forecasts. 



The Coast Guard uses aircraft as well as cutters in surveillance to detect 

 discharges and spills of unknown origin. It is also determining the feasibility 

 of remote-sensing techniques for detecting oil slicks. A national strike force 

 is maintained with components on all coasts for deployment in cleanup 

 operations, and a National Pollution Response Center has been established 

 by the Coast Guard. The Center will house an information system to provide 

 the on-scene coordinator with real-time information about local environ- 

 mental and weather conditions, possible hazards resulting from the nature 

 of the spilled substances, and other dangers that may be encountered in the 

 operation. Most spills are of minor consequences, and the discharger acts 

 to combat the spillage. In these cases, the on-scene coordinator provides 

 advice, monitors the operation, and documents the case for possible enforce- 

 ment action. 



An estimated 50 spills requiring direct cleanup action by the Coast Guard 

 occurred in 1971. In the 5-month period, July through November 1971, 

 the Coast Guard reported 4,000 spills, 294 of which were knowing actions 

 by dischargers and 37 of which were instances of failure to report a spill. In 

 addition to these incidents, several oil-drilling rig fires occurred during the 

 year, but the oil companies were able to control them and avoid apparent 

 major damage to the environment. 



As the Coast Guard Cutter Point Thatcher stands by, marine engineers test an 

 experimental floating oil barrier during a simulated oil spill. Soybean oil, which is 

 nontoxic and biodegradable, is used in place of crude oil. 



18 



