Safe and effective threshold determination reports

The report is two-fold:  It is a detailed analysis based on historical environmental data collected for the site of the transfer operation(s); and it contains the manufacturer’s design parameters and operational recommendations for boom performance. The report must also evaluate the safety of personnel involved in boom deployment and the potential for oil recovery, with respect to factors such as:

• Sea and wave conditions.
• Water-current velocity.
• Wind speed.
• Other conditions such as vessel traffic, fishing activities, or other site-specific factors that could influence the oil transfer operation.

We require a safe and effective threshold determination report to be submitted for each location that a delivering vessel or facility plans to conduct Rate A transfers, at least 120 days before the first transfer operation. All reports will be subject to a 30-day public comment period. We will issue an approval, conditional approval, or disapproval letter within 90 days of receiving the report. Our approvals are valid for five years.

For more help:

• Guidance for Review of Safe and Effective Threshold Determination Reports. Provides help in preparing the report, as well as a description of our review process and checklists.
• 173-180-224 WAC. Provides detailed reporting requirements for facilities.
• 173-184-130 WAC. Provides detailed reporting requirements for vessels.