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Based on an actual spill event, this case history was originally published in the Oil Spill Bulletin and Environmental Review (OSBER), a monthly journal published by Alba International Ltd., based in Aberdeen, Scotland.  It was reprinted in the ISCO Newsletter during June 2012. One ISCO member, Brian O’Connor, of the Canberra and Regions Oil Industry Response Group in Australia found the article so useful that he had it reprinted as a booklet for training purposes.

The response action was a complete success, preventing the pollution of one of Scotland’s greatest fishing rivers. A key feature of the response was the construction of a large interceptor dam which provided a 100% effective failsafe barrier for an extended time during which heavily overgrown watercourses were cleaned, removing all traces of fuel and and oiled vegetation.

Another interesting point was a successful co-operation between the experienced Alba team and several employees of the affected industrial premises during an extended and labour intensive clean-up operation.

When the clean-up operations were completed, a splendid Ceilidh (celebration) was held at the local inn. With fiddle and accordion music everyone had a great time and many drams were consumed. This was a spill response looked back on with good memories for everyone involved.