A new ASTM International standard will be a useful document for vendors, buyers and regulators in determining the applicability of different types of booms to be used for oil spill response. ASTM F2683, Guide for Selection of Booms for Oil Spill Response, was developed by Subcommittee F20.11 on Control, part of ASTM International Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response.

Stephen Potter, managing director, SL Ross Environmental Research Ltd., and chairman of F20.11, notes that ASTM F2683 lists the main advantages and disadvantages of different boom types in a variety of oil spill scenarios.

“On-scene response coordinators, planners, oil spill management teams, oil spill removal organizations, plan evaluators, and boom manufacturers and suppliers will be the primary users of ASTM F2683,” says Potter.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate in the standards development work of F20. The committee is currently working on proposed standards for safely operating boom reel assemblies and for the towing and anchoring of booms.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/).  ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee F20 Next Meeting: Nov. 1-2, 2011, October Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.
Technical Contact: Stephen G. Potter, SL Ross Environmental Research Ltd., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Phone: 613-232-1564; steve@slross.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Jeff Adkins, Phone: 610-832-9738; jadkins@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8928