Specialized mechanical equipment for shoreline cleanup

Abstract

A study of mechanical equipment for shoreline cleaning, sponsored by the Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC), resulted in a catalog of over 100 products. The compilation includes mobile and stationary units, lifters and separators, washer and flood systems, vacuum and suction, and treatment equipment. A review of equipment performance identified machinery that is potentially capable of treating up to 3 ha/hr of shoreline. Sediment processing rates vary from 2 m 3/hr to 130 m 3/hr. Oil removal efficiencies of over 99% are reported for some treatment units. Despite the encouraging numbers, most equipment is suited only for a limited range of substrates or oil types. Numerous systems are available for medium- to high-viscosity oil on solid, impermeable substrates and for sand shorelines, but few devices are effective for the cleanup of mixed coarse sediment and boulder beaches or for mud and organic substrates. Test protocols are required to evaluate the efficiency or effects of these systems and to make comparisons. Guidelines for equipment selection are provided for four oil groups and six substrate classes.