ASTM F2464-22

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2464 − 12 (Reapproved 2018) F2464 − 22
Standard Guide for
Cleaning of Various Oiled Shorelines and Habitats
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2464; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide provides information on shoreline types and sensitive habitats that can be used as guidance for selecting appropriate
cleaning techniques following an oil spill. This guide does not address protected archaeological, historical, or cultural sites.
1.2 This guide’s emphasis is on typical physical and biological attributes of coastal and inland habitats that could be at risk from
oil spills. It reviews and encompasses the entire spectrum of shoreline types representing a wide range of sensitivities. It is largely
based on NOAA’s and API’s publications listed in Section 2.
1.3 This guide provides only very broad guidance on cleaning strategies for the various habitats. For more in-depth guidance, the
reader is referred to Section 2, Referenced Documents.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F2205 Guide for Ecological Considerations for the Use of Chemical Dispersants in Oil Spill Response: Tropical Environments
2.2 Other Publications:
API Publication 4706 Environmental Considerations for Marine Oil Spill Response, 2001
API and NOAA 4558 Options for Minimizing Environmental Impacts of Freshwater Spill Response, 1995
NOAA Characteristic Coastal Habitats, Choosing Spill Response Alternatives, June 2010
3. Significance and Use
3.1 One of the key considerations in making sound cleanup decisions for oiled shorelines is the relative sensitivity of the impacted
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F20.17
on Shoreline and Inland Countermeasures.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018Sept. 1, 2022. Published November 2018October 2022. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20122018
as F2464 – 12.F2464 – 12(2018). DOI: 10.1520/F2464-12R18.10.1520/F2464-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L. St., NW, Washington, DC 20005-4070, http://www.api.org.
Available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Room 6217, Washington, DC 20230.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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area. Some areas are very sensitive and certain cleaning methods could cause more harm than benefit. In such cases, natural
recovery will be the preferred approach. In other cases, depending on the type of oil, the amount of oil present may be so extensive
that recovery will be significantly delayed or not occur at all unless active intervention is carried out.
3.2 This guide presents summary information taken from publications listed in Section 2 on the relative physical and biological
sensitivities of shorelines for coastal and inland habitats. Use this guide together with the referenced publications and ASTM guides
to make informed decisions prior to undertaking cleaning operations. Consult appropriate government agencies according to law.
3.3 The relative sensitivities of shorelines and resources relate to a number of factors:
3.3.1 Shoreline type (substrate, grain size, tidal elevation, etc.),
3.3.2 Biological productivity, diversity and vulnerability,
3.3.3 Exposure to wave and tidal energy, and
3.3.4 Ability to conduct cleanup without further damage.
4. Description and Relative Sensitivity of Shorelines
4.1 This section summarizes the types of shorelines and habitats that may be impacted by an oil spill. The Environmental
Sensitivity Index (ESI) is frequently used to characterize relative sensitivity of shorelines to oil spills. Areas exposed to high levels
of physical energy and containing low biological activity would rank low (ESI=1, example: exposed rocky shores). Sheltered areas
with associated high biological activity have the highest ranking (ESI=10, example: mangroves). Broad guidelines are provided
on preferred strategies for cleaning these shorelines following an oil spill incident.
4.2 Exposed Rocky Shores—Also known as exposed wave-cut cliffs. The intertidal zone is steep (more than 3030° to 45º45° slope)
and narrow with little width. Access can be difficult and dangerous. Sediment accumulation is uncommon and usually transitory
because waves remove the debris from the eroding cliffs. There is strong vertical zonation of intertidal biological communities.
Species density and diversity vary greatly but can be abundant. Oil would generally be held offshore by reflection of the waves.
However, pockets of stranded oil can occur. Any oil that is deposited would be rapidly removed naturally. Cleanup is usually not
required.
4.3 Exposed Man-made Structures—These are solid structures such as seawalls, piers, and port facilities. They are common in
developed areas, providing protection to residential and industrial zones. Many structures are constructed of concrete, wood, stone,
or metal. They are built to protect from erosion by waves, boat wakes, and currents. They are exposed to rapid natural removal
processes. Attached animals and plants are sparse to moderate. Oil would be held offshore by waves reflecting off the steep, hard
surfaces in exposed settings. Cleanup may not be required. All cleanup techniques may be appropriate including surface-washing
agents.
4.4 Exposed Wave-Cut Platforms and Sheltered Bedrock Habitats—These habitats are characterized by gently sloping bedrock
shelves, called platforms, of highly variable width. A steep scarp or low bluff may back the shoreline. They often co-occur with
gravel beaches. The platform surface is irregular and cracks, crevices, and tidal pools are common. Small accumulations of gravel
can be found in the tidal pools and crevices in the platform. Areas of sandy veneer can occur on the platform in less exposed
settings. These habitats can support large populations of encrusting animals and plants, including barnacles, snails, mussels, and
macroalgae. Birds and seals use platforms for feeding and resting during low tide. Oil does not adhere to the wet surface, but could
penetrate crevices or sediment veneers. Cleanup may not be necessary. Pockets of stranded oil may occur. If the area is accessible,
it may be feasible to manually remove heavy oil accumulations and oiled debris.
4.5 Sand Habitats—Sand habitats are generally flat to moderately sloping and relatively hard-packed. Sand habitats include sand
bars and banks along rivers. In developed areas, sand habitats can be man-made for the purpose of recreation. In exposed coastal
areas, they are commonly backed by dunes or seawalls. There can be heavy accumulations of stranded marine vegetation or other
debris. Sand habitats can undergo rapid erosion/deposition cycles as currents and storms relocate the sand. Sand habitats have low
to medium sensitivity. In developed areas, sand habitats used as recreational beaches are considered sensitive for economic reasons.
Biological populations are typically of low density except if the habitat is in a protected area and contains muddy sediments. Birds
use sand habitats for resting, feeding, and nesting. Turtles use these habitats to lay their eggs. Oil penetration can be as much as
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15 cm in fine- to medium-grain sand and up to 30 cm in coarse-grain sand. Cleanup should concentrate on manually removing
persistent oil and oily debris. On recreational beaches, extensive cleanup is required. Replacement with clean sand having the
appropriate composition, grain-size, and color may be necessary if large amounts of sand are removed during cleanup.
4.6 Tundra Cliffs—These shorelines are found in extremely cold regions near permafrost areas. They are generally comprised of
vegetation overlying peat and permafrost. The cliff height ranges from less than 1 metre to as much as 10 metres. The vegetation
on the tundra is a living plant community that is sensitive to disturbance. The main users of this shoreline are migratory birds
during the summer season and they are most at risk by oiling. Oil can be removed from beach deposits by sorbents or by manual
and mechanical methods as long as there is no damage to the peat substrate. Access may be limited due to fragility of tundra
vegetation.
4.7 Mixed Sand and Gravel Habitats—These moderately sloping habitats contain significant (over 25 % each) amounts of both
sand and gravel. The high-tide berm area is usually composed of sand and fine gravel and the lower part is coarser with cobbles
to boulders. In glaciated areas, large boulders may occur. Mixed sand and gravel habitats occur along lakes and as bars along rivers
and streams. There can be large-scale changes in the sediment distribution patterns depending upon season, because of the transport
of sand offshore during storms. Desiccation and sediment mobility on exposed areas result in low densities of attached animals
and plants. The presence of algae, mussels, and barnacles indicate coastal habitats that are relatively sheltered. In freshwater areas,
worms and insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges may burrow in mixed sand and gravel habitats. This habitat may
include fish spawning areas, birds, and mammals. Oil penetration and sediment deposition can result in subsurface oil layers at
depths of over a metre. If the sand fraction exceeds 40 %, oil behavior will be much as it is for a sand habitat. Heavy accumulations
of oil should be removed using low-pressure flushing. All oiled debris should be removed; sediment removal should be limited as
much as possible as erosion is a concern. In coastal areas, relocation of oiled sediment from high-tide zones to upper intertidal
zones can be effective in areas regularly exposed to wave activity.
4.8 Gravel Habitats—These habitats are composed of substrate ranging in size from pebbles to boulders. They can be very steep,
with multiple wave-built berms forming the upper beach. Density of animals and plants in the upper intertidal zone is low on
exposed habitats, but can be high on sheltered gravel habitats and on the lower intertidal zone. Gravel habitats occur along lakes
and as bars along rivers and streams. In freshwater areas, biological communities are of low density. Adult insects and larvae
(mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and midges) live among the gravel. Flatworms, leeches, and crustaceans also occur. Fish spawning
areas may occur in this habitat. Stranded oil is likely to penetrate deeply into gravel habitats because of the high permeability/pore
space. Heavy accumulations of pooled oil should be removed quickly. All oiled debris should be removed. Substrate removal
should be limited as much as possible due to the slow rate of natural replenishment in freshwater areas.
4.9 Vegetated Shoreline Habitats—These habitats occur in non-wetland banks of rivers and lakes. The slopes of these habitats may
be gentle or steep. Characteristic vegetation include grasses, bushes, and trees. Leaf litter and woody debris can be trapped among
the vegetation. Lawns and gardens may occur along a river or lake in developed areas. Sediments range from clay to gravel.
Seasonal flooding may occur along the banks with high-energy removal conditions. Many species of animals use vegetated banks
as important habitats. Oil can penetrate sediments and contact root systems. On gentle banks, oil may contaminate large areas of
vegetation. Various cleanup methods may be appropriate such as vacuuming, sorbent use, low-pressure flushing, removal of oily
debris, use of surface-washing agents, burning, and cutting of oiled vegetation.
4.10 Freshwater Mud Habitats—Mud habitats occur along river floodplains and lake bottoms that are exposed during seasonal low
water levels. These habitats are typically found in low-energy areas and often associated with wetlands. This habitat is often a
natural collection area for debris and spilled oil. Sediments are predominantly silt and clay but may be mixed with sand and gravel.
The sediments are typically water saturated. Vegetation cover varies. Invertebrate communities may be abundant in the sediment.
As a result, mud habitats are important feeding grounds for birds and as nursery areas for fish. Oil will generally not penetrate the
sediment except through animal burrows and decaying root and stem holes. These habitats are very sensitive (ESI = 9) to oil and
response operations. Access may be limited due to shallow water, vegetation, and soft substrate. Care must be taken during clean
up to minimize erosion and prevent mixing the oil deeper into the sediments.
4.11 Riprap—Riprap is composed of cobble- to boulder-sized blocks of granite, limestone, concrete, or other materials which are
intentionally added for the protection of shorelines. Examples are breakwaters and jetties around inlets and marinas. Riprap is
common in highly developed waterfront areas. Attached biological communities vary from rich to sparse. Birds use riprap as
roosting sites. Persistent oil can penetrate deeply between the riprap and can readily adhere to rough surfaces. High pressure
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ambient water flushing and use of surface-washing agents may be effective for removal if the oil is fresh and liquid, but the oil
must be recovered. Special care must be taken in cleaning riprap as personnel injuries have been often reported for this particular
shoreline type.
4.12 Exposed Tidal Flats—These are broad intertidal areas composed primarily of sand and mud and minor amounts of gravel.
Tidal currents and waves are strong enough to mobilize the sediment. Flats are usually associated with another shoreline type such
as wetlands on the landward side, though they can also occur as separate shoals. They are commonly associated with estuaries and
tidal inlets. Seagrass beds may occur on the lower edges of tidal flats. Large numbers of sediment-dwelling invertebrates may be
present. Tidal flats are heavily used by birds for roosting and foraging, and are rearing areas for fish and shellfish. Oil does not
usually adhere to the surface of exposed tidal flats but will move across and accumulate at the high-tide line. Currents and waves
are very effective in natural removal of the oil. Heavy machinery or other aggressive techniques are not recommended for cleanup.
4.13 Sheltered Rocky Shores and Clay Scarps—Rocky shorelines consist of bedrock of variable slope, ranging from vertical to
wide rocky ledges, which are sheltered from most wave and tidal energy. Species density and diversity vary greatly. Clay scarps
frequently occur along bays and man-made waterways. Clay scarps provide important nursery grounds for fish and feeding areas
for birds. Clay substrate may have numerous holes from animal burrows and root cavities. These habitats should be assigned high
priority when establishing protection zones. Oil will generally not adhere to wet surfaces such as algae-covered rock and clay
sediment, so it will end up on dry, rough rock surfaces, particularly at the high-tide line. If oil is to be removed, use only
low-pressure and ambient temperature flushing of the rocky surfaces at high tide so that oil can be recovered before it can impact
biologically rich areas in the lower tidal zones.
4.14 Peat Shorelines—Peat shorelines are formed from eroding tundra cliffs that are adjacent to intertidal zones. These shorelines
are found in Alaska and in Arctic regions. Erosion of peat shorelines occurs from wave action, ice sco
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