U.S. NAVY SALVAGE REPORT DEEPWATER HORIZON ... - ESSM

Chapter 5: Operations
used alternative ways to anchor the boom ends. One strategy was to tie off booms to existing
well heads, as documented in the East Bay Booming Operations image below (Figure 5-17). A
second strategy used to defer anchor requirements was employed when deploying boom at the
Biloxi Marsh Project. Pilings were driven every 500 feet and used to anchor the boom. As a
result, more anchors and mooring chain were available than were ultimately needed.
5-5 Decontamination
Figure 5-17. Booming Operations off of East Bay, LA on June 22, 2010
demonstarting use of well heads as anchoring point for boom.
Decontamination of oil fouled equipment was necessary before removing that gear from
deployed status. The USCG established and managed the decontamination process that proved
effective although somewhat slow. After SUPSALV’s MARCO skimmer was overturned on 15
June, SUPSALV began the process of returning the vessel to the Cheatham ESSM Facility for
refitting. After salvaging the boat and returning it to port, it was discovered that no
decontamination system or procedures had been implemented. SUPSALV performed the
decontamination based on its own procedures with Coast Guard approval. Once implemented
by the UAC, Resolve Marine and others provided decontamination services for the ICS. The
system was effective but the nature of the activity slowed the overall redeployment process.
When possible, equipment that was returned to Gulfport was decontaminated by ESSM staff at
the State Pier. Figure 5-18 is a picture of SUPSALV material staged for cleaning at the
Theodore / Resolve Marine Decontamination Facility.
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