FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Christine Stewart

Applied Fabric Technologies Inc.

267-401-9447

cstewart@afti.com

In situ burning of oil at sea as a spill remediation technique came of age on the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  Previously, In situ burning had been reserved as a possible technique in arctic areas where remote locations, sensitive shoreline areas and difficult operating conditions require alternative techniques. Until the first burn team began operations during the spill, no one had seriously considered large scale burning at sea in a major spill response.

Conditions for burning were ideal. Large quantities of fresh crude oil, relatively calm waters and a skilled and motivated response team made this response a huge success. While statistics are still being compiled, it is possible that more than 440 burns lasting as long as 12 hours, dispatched as much as 350,000 bbls of oil. 

The operations consumed available fire boom from around the World. At the height of the response, more than 10 burn teams were operating at once: Skimming, igniting and towing burning oil to dispose of it.

AFTI/Desmi Ro-Clean was a leading provider of fire boom throughout the response. Our patented fire boom, PyroBoom™, was called in from around the world to be used in response operations. Considered one of the easiest to use, and one of the more durable boom, thousands of feet of PyroBoom™ were deployed. AFTI provided technical support and training for the response team to ensure that the boom was used in the most effective manner, extending boom life to as much as a full week of burning. We continue to build boom for new orders and replacement orders and develop emergency response plans. For more information, please visit www.appliedfabric.com or call (716) 662-0632.