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. The emphasis is on typical physical and biological attributes of coastal habitats that could be at risk from marine 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 Characteristic Coastal Habitats, and the API 4706 Publication Environmental Considerations for Marine Oil Spill Response.

1.2 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 , Referenced Documents.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.