Clean Gulf provides aerial dispersant application capabilities to its members via a contract with Airborne Support Inc. (ASI) located in Houma, LA. A CGA funded Basler BT-67 and a Twin Commander spotter aircraft are maintained at ASI to provide the ability to apply 2,000 gallons of dispersant (per load) onto oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico within hours. The Basler has a 200 mph flight speed and an adjustable spray application rate (5 gallon/acre rule of thumb). Because of relatively low application heights (less than 100') the Twin Commander flies above to provide direction of when to spray. All application of dispersants is done with the approval of the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) and monitored by the Coast Guard SMART Team. All four CGA 46' FRVs have the capability to apply dispersant as well.
CGA’s latest investment will significantly improve the efficiency of dispersants which can be critical in minimizing or preventing the effects of oil on the environment during spill response.
