Presentation
The UK Premiam Initiative – Updated guidelines and the application of science in post-spill environmental monitoring
DescriptionEstablishing the environmental impact of a spill incident is a crucial part of a comprehensive response and relies on an effective and coordinated environmental monitoring programme. The application of scientific methodologies is pivotal to understanding environmental impact, assessing risks for human and food safety and the effectiveness of response and clean-up operations. Neglecting this scientific approach can compromise outcomes, leading to challenges and confusion in disseminating information.
To address these risks, both to the scientific credibility and the responsiveness of implementing an effective programme, the Premiam (Pollution Response in Emergencies: Marine Impact Assessment and Monitoring) initiative was launched in the UK in 2009. Premiam is collaborative effort across government and industry, providing a forum for promoting best practice in post-spill environmental monitoring and a focus on establishing appropriate roles, responsibilities and communication for the implementation and co-ordination of impact assessment monitoring programmes. A cornerstone of the initiative is the ‘Premiam Post-incident Monitoring Guidelines’ (Kirby et al. 2018), a widely utilised resource that outlines the key principles and approaches for designing and conducting monitoring programmes in various incident and environment contexts. First published in 2011 and updated in 2018, the guidelines are currently undergoing further refinement, with the next edition anticipated in 2025.
The upcoming revised guidelines will incorporate valuable feedback from the response industry, insights from the Premiam session at the Interspill Conference (Amsterdam 2022) and input from UK and international government agencies. Notable enhancements could encompass new contaminants (e.g., plastic pellets), emerging monitoring techniques (e.g., visual imagery & AI), and expanded habitat types (e.g., corals, mangroves). This collaborative effort reflects the commitment of multiple government and industry stakeholders.
This paper serves as a prelude to the new guidelines, outlining key sections and updates. It emphasizes the pivotal role of science in post-spill environmental impact assessments, supported by relevant case studies. As environmental challenges evolve, the Premiam initiative remains at the forefront, adapting and advancing best practices for a more resilient and informed response to spill incidents.
To address these risks, both to the scientific credibility and the responsiveness of implementing an effective programme, the Premiam (Pollution Response in Emergencies: Marine Impact Assessment and Monitoring) initiative was launched in the UK in 2009. Premiam is collaborative effort across government and industry, providing a forum for promoting best practice in post-spill environmental monitoring and a focus on establishing appropriate roles, responsibilities and communication for the implementation and co-ordination of impact assessment monitoring programmes. A cornerstone of the initiative is the ‘Premiam Post-incident Monitoring Guidelines’ (Kirby et al. 2018), a widely utilised resource that outlines the key principles and approaches for designing and conducting monitoring programmes in various incident and environment contexts. First published in 2011 and updated in 2018, the guidelines are currently undergoing further refinement, with the next edition anticipated in 2025.
The upcoming revised guidelines will incorporate valuable feedback from the response industry, insights from the Premiam session at the Interspill Conference (Amsterdam 2022) and input from UK and international government agencies. Notable enhancements could encompass new contaminants (e.g., plastic pellets), emerging monitoring techniques (e.g., visual imagery & AI), and expanded habitat types (e.g., corals, mangroves). This collaborative effort reflects the commitment of multiple government and industry stakeholders.
This paper serves as a prelude to the new guidelines, outlining key sections and updates. It emphasizes the pivotal role of science in post-spill environmental impact assessments, supported by relevant case studies. As environmental challenges evolve, the Premiam initiative remains at the forefront, adapting and advancing best practices for a more resilient and informed response to spill incidents.
Event Type
Paper
TimeTuesday, May 14th3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Location298-299
Preparedness