UNPRECENDENTED DEMONSTRATION OF SOLIDIFIERS GIVEN

The recreation of a catastrophic petrochemical spill on a small scale showed the power of solidifiers at the recent Mexico-United States Joint Pacific Response Team meeting. Through a live demonstration on the Pacific Ocean, C.I.Agent Solutions presented solidifier technology to more than 70 officials from the U.S and Mexico. Attendees saw C.I.Agent transform diesel and motor oil into a harmless, rubber-like mass during the event, held in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. C.I.Agent Solutions was invited to the meeting, which is an unusual occurrence for manufacturers. Present were U.S.-based RRT Region IX agencies such as EPA, NOAA, USDOI, California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) and the Mexico counterpart agencies, as well as the USCG 11th District Admiral and Mexico's 2nd Naval Region Admiral. After C.I.Agent Solutions president/CEO Dan Parker gave a thorough explanation of solidifier C.I.Agent, a cost-effective, EPA-NCP approved spill containment solution, the group went onto a dock. Inside a 30' diameter hard boom, C.I.Agent Solutions deployed a 50' soft boom containing C.I.Agent, then 4 gallons of a motor oil and diesel combination were poured into the Pacific Ocean. Dissolvable packs of C.I.Agent were applied to the spill, quickly turning it into a non-hazardous, rubber-like mass. Within 25 minutes, most of the solidified waste was recovered with nets. After another 1-1/2 hours, all the sheen and leftover polymers were completely removed. A total of just 10 lbs. of C.I.Agent was used. "It's very unusual for a demonstration to occur at one of these meetings, but we're introducing a whole new technology," said Parker. "Solidifiers offer an unprecedented level of instant containment and comprehensive spill clean-up to supplement or replace current methods." Because spills usually drift south along the Pacific coast, the MEXUS oil spill contingency plan between the U.S. and Mexico was instituted. As part of MEXUS, the Joint Pacific Response Team meets at least twice a year to maintain procedures and support the plan. Subsequent to this meeting, C.I.Agent Solutions was invited to do another presentation and training session in early October at the San Diego Naval Yard for the Coast Guard, Navy and EPA. C.I.Agent provides a superior alternative to dispersants, sorbents and other means of recovery. With a limited pre-approval for application on the water in RRT Regions IV, III and the Caribbean, it is available in dissolvable packs and an extensive line of booms, pillows, filters and related products. Contact C.I.Agent Solutions, 11760 Commonwealth Dr., Louisville, KY 40299. 866-CIAGENT; Fax: 502-267-0181. www.ciagent.com