Effective Daily Recovery Capacity (EDRC) Project

EDRC is the calculated capacity of oil recovery devices as determined by using a formula defined in 30 CFR 254.44, 33 CFR 154, Appendix C and 33 CFR 155 Appendix B that accounts for limiting factors such as daylight, weather, sea state, and emulsified oil in the recovered material. The regulatory EDRC calculation provides a mathematical calculation for estimating the capabilities of a skimmer based on the de-rating of its pump's nameplate capacity. Enforced by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the BSEE, EDRC was the first effort to quantify oil spill recovery equipment following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill response has highlighted that the EDRC for an oil skimmer may not be an effective or accurate planning standard and predictor of oil response equipment recovery capacity. EDRC is a regulation that greatly influences vessel and facility response planning standards nationwide and established the basis for the initial capitalization of Oil Spill Removal Organizations (OSROs) in the U.S. The primary EDRC regulation is located in 33 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 154, Appendix C and CFR 155, Appendix B; and 30 CFR 254.44, which are administered by the USCG and BSEE, respectively. EDRC is also included by reference in 40 CFR 112 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The primary objectives of this project were to:

Prepare an objective and independent assessment to scientifically validate the most appropriate methodologies for estimating the effective daily recovery capacity (EDRC) of oil skimming systems,
Provide recommendations for EDRC improvements to inform oil spill planning and preparedness, and
Make recommendations for new EDRC methodologies and guidelines for response systems deployed in nearshore and offshore operating environments.