A multi-agency drill simulating a major oil spill off the coast of San Diego is scheduled to be held Wednesday and Thursday at the San Diego Convention Center. The two-day exercise will involve dozens of participating agencies from around the southern area.
The drill is designed to test the response capabilities of the agencies and create a decision-making environment for participants. The joint-agency efforts will be monitored and evaluated in order to identify any areas in need of improvement.
Some of the organizations involved are Chevron Corporation, Coast Guard Sector , U.S. Navy Region Southwest, San Diego County Office of Emergency Services and the California Department of Fish and Game's Office of Spill Prevention and Response.
During the drill, operators will simulate the spread of oil by using a non-toxic biodegradable fluorescein dye in the water and will simulate the use of dispersants by spraying water from low-flying aircraft. These operations will be conducted approximately 30 miles off shore. The public is asked to be aware that these will be simulations and not actual response activities.