Responding to oil spills is a challenging and complex activity. AECOM has supported BP Azerbaijan to strengthen its oil spill response capability to protect the environment around its offshore, onshore and pipeline infrastructure. The project involved delivery of two oil spill environmental and socio-economic sensitivity atlases covering coastal and terrestrial areas around BP-operated facilities.

AECOM’s team of experts from around the globe employed a number of innovative approaches. This included a low level aerial survey through high definition video footage of the coastline and use of remote sensing to generate detailed bathymetry and seabed habitat data for the near-shore environment. We also developed an online ‘Incident Command Centre’ web application for use in the event of a spill. These will enable BP to launch a quick, effective and focussed oil spill response effort should a spill occur.