Abstract
The Special Monitoring of Applied Response Technologies (SMART) protocol for in situ burn (ISB) and dispersant operations was first developed and approved by the National Response Team (NRT) in 1997 and was updated in 2006. The NRT Science and Technology subcommittee formed a workgroup in 2021 to provide an update to the existing SMART protocol specifically as it addresses ISB and dispersant operations. The 2021 NRT workgroup recommended creating two separate documents, one focused on monitoring for use of dispersants, the other focused solely on ISB operations. This paper is intended to provide a summary of the most recent update for the SMART protocol associated with ISB operations. The primary objective of SMART for ISB operations is to provide timely, scientifically based information on emissions from ISB operations to the FOSC for decision making related to ISB operations. Specifically, SMART for ISB is designed to provide the FOSC/UC with relevant and timely emissions data to assess and evaluate potential impacts to public health or sensitive resources from ISB operations. While it is assumed that the decision to initiate an ISB is made prior to the collection of SMART data, the SMART protocol outlines essential elements that should be considered when planning for an ISB. The updated SMART protocol is to enhance and update the process, and provide a resource for readily available tools and procedures that can be used by the FOSC for ISB operations and planning.