The logistics of cleaning up spilled oil in cold weather differ from those involved in cleaning up a warm water oil spill. The cleanup is complicated by climatic conditions, the presence of various forms of ice, and the changes that take place in the oil itself in response to cold temperatures. The physical constraints on the cleanup of an extreme cold weather oil spill include the fact that during winter months, it's often too cold to work and daylight becomes a premium. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 states that when designing a Facility Response Plan, it should be based on a Worst Case Oil Spill in the Most Adverse Weather Conditions. In many parts of the country, Extreme Cold Weather qualifies as the most adverse condition. Almost every aspect of spill response is affected by extreme temperatures. The equipment changes as does the PPE worn by responders. Ice can contain and entrain oil that is spilled and may work both for and against recovery. Utilizing techniques such as ice slotting can aid immensely in recovery operations, but the safety of responders must always remain paramount.

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