This presentation provides an overview of research efforts to understand how the deepwater horizon oil spill affected cultural heritage. The focus will be on recent researh efforts by NCPTT to find appropriate cleaners to removel crude oil from historic structures. A discussion of appropriate documentation is included.

1. Mixing Oil and Historic Structures: Hazards and Response By Mary F. Striegel

2. ===== Act I

3. The Deepwater Horizon explosion led to the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Ideum, “Deepwater Horizon Offshore Drilling Platform on Fire.” April 21, 2010. Online Image. Flickr. March 11, 2011, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ideum/4711481781/.

4. In addition to our natural resources, cultural heritage sites were threatened with oil contamination.

5. NCPTT Serves as a Center of Technical Expertise for the National Park Service.

6. NCPTT was created by Congress to develop or transfer new technologies to the world of historic preservation.

7. Without solid information on appropriate response to an oil spill, more damages to cultural heritage can occur. Kristy Davies. “ Wall Washing.” May 14, 2010. Online Image. Flickr. March 11, 2011. http://flic.kr/p/82GRFg

8. Better scientific understanding can lead to smarter response for cultural heritage threatened by an oil spill.

9. ===== Act II, Scene 1

10. Considering the possibilities… C. J. Peters. “Fort Jefferson.” February 10, 2007. Online Image. Flickr. March 11, 2011. http://www.flickr.com/photos/conlawprof/391478708/.

11. Types of Cultural Heritage at Risk.

13. Oil Spill Contamination. Golden Goat, “Grand Isle 5-23-2010.” May 23, 2010. Online Image. Flickr. March 11, 2011. http://flic.kr/p/85Xp2Z.

14. Evaluating Risks of Oil to Materials. Paul:74. “ Shells.” September 21, 2003. Online Image. Flickr. March 11, 2011. http://flic.kr/p/41fNL.

15. Preventing contamination. Jim Greenhill. “100723-A-3715G-100.” July 23, 2010. Online Image. Flickr. March 11, 2011. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimgreenhill/4831408618/.

16. ===== Act II, Scene 2

17. Documenting the Contamination.

18. Gather Information in a Uniform Way.

20. Accuracy of +/- 3 meters or better.

21. NAD83 datum.

22. Export GPS data into GIS shape files.

23. Map each site or standing structure as a point;

25. Collect oil samples.

26. ===== Act II, Scene 3

27. Investigating ways to “restore” cultural heritage.

29. “Lift and Float” Products

30. Release of treatments into the waterways

32. Cleaners for shell and bone.

33. Other Considerations…

34. Becoming Part of the Team.

35. ===== Act III

36. Will research open the door to better response for future oil spills?

37. The technical information is needed before the disaster strikes.

38. Better scientific understanding can learn to smarter response for cultural heritage threatened by an oil spill.

39. NCPTT is working to build the needed technical knowledge for better disaster response.

41. Carol Chin

42. Jason Church

43. Erin White

44. Ed FitzGerald

45. Anna Muto

46. Caitlin Oshida

47. University of Texas at Austin

48. Fran Gale

49. PayalVora

50. Louisiana

51. Ray Berthelot, Office of State Parks

52. Chip McGimesy, State Archeologist

53. Others