Low-Pressure, Ambient-Water Flushing (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, pg. 15)

• Maintain low output pressures (less than 50 psi) to avoid disrupting the substrate and vegetation. 
• Effectiveness increases with lighter oils because less residual oil is left in the environment. 
• This tactic can be used with flooding to prevent re-deposition of oil. 
• Use for spot removal of oil because of the limited area of effectiveness. 

Flooding (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, pg. 15)

• This tactic is only applicable in areas where the water level can be controlled, such as near locks and dams or in a small pond/marsh. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water control regarding lock and dam operation. 
• Can be used selectively to remove localized heavy oiling This tactic is useful to remove oil trapped in vegetation, which can otherwise be difficult to herd toward recovery devices in open water. However, some oil may remain stranded in vegetation and will need to be removed through other means. 
  

Exclusion or Deflection Booming (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, pg. 4)

• Boom can be used to exclude or deflect the spill away from sensitive resources. 
• Effectiveness is increased by positioning boom at appropriate angles for the current speed. 

Sorbents/Sorbent Boom (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, pg. 22)

• In areas with vegetation at or above water, sorbents are most effective in water surrounding vegetation (as opposed to within/on top of vegetated areas). 
• Care is necessary during placement and recovery to minimize disturbance of vegetation. Work in boats to avoid driving oil into the sediment. 
• Pom-pom type sorbents are best for heavy viscous oils that coat the strands; sorbent boom is best for light, low-viscosity oils that can penetrate into the sorbents. 
• Absorbent boom must be changed frequently to prevent it from becoming a source of sheen.

In-Situ Burning (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, pg. 27)

• Presence of a water layer on marsh surface can protect roots. 
• “Heavy ends” of petroleum product remain unburned and must be recovered. This residue will sink once it is cool. 
• The amount and placement of natural fuel in the surrounding area may present challenges to constraining the fire only to oiled areas. 
• Authorization of in-situ burning is subject to RRT approval, consultation and concurrence from the state and the Department of the Interior. 
• May be one of the least physically damaging means of moderate and heavy oil removal as it leaves plant roots intact. 
• May be difficult to protect riparian vegetation. 

Debris/Vegetation Removal (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, pg. 26)

• Most appropriate for oils that form a persistent, thick, sticky coating on the vegetation, such as medium and heavy oils. 
• Removal will release trapped oil and speed natural flushing rates. 
• Debris may be associated with nests or living areas (e.g., beaver and muskrat lodges), therefore impacts on resident animal habitat need to be considered.
• If oil is trapped in floating vegetation, removal may be the only way to recover the oil in the absence of water currents. 
• May be appropriate to prevent secondary oiling of wildlife. 
• Damage by cleanup crews may be reduced by avoiding excessive cutting/removal. 
• Response crews entering the marsh can inadvertently trample vegetation during cleanup/removal. To reduce this impact: control and minimize access routes through the marsh; have personnel stand or kneel on boards while working; and conduct operations from boats when possible.

• Because wild rice is an attractive food source, leaving oiled zizania plants could harm birds and other wildlife that come to the marsh to feed. If that is not an issue, this tactic has few adverse effects. 
• Lesser impact for small to moderate spills and lighter oils; avoids damage often associated with cleanup activities. 
• Cleanup should be used in addition to attenuation in areas where using only attenuation would put sizable wildlife populations as risk for becoming oiled or re-oiled.