COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- On behalf of the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) collaborated with the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to develop the first environmental mapping resource for coastal regions between the Port of Colombo and Negombo Lagoon, here. Rounding out the team of experts, who completed the project Aug. 23, were representatives from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department, Central Environmental Authority and other local government entities.

The environmental resource base, which are also referred to as Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps, provide a concise summary of coastal resources that are at risk if an oil spill occurs. Examples of at-risk resources include biological resources, such as birds and fish; sensitive shorelines, such as marshes and mangroves; and human-use resources, such as subsistence gathering or fish processing. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ESI maps can help responders meet one of the main response objectives: reducing the environmental consequences of a spill and the cleanup efforts. Additionally, ESI maps can be used by planners--before a spill happens--to identify vulnerable locations, establish protection priorities, and identify cleanup strategies.

This was the first ever ESI project for Sri Lanka, and which was well received by its participants.

"The ESI project is a great step for Sri Lanka," said Lt. Cmdr. KA Nuwarapaksha, Sri Lanka Navy Marine Conservation staff officer. "The Sri Lanka Navy was privileged to be the focal point, and we are grateful for the support provided by USPACOM, USACE and local stakeholders." "Undoubtedly, I believe this ESI will enhance the oil spill response capabilities of responsible entities in Sri Lanka," he said.

The ESI project commenced in June 2016, and took approximately a year to complete. The project was orchestrated in three phases, with an initial scoping effort followed by field work and technical delivery. The result is a comprehensive atlas and Geographic Information System (GIS) database designed to prioritize oil spill response, recognize vulnerability, and assist with critical decision-making. Project deliverables also include standard templates that can be used to develop additional ESI resources that can be applied to other locations in Sri Lanka, such as at Galle or Trincomalee.

LLRB de Silva, a GIS specialist with MEPA, recalled participating in a challenging oil spill cleanup and now looks to the Sri Lanka's future response capabilities with optimism. According to de Silva, in 2012, a ship named MV. Thermopylae Sierra sank and an oil spill occurred between Panadura and Negombo.

"At that time, there were no ESI products available, and the response was difficult, said de Silva. "Now, with detailed ESI maps available between Colombo and Negombo, it is a great achievement for Sri Lanka," I am hopeful that this preparation will advance our capabilities in the future, and we are able to apply the practical experience from this project to other regions of the country," added de Silva.

During November 2016 field work, five groups of subject matter experts tackled the study area to complete the job. Each group consisted of a coastal engineer, biologist, hydrographic surveyor, Global Navigation Satellite System operator, and a logistical specialist. The team collected data and photographs of shoreline characteristics, human-use patterns, coastal erosion, socio-economic data, and biological resource presence. All of the participants, with the exception of USACE, were Sri Lankan government professionals who could be available to replicate future efforts. In total, 221 kilometers of shoreline were analyzed and classified, with more than 4,000 individual features recorded. The result is a robust database to support first responders and planners in making more effective and efficient decisions. For example, first responders can now visualize ranked sensitivity, and prepare response measures accordingly. Additionally, first responders can easily use GIS to analyze potential "what if" scenarios, and practice communication and response measures.

USACE Pacific Ocean Division is responsible for carrying out the Corps mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in support of USPACOM. This project was worked through the Division's Honolulu District and U.S. Army Institute for Water Resources.

According to USACE Honolulu District's GIS Specialist Benton Ching, the effort provides a unique snapshot in time of the project area, including thousands of field photographs. "Comparing aerial photography of the 1960's through the present, it is amazing how much change has taken place, especially in Negombo Lagoon," said Ching. "It will be interesting to see how modern planning, biological management, and land development affect the shoreline, land use, and biological resources in the future."

The Colombo-Negombo area was chosen as the project study area due to its diverse range in ecosystems and population, as well as current ship traffic patterns to and from the Port of Colombo and its related onshore/offshore petroleum facilities.

"For future ESI efforts in Sri Lanka, it is recommended the southern coastline have a similar ESI product prepared," said Commodore Kalana Jinadasa, who is the Director Naval Operations, Sri Lanka Navy.

Sri Lanka's southern coastline is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with many oil tankers passing between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.