Acquisition and interpretation of multispectral aerial photography and thermal infrared imagery was performed to evaluate remote sensing applications to oil and other hazardous materials spill prevention surveillance. The San Francisco Bay area was used as a test site, with major sub-areas delineated which contained facilities and activities which might lead to spills of oil and other hazardous substances into waterways. Results demonstrated that high quality, small scale (1/40,000 to 1/60,000) color infrared photography can be used for regional surveillance leading to classification of land use into areas where potential spill sources exist. High quality, large scale (1/5,000 to 1/10,000) color aerial photography can be used for localized delineation of potential spill sources. Recommendations are given for an operational spill surveillance system using multi-scale aerial photography obtained on a 9-inch format. Use of thermal infrared imagery is not indicated at this time.

A unique interpretation key emphasizing the environmental aspects of the petroleum industry was developed as an integral part of an aerial surveillance spill prevention system. The petroleum refinery key is a unique collection of aerial and ground photographs and textual information organized to expedite the location and identification of spill threats through the use of conventional and aerial multiband photographs. The addition of aerial multiband photographs, spill threat analyses, spectral and chemical analyses of spilled materials distinguish this key from standard military interpretation keys. Throughout the aerial spill detection key, the material descriptively related oil refinery features to potential contamination of natural water resources. In addition to serving as a reference manual for imagery interpreters, they key can aid in training imagery interpreters to recognize refinery facilities, equipment, processes and associated spill threats. The key, while prepared for petroleum refineries, can serve as a model for other industries for which imagery interpretation keys are desired.