In this paper, oil spills occurring near shore in semienclosed waterways are viewed as emergency events. A partial set covering model, similar to those developed for firehouse location analysis, is applied to the problem of locating oil spill response equipment. The model includes both assessments of the relative probability of occurrence and the impact after occurrence of various spill types. A multiple objective approach enables the decisionmaker to evaluate strategies without confounding the probability of occurrence with the impact of occurrence.

The paper discusses how the model can be used to support the decisions of emergency response planners who must subjectively solve the problem of attaining the best overall protection with existing resources while minimizing the risk of being unprepared for politically and environmentally sensitive events. The model discussed in the paper, although employed in a resource constrained mode, can also be used in a budget-constrained mode.

The model is applied to the problem of locating oil spill response equipment on Long Island Sound, and implications for public policy are discussed in this context.