Academic literature on the topic 'Challenge Pebble Beach'

ABSTRACT Orimulsion is the trade name for a fine, bitumen-in-water emulsion produced in Venezuela by Bitor S.A. However, when it is spilled in seawater, its dispersibility does not always prevent bitumen from resurfacing as films or patches. The physical properties of the material that resurfaces (i.e., viscosity and cohesiveness) are a function of those of the natural bitumen from which Orimulsion is prepared and represent a serious challenge for oil spill response. To address manufacturers’ and operators’ concerns about dealing effectively with such a spill, trials were organized by Cedre at its test facilities on behalf of Bitor Europe Limited and SK Power and National Power and with the participation of OSRL. The aim was to test recovery and cleaning processes to cope with bitumen originating from a spill of Orimulsion. The trials recreated a bitumen pollution incident on a Cedre lagoon and artificial beach and evaluated various recovery and cleanup equipment. The tests showed that there is no one collecting or cleaning device that can be recommended to the exclusion of all others. Instead, different options have been highlighted, depending on the various forms that bitumen can take (films, patches, tar balls, “tea leaves “), its state (fresh or weathered), and the shoreline substrates. On water, skimming and pumping a slick of bitumen is generally difficult because of the cohesive nature and the high viscosity of the product. On the other hand, a trawl net managed to collect bitumen lumps floating on the lagoon and accumulated them into a disposable sock. On the shore, mechanical screening proved successful in recovering weathered bitumen on the artificial sand beach. Manual collection is also efficient when bitumen forms cohesive slicks. Pressure cleaners removed bitumen from hard surfaces when accumulations were first scraped off and a cleaning product was applied. Coated pebbles could be cleaned by mixing them with solvent in a cement mixer; recommended cleaning agents were petroleum cuts with low aromatic content. Contaminated sand could also be washed using a scrubbing machine. Overall, these trials proved that solutions exist to cope with a spillage of Orimulsion bitumen. Operational conclusions were drawn that incorporated bitumen fate, shoreline types, and logistic considerations.

Grey, Mini. Three by the Sea. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2010. Print. Mini Grey (yes, that’s her real name; she was born in a Mini in a Wales car park) is an award-winning author of children’s picture books including Egg Drop and Traction Man is Here! In Three by the Sea, a black cat, a white dog, and a gray mouse share a hut on a pebbly beach. They lived together happily on the seemingly otherwise-uninhabited island. The dog did the gardening, which amounted to burying and digging up bones; the cat did the housework by simply throwing garbage out the window; and the mouse did the cooking – a cheese fondue. Every day. However, one stormy night, everything changes for the three unlikely roommates, as a traveling salesman blows to shore on an inflatable raft and finds his way to the trio’s beach hut. This Stranger, a fox in a double-breasted striped suit, announces that they are the lucky winners of a free visit from the Winds of Change Trading Company and proceeds to bestow gifts upon them. For Mouse, cookbooks and herb seed packets; for Dog, a shiny new collar; and for Cat, some tins of sardines. The gifts, however, are not truly free, as the Stranger also pointed out the inadequacies and faults of the friends’ personalities and behaviour. At dinner—a cheese fondue—the fighting begins, and insults are hurled. After deciding to pack up and go where his culinary talents would be appreciated, Mouse finds himself in a spot of trouble as he attempts to leave the island. Of course, in the end, friendship reigns, and all three agree it is time for the Stranger to go; however, the short visit has everlasting effects on their relationship and way of life. This is a lovely story that will provoke discussion about the fox’s motivations, though children younger than 5 years may find the concept a challenge. The illustrations are charming and are vintage and modern at the same time. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Debbie FeisstDebbie is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. When not renovating, she enjoys travel, fitness and young adult fiction.