The ecology drill evaluation process is based on the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (NPREP) 2016 guidance document. The NPREP guidance document lists fifteen core components that shall be demonstrated by the plan holder during the triennial cycle. Ecology adopts the fifteen core components as the criteria used to evaluate plan holder tabletop and deployment drills. The core components are as follows:

(1) Notifications: Test the notifications procedures identified in the plan.

(2) Staff mobilization: Demonstrate the ability to assemble the spill response organization identified in the plan.

(3) Ability to operate within the response management system described in the plan: This includes demonstration of the ICS staffing and process identified in the plan.

(4) Source control: Demonstrate the ability of the spill response organization to control and stop the discharge at the source.

(5) Assessment: Demonstrate the ability of the spill response organization to provide an initial assessment of the discharge, or potential discharge and provide continuing assessments of the effectiveness of the tactical planning and operations.

(6) Containment: Demonstrate the ability of the spill response organization to contain the discharge at the source or in various locations for recovery operations.

(7) Mitigation: Demonstrate the ability of the spill response organization to recover, mitigate, and remove the discharged product through the use of oil spill countermeasures including, but not limited to, mechanical oil recovery, dispersants, in situ burning, and bioremediation.

(8) Protection: Demonstrate the ability of the spill response organization to protect the environmentally, culturally, and economically sensitive areas identified in the NWACP and the plan.

(9) Disposal: Demonstrate the ability of the spill response organization to dispose of the recovered material and contaminated debris in compliance with guidance found in the NWACP.

(10) Communications: Demonstrate the ability to establish an effective communications system throughout the scope of the plan for the spill response organization.

(11) Transportation: Demonstrate the ability to provide effective multimode transportation, for all areas of the response.

(12) Personnel support: Demonstrate the ability to provide the necessary logistical support of all personnel associated with the response.

(13) Equipment maintenance and support: Demonstrate the ability to maintain and support all equipment associated with the response.

(14) Procurement: Demonstrate the ability to establish an effective procurement system.

(15) Documentation: Demonstrate the ability of the plan holder's spill management organization to document all operational and support aspects of the response and provide detailed records of decisions and actions taken.