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ICS

See Incident Command System.

IDLH

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health, a level of concern for adult workers; estimate of the highest concentration of an airborne contaminant from which escape is possible without permanent injury. The IDLHs were established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH; www.cdc.gov/niosh).

IFO

Intermediate Fuel Oil. A type of bunker fuel (ship's fuel), IFOs are classified into different grades as specified by a universally adopted system of measurement. The most common intermediate fuel oil grades are called IFO-180 and IFO-380. The lower the number, the better the quality of the fuel.

ignition point

Minimum temperature at which a substance ignites when no ignition source (e.g., spark or flame) is present.

in situ burn

A response technique that involves the controlled burning of oil that has spilled from a pipeline, vessel, or facility, at the location of the spill. On open water, the oil is first encircled by a specially-designed fire containment boom and is then ignited. In oiled marshes, firebreaks are constructed around the area to be burned, then the oiled marshland is ignited. When conducted properly, in situ burning may significantly reduce the amount of time that oil remains in the environment and may minimize its adverse effects.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

An oral or written plan containing general objectives reflecting the overall strategy for managing an incident. An IAP identifies operational resources and assignments and may include attachments that provide additional direction. An IAP is prepared for each of the operational periods that divide up the response timetable.

Incident Command Post

The location from which the Incident Commander oversees all response operations. There is generally just one ICP for each incident, but it may change locations during the incident. Every incident must have some form of ICP, which may be located in a vehicle, trailer, tent, or inside a building.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standard system for managing the response to a significant incident, especially one so large that many agencies are involved in the response. The system is designed to flexibly grow and shrink along with the incident, allowing more people and resources to be smoothly added into the system when required, then released when no longer needed. Under the National Response Plan (NRP), ICS is the command and management component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Incident Commander (IC)

Under the Incident Command System, the official with overall responsibility for managing the response to an incident, and defining the objectives for the response. S/he is responsible for ensuring human health and safety, providing information to stakeholders, and coordinating with participating agencies. In certain cases, multiple agencies may share command as a Unified Command.

incompatible substances

Substances that react together, if mixed.

inert

Not chemically reactive (e.g., neon).

ingestion

Taking into the body by the mouth.

inhalation

A route of chemical exposure in which a toxic material is breathed into the body.

inhibitor

Substance added to a polymerizable substance to slow down or prevent a polymerization reaction. The inhibitor level in a substance can drop over time, making a reaction possible. Contrast with catalyst.

injury

Harm or adverse effects to aquatic organisms and the habitats they require to complete their life cycle.

Injury Assessment Coordinator (IAC)

A NOAA staff member who collects information, samples, and evidence to support natural resource damage assessments. IACs document the severity, geographic extent, and likely duration of injury to NOAA trust resources. The goal of an IAC's efforts is to determine the appropriate amount and type of restoration required to restore injured NOAA trust resources and compensate the public for their lost use.

inorganic

Compounds that do not contain the element carbon, as well as the following carbon-containing compounds: the carbon oxides, the carbides, carbon disulfide, phosgene, cyanides of metals, and carbonyl sulfide. Contrast with organic.

International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC)

California-based organization with experts in the field of oiled bird rehabilitation. Typically, hired by the responsible party to operate a wildlife rehabilitation effort when there are large numbers of oiled birds during a spill. These rehabilitation efforts are coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State Parks and Wildlife Department.

intertidal

The area between the low tide mark and the high tide mark. Also called the littoral zone.

Intracoastal Waterway

A 3,000-mile (4,800-km) recreational and commercial waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. The waterway consists of two non-contiguous segments: the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, extending from Brownsville, Texas to Carrabelle, Florida, and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, extending from Key West, Florida to Boston, Massachusetts.

IOOS

Integrated Ocean Observing System. A system for observations, modeling, and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services. IOOS is designed to meet seven societal goals, including improved prediction of climate change and weather, effective mitigation of the effects of natural hazard, safe and efficient marine transportation, homeland security, reduction of public health risks, protection and restoration of healthy coastal ecosystems, and sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources. IOOS is a major U.S. contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).