The ecology drill evaluation process is based on the 2016 NPREP guidance document. The NPREP guidance document lists fifteen core components to be demonstrated during drills. Ecology adopts the fifteen core components as the criteria used to evaluate the basic tabletop drill.

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, and to effectively coordinate source control activities within the response.

(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 planning and tactical 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. This includes mitigation and removal activities such as dispersant use, in situ burn use, and bioremediation use, in addition to mechanical oil recovery.

(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 multimodal transportation both for execution of the discharge and support functions.

(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 rail 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.