ABSTRACT The purpose of this guide is to provide suggestions regarding the development of an oil spill cleanup cooperative for possible use by local facilities in initiating such a group. The suggested organizational procedure involves seven general steps which may be described as follows: 1. Survey bulk liquids handling in the general area to determine the potential for spillage and where and by whom liquids are handled. 2. Define a general area for cooperative responsibility based upon the liquids survey and the physical and political configuration of the area. 3. contact potential cooperative participants in the area to give notice of intent to form a cooperative and to establish a date for an initial meeting. 4. Select a form of association for cooperative participation consisting of either an incorporated organization@ a signed formal agreement@ or an informal or verbal agreement. 5. Select a spill response approach for use by the cooperative consisting of individual company action@ joint cooperative action@ third party contractor action@ or some combination of these. 6. form task groups for detailed planning of cooperative organization including the form of association@ equipment requirements and procurement@ and spill response. 7. Implement plans including achievement of an agreement@ procurement of equipment@ development of a response plan@ training in the use of the equipment and plan@ and periodic evaluation of the operational status of the cooperative.