Oil Spill Response

5767 Words12 Pages

Oil Spill Response

Abstract

This paper describes equipment and techniques for responding to oil spills. Various techniques for the containment, cleanup and recovery of oil spills are examined; advantages and disadvantages of each are considered. Along with providing insight for oil spill response, this paper discusses environmental factors which can contribute to the success or failure of a cleanup operation.

Introduction:

" Oil is the life blood of our modern industrial society. It fuels the machines and lubricates the wheels of the world’s production. But when that vital resource is out of control, it can destroy marine life and devastate the environment and economy of an entire region…. The plain facts are that the technology of oil-- its extraction, its transport, its refinery and use-- has outpaced laws to control that technology and prevent oil from polluting the environment…" (Max, 1969). Oil in its many forms has become one of the necessities of modern industrial life. Under control, and serving its intended purpose, oil is efficient, versatile, and productive. On the other hand, when oil becomes out of control, it can be one of the most devastating substances in the environment. When spilled in water, it spreads for miles around leaving a black memory behind (Stanley, 1969).

Oil spills, no matter large or small, have long been of concern to pollution control authorities in this country. Due to its destructive nature, once an area has been contaminated by oil, the whole character of the environment is changed. When it has encountered something solid to cling to, whether it be a beach, a rock, the feathers of a duck or gull, or a bather’s hair, it does not readily let go (Stanley, 1969). By its nature o...

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... Issues Resources Series 5 (61): 18-20.

Max, N.E. 1969. Oil pollution and the law. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.

National Research Council. 1989. Using oil pollution dispersants on the sea. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

Nelson, A.N. 1971. Effects of oil on marine plants and animals. London: Institute of Petroleum.

Peter Lane. 1995. The use of chemicals in oil spill response. MI: Ann Arbor.

Robert, J.M. and Associates. 1989. Oil spill response guide. New Jersey: NOYES DATA Corporation.

Stanley, E.D. 1969. Oil pollution: Problems and policies. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.

Swift, W.H, . C.J. Touhill, W.L. Templeton, and D.P. Roseman. 1969. Oil spillage prevention, control, and restoration—state of the art and research needs. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.

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