Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment

Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 350
Release: 2014-08-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 030929889X

U.S. Arctic waters north of the Bering Strait and west of the Canadian border encompass a vast area that is usually ice covered for much of the year, but is increasingly experiencing longer periods and larger areas of open water due to climate change. Sparsely inhabited with a wide variety of ecosystems found nowhere else, this region is vulnerable to damage from human activities. As oil and gas, shipping, and tourism activities increase, the possibilities of an oil spill also increase. How can we best prepare to respond to such an event in this challenging environment? Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment reviews the current state of the science regarding oil spill response and environmental assessment in the Arctic region north of the Bering Strait, with emphasis on the potential impacts in U.S. waters. This report describes the unique ecosystems and environment of the Arctic and makes recommendations to provide an effective response effort in these challenging conditions. According to Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment, a full range of proven oil spill response technologies is needed in order to minimize the impacts on people and sensitive ecosystems. This report identifies key oil spill research priorities, critical data and monitoring needs, mitigation strategies, and important operational and logistical issues. The Arctic acts as an integrating, regulating, and mediating component of the physical, atmospheric and cryospheric systems that govern life on Earth. Not only does the Arctic serve as regulator of many of the Earth's large-scale systems and processes, but it is also an area where choices made have substantial impact on life and choices everywhere on planet Earth. This report's recommendations will assist environmentalists, industry, state and local policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of this special region to preserve and protect it from damaging oil spills.

The Use of Dispersants in Marine Oil Spill Response

The Use of Dispersants in Marine Oil Spill Response
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2020-04-24
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309478219

Whether the result of an oil well blowout, vessel collision or grounding, leaking pipeline, or other incident at sea, each marine oil spill will present unique circumstances and challenges. The oil type and properties, location, time of year, duration of spill, water depth, environmental conditions, affected biomes, potential human community impact, and available resources may vary significantly. Also, each spill may be governed by policy guidelines, such as those set forth in the National Response Plan, Regional Response Plans, or Area Contingency Plans. To respond effectively to the specific conditions presented during an oil spill, spill responders have used a variety of response optionsâ€"including mechanical recovery of oil using skimmers and booms, in situ burning of oil, monitored natural attenuation of oil, and dispersion of oil by chemical dispersants. Because each response method has advantages and disadvantages, it is important to understand specific scenarios where a net benefit may be achieved by using a particular tool or combination of tools. This report builds on two previous National Research Council reports on dispersant use to provide a current understanding of the state of science and to inform future marine oil spill response operations. The response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill included an unprecedented use of dispersants via both surface application and subsea injection. The magnitude of the spill stimulated interest and funding for research on oil spill response, and dispersant use in particular. This study assesses the effects and efficacy of dispersants as an oil spill response tool and evaluates trade-offs associated with dispersant use.

Oil Spill Response in the Marine Environment

Oil Spill Response in the Marine Environment
Author: J.W. Doerffer
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 398
Release: 2013-10-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1483287599

The rapid economic development of many countries since World War II has resulted in a considerable increase in the marine transport of raw materials, especially of crude oils, and in offshore activities. Inevitably, operational discharges from ships (ballast and bilge water), incidents such as collisions and groundings, and offshore exploration of oil and gas, lead to a significant amount of oil going into the sea. So far, understanding of marine environments, of oil and its behaviour when released onto the water surface, and of the methods and means of response to an oil spill, has been rather limited. This book introduces the reader to these problems and reflects the levels and trends of development in the field. The author has played an active role in combating marine pollution in the international arena since the 1970s and was awarded the International Maritime Prize for 1989 by the International Maritime Organisation.

Oil Spill Response: A Global Perspective

Oil Spill Response: A Global Perspective
Author: Walter F. Davidson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2008-06-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1402085656

International experts in the field of oil spill response, including reprsentatives from 26 NATO countries, participated in a workshop in Canada to discuss their experience in the development and application of current and emerging technologies for oil spill response in the marine environment. These presentations which form the basis of chapters in this book provide a practical viewpoint of methods used to deal with oil spills under the variety of environmental conditions found in the marine environment. In particular, focus is given to the evaluation of oil spill countermeasures for use under arctic conditions in light of anticipated regional increases in marine traffic (e.g. Northwest Passage) and industrial activities (e.g. offshore oil and gas exploration) in the future. This book provides a timely international perspective on applied research and development, technology transfer, and “lessons learned” from field trials and actual case studies associated with recent spill events. Topics include Preparedness/Contingency Planning, (Eco-terrorism); Oil Spill Fate and Transport (Environmental Persistence, Remote Sensing, modelling, Biodegradation), Biological Effects (Environmental Effects Monitoring and Environmental Risk Assessment); and Operational Response (Containment/Recovery Treating Agents, Shoreline Cleanup, In-situ Burning, Emerging Response Strategies). This book provides a synopsis as to the methods currently employed to deals with spills and an insight on future technologies under development.

Oil Spill Response in the Great Lakes

Oil Spill Response in the Great Lakes
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Subcommittee on Water Resources
Publisher:
Total Pages: 184
Release: 1991
Genre: Oil pollution of water
ISBN:

Handbook of Oil Spill Science and Technology

Handbook of Oil Spill Science and Technology
Author: Merv Fingas
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 641
Release: 2015-02-02
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0470455519

Provides a scientific basis for the cleanup and for the assessment of oil spills Enables Non-scientific officers to understand the science they use on a daily basis Multi-disciplinary approach covering fields as diverse as biology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, oceanography and toxicology Covers the science of oil spills from risk analysis to cleanup and through the effects on the environment Includes case studies examining and analyzing spills, such as Tasman Spirit oil spill on the Karachi Coast, and provides lessons to prevent these in the future

Oil Spills and Gas Leaks: Environmental Response, Prevention and Cost Recovery

Oil Spills and Gas Leaks: Environmental Response, Prevention and Cost Recovery
Author: Stephen M. Testa
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
Total Pages: 593
Release: 2013-02-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0071772901

The definitive guide to petroleum hydrocarbon fuel spill and leak causes, prevention, response, and cost recovery Oil Spills and Gas Leaks highlights the complex nature of petroleum hydrocarbon fuel extraction methods, the unintended consequences when disasters occur, spill behavior, and environmental impact mitigation. This practical resource discusses engineering techniques; long-term biological and environmental effects; dealing with insurance claims, litigation, and legislation in overlapping jurisdictions; and much more. Featuring global case studies and best practices, this timely volume provides an in-depth understanding of how oil spills and gas leaks occur and describes the most effective environmental assessment, remediation, and restoration options available to respond to these industrial accidents. Coverage includes: The role of petroleum hydrocarbon fuels in society Geology and geochemistry of oil and gas deposits Oil and gas well drilling and production issues Hydraulic fracturing for shale gas and oil Behavior of oil spills in various environments Behavior of gas leaks in various environments Assessment of spills and leaks Toxicity issues and exposure pathways Subsurface investigations Sampling strategies and remedial approaches Sampling methods on land and offshore Prevention, oversight, and mitigation Remediation of oil spills Case histories and cost recovery Oil spills and wildlife Oil spills and safety issues Conclusions and recommendations

Emergency Response Management of Offshore Oil Spills

Emergency Response Management of Offshore Oil Spills
Author: Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 548
Release: 2010-12-28
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1118011716

EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT OF OFFSHORE Examines the Deepwater Horizon disaster and offers processes for safety and environmental protection Though renewable energy is a growing piece of the energy “pie,” fossil fuels still dominate our energy supplies and will continue to do so for decades. This makes offshore drilling, especially in places like the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea, extremely important for the future of the world’s energy supply. Unfortunately, the world has been witnessing, over and over again, accidents, deadly explosions, spills, and environmental disasters that could have been avoided with proper safety and environmental processes put in place. The Deepwater Horizon catastrophe is the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history and an ecological nightmare of epic proportions. Emergency Response Management of Offshore Oil Spills aids in the response of this and future disasters by providing this handy reference volume for engineers, managers, and other emergency responders. This timely publication outlines the toxic nature of crude oil, covering properties of crude oil, chemical composition, toxicity to humans and marine life, and investigates the impact of oil spills from historical case studies. The current arsenals available to address oil spills, such as dispersants, absorbing booms, skimming, and other methods, are also discussed. Technologies that are rapidly being developed to address the Gulf Oil Spill are considered, along with extensive information on chemical protective clothing, air monitoring, respiratory protection, management of waste, and much more. The book concludes with a chapter discussing responsible care and takes a critical look at the reasons why the Deepwater Horizon rig catastrophe happened and examines the follow-up that ensued after the incident. Emergency Response Management of Offshore Oil Spills provides: Examples of 26 major oil spills ranked from largest to smallest, describing each incident and the amount of oil spilled Recommendations and guidance on proper air monitoring methods Suggestions related to protective garments such as respirators Comparative product information on chemical dispersants, shoreline bleaching and cleaning chemicals Detailed toxicity data for humans and marine life Discussions in the areas of deficiencies in responding to spills and why the oil industry needs to be more responsive to developing technologies Hazardous materials protocols, including OSHA- and EPA- recommended safe work practices for dealing with hazardous materials

Oil Spills in U. S. Coastal Waters

Oil Spills in U. S. Coastal Waters
Author: Jonathan L. Ramseur
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
Total Pages: 38
Release: 2010-11
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1437934064

Contents: (1) Background: Oil Spills (OS) in U.S. Coastal Waters; Impacts of OS in Aquatic Environ.: Acute Impacts; Chronic Impacts; Ecosystem Recovery; Econ. Costs of OS: Cleanup Costs; Natural Resources Damages; Other Econ. Costs; (2) OS Governance: Federal Authorities: Exxon Valdez OS: 1990 Oil Pollution Act; Other Fed. Laws; Internat. Conventions: MARPOL 73/78; Intervention Convention; Fed. Agencies Responsibilities: Response; Prevention and Preparedness; Fed. Funding for the OS Liab. Trust Fund: Background; Trust Fund Ceiling; Fund Projections, and Vulnerability; State Laws; (3) Threat of Future OS in U.S. Coastal Waters: Possibilities for Future OS: U.S. Oil Imports and Possible OS; Level of Preparedness. Illustrations.