Understanding Oil Spills And Oil Spill Response

SUMMARY
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL
methods can be used in
conjunction with mechanical means for containing and
cleaning up oil spills. Dispersants are most useful in helping
to keep oil from reaching shorelines and other sensitive
habitats. Biological agents have the potential to assist
recovery in sensitive areas such as shorelines, marshes, and
wetlands. In-situ burning has shown the potential to be an
effective cleanup method under certain circumstances.
Research into these technologies continues in the hope that
future oil spills can be contained and cleaned up more
efficiently and effectively.
In-situ burning
can remove oil
quickly.
Photo courtesy of MMS

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• Understanding Oil Spills and Oil Spill Response

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EPA Office of Emergency and Remedial Response •
4
INTRODUCTION
FRESHWATER
and marine shoreline areas are important
public and ecological resources. However, their cleanliness
and beauty, and the survival of the species that inhabit
them, can be threatened by accidents that occur when oil is
produced, stored, and transported. Oil is sometimes
spilled from vessels directly into waterways; spills from
land-based facilities can flow into waters and foul
shorelines. These accidents affect both oceans and
freshwater environments. Despite the best efforts of
response teams to contain spilled oil, some of it may
contaminate shorelines of oceans and lakes, banks of rivers
and streams, and other ecologically sensitive habitats
along the water’s edge. To help protect these resources
from damage and to preserve them for public enjoyment
and for the survival of numerous species, cleaning up
shorelines following oil spills has become an important