Ever since humans began using modern refineries and extracting oil to fuel their industrial activities in the 19th century, the risk of oil spills has been prominent. While many oil spills occur each year, the larger oil spills often ensue after oil rig explosions or pipeline leaks. This oil is referred to as crude oil, which is a type of nonrenewable fossil fuel. This oil, which originates from the remains of living things, has been deposited in rock formations. It is extracted from reserves found on the ocean floor and sent through pipelines to specific refineries. The crude oil is processed into petroleum at these locations and is sent to energy companies as fuel.
Errors or disruptions in the crude oil extraction process can have detrimental results. If a rig explodes, the surrounding environment will be covered in oil, and the water will be contaminated with toxins. The largest marine oil spill, the Deepwater Horizon Spill, occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil was spilling for approximately 87 days until the leak was capped. The images of animals covered in oil are eerie. The term oiling refers to the process in which the animals’ exteriors are coated with crude oil. This causes physical damage, by removing the insulation off of otters’ fur, preventing birds from properly flying, and impeding the vision of other sea animals. Additionally, the toxic chemicals from the oil refineries leaked into the ocean, which has caused residual damage that continually impacts the health of living things in the surrounding region. It served as a wake-up call for many individuals, especially because of the extent of the damage and the emotional turmoil caused by haunting pictures.
Figure 1: A sea turtle covered in oil after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Similarly, gas leaks in the ocean pose a threat to the health and biodiversity of ecosystems. Just last week, a gas pipeline leak that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico sparked headlines. The images were horrifying since it seemed as if the ocean was on fire. Pemex, the gas company which owns the pipeline, has claimed that there has been no oil spillage. However, environmental protection companies are now investigating the area, to determine the extent of the damage caused by this catastrophe. This incident highlights the significance of proper measures and environmental actions that need to be implemented worldwide to minimize anthropogenic disturbances. There are many organizations, across the United States, as well as across the globe, which are designated for promoting awareness and public policy changes to limit oil drilling. The National Environmental Policy Act was signed by President Richard Nixon in the aftermath of a large spill that occurred off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969. Since then, environmental efforts have intensified. Although many of our everyday activities are dependent on the oil extracted from crude oil reservoirs, environmental activists continually promote more "green" alternatives, which minimize the possibility of oil spills and limit the damage brought to ecosystems.
Written by: Meghety Manoyan
References:
Al-Heeti, Abrar. “‘The Ocean Is on Fire’: Gas Leak from Underwater Pipeline Sees Flames Erupt in Gulf of Mexico.” CNET, www.cnet.com/news/the-ocean-is-on-fire-gas-leak-from-underwater-pipeline-sees-flames-erupt-in-gulf-of-mexico/. Accessed 10 July 2021.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Oil Spills | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.” Www.noaa.gov, Aug. 2020, www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/oil-spills
US EPA. “Deepwater Horizon – BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill | US EPA.” US EPA, 6 Mar. 2019, www.epa.gov/enforcement/deepwater-horizon-bp-gulf-mexico-oil-spill.
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