Oil spills are the detrimental result of crude or refined oil products being released on land or in water. The United States relies on crude oil, the unprocessed form of oil, for gasoline, diesel fuel, petroleum as well as heating oil. From extraction to transportation to purchase, all forms of oil—both crude and refined—pose major risks in the event of a spill. While oil tankers and trucks are generally blamed for these catastrophic events, oil spills occur each day due to deliberate dumping, motor oil leakage and natural disasters. Here are 10 frightening oil spill facts:
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The number one source of oil pollution in the ocean comes from oil runoff from roadways and storm drains.
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In 2007, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that 26,000 gallons of oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill was still trapped in along the shoreline. That means there has been less than a 4% decline of the substance each year.
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Oil spills have a huge impact on birds. Spills disrupt migrating patterns and impair their natural waterproofing as well as their ability to fly. In response, birds will try to clean their feathers and ingest the toxic substance.
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The Exxon Valdez spill killed between 250 thousand and 500 thousand sea birds.
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The world’s largest oil spill occurred during the Gulf War in 1991. Iraqi forces released 240 million gallons of crude oil into the Persian Gulf when retreating from US soldiers in Kuwait.
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Oil spills can clog the blowholes of dolphins and whales, which causes them to suffocate. Similarly, oil can impair sea otters’ natural insulation and cause hypothermia.
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Tanker accidents are responsible for the majority of the world’s largest oil spills but pipeline breaks occur more often.
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“Natural seeps” occur when oil from beneath the earth escapes into the water column from pressurized rock. Natural seeps are generally found in locations where gas extraction is prevalent.
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Recreational boats are a major cause of oil pollution in oceans. On hot days, fuel expands inside the boat’s tank and releases into the water.
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3 million gallons of oil is spilled into U.S. waters annually from vessels and pipelines.
How You Can Help
At Containment Filtration Solutions, we believe in protecting the environment and our precious water resources. That’s why we offer stormwater management products that prevent hazardous spills from entering water systems. Without construction or permits, we custom fit old storm drains with an EPA-friendly stormwater management systems that filter runoff daily and guard against contamination. If you’re interested in learning more about Containment Filtration Solutions’ stormwater management products, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
