ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF OIL SPILL CLEANUP: ARE THEY SIGNIFICANT?

ABSTRACT Clear goals are needed in formulating and applying oil spill response plans whether at the level of the individual company, the oil cleanup cooperative, or the federal or state agency. There are two primary goals which have been considered, and problems arise from the fact that, in practice, these goals may not always be compatible. The goals are: (1) minimize the overall ecological impacts of the oil spill; and (2) remove all visible spilled oil from the environment. The first goal is based on an ecological rationale, the second on an esthetic one. During actual spill experiences, the second goal has most often been the guiding force behind the response. There are a number of areas of conflict between these two philosophies; but, except in cases where life and limb are threatened, the first goal should be the prime directive in oil spill response. Application of goal (1) is most important in areas of high ecological value. Goal (2) may be applicable under certain conditions in high visibility ar...