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May. 24th, 2010
Long rant on the Gulf Oil Spill (part 2)
May. 24th, 2010 01:27 pmSo now that we've established that the blame should be placed where it belongs - solely on BP's shoulders - let's take a look at some facts.
Despite BP's initial estimate of 5000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day, experts in the field are estimating that the true flow is closer to 70,000 barrels (2,940,000 gallons) per day. (1).
The oil *has* hit the Louisiana shore in numerous places, including several wildlife refuges. A total of 65 miles of coastline has been oiled. The oil has penetrated up to twelve miles into the marsh in some areas of the Louisiana coast, and two major brown pelican rookeries have been completely covered. The brown pelican was taken off the endangered species list only 6 months ago (2).
Once in the marsh, the oil *cannot* be removed. The typical techniques for washing oil off of shorelines (high pressure water hose and oil rakes) would only break up and destroy the fragile marshes. Bringing in equipment or even just walking around on the marsh will only drive the oil deeper into the soil and compress the marsh, causing flooding. Once the oil hits the marsh, the *only* thing that can be done is to let it degrade naturally. Which will, of course, take years. (3).
Finally, June 1st starts hurricane season. A storm surge from a major hurricane could push the oil even further inland and rip apart already fragile, oil-soaked wetlands. Not a good combination. (4).
Despite BP's initial estimate of 5000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day, experts in the field are estimating that the true flow is closer to 70,000 barrels (2,940,000 gallons) per day. (1).
The oil *has* hit the Louisiana shore in numerous places, including several wildlife refuges. A total of 65 miles of coastline has been oiled. The oil has penetrated up to twelve miles into the marsh in some areas of the Louisiana coast, and two major brown pelican rookeries have been completely covered. The brown pelican was taken off the endangered species list only 6 months ago (2).
Once in the marsh, the oil *cannot* be removed. The typical techniques for washing oil off of shorelines (high pressure water hose and oil rakes) would only break up and destroy the fragile marshes. Bringing in equipment or even just walking around on the marsh will only drive the oil deeper into the soil and compress the marsh, causing flooding. Once the oil hits the marsh, the *only* thing that can be done is to let it degrade naturally. Which will, of course, take years. (3).
Finally, June 1st starts hurricane season. A storm surge from a major hurricane could push the oil even further inland and rip apart already fragile, oil-soaked wetlands. Not a good combination. (4).