Preventing Oil Pollution: Ocean Protection Strategies

Oil pollution is one of the most devastating forms of pollution, with serious consequences for people, plants, and wildlife. It is also one of the most preventable, as it is often the result of human error or carelessness. While large oil spills like the Deepwater Horizon disaster grab headlines, the largest source of day-to-day oil pollution comes from small, privately owned boats and marinas. To prevent oil pollution in the ocean, individuals and companies must take responsibility for their oil usage and disposal. This includes staying on top of maintenance, being careful during refueling, and properly disposing of used oil. Governments, municipalities, and corporations must also invest in oil spill prevention and preparedness, including rapid and well-coordinated response plans.

Prevent oil from entering sewers and drains

Oil spills are one of the most devastating forms of pollution, and they are often a result of human error or carelessness. The largest source of day-to-day oil pollution comes from marine traffic, such as small privately owned boats and vessels taking on fuel or releasing oily bilge discharge.

To prevent oil from entering sewers and drains, it is important to follow these procedures:

• Seal floor drains, drain inlets, and curb inlets to stop oil from entering storm or sewer drains.
• Use spill kits, sorbent pads, and granular oil sorbents to clean up spills. Granular sorbents are more effective than sand.
• Collect contaminated granular oil sorbent or sand and place them in containers labeled as "contaminated with used oil". These containers must be disposed of by an environmental disposal vendor.
• For indoor spills, use cones and warning tape to prevent oil from spreading through the building. Oil-soaked building materials should be wrapped in plastic to avoid leakage and disposed of by an environmental disposal firm.
• For outdoor spills on pavement, use sorbents, pads, and booms. If oil spills on dirt, the contaminated soil must be collected and disposed of as well.
• Have an absorbent oil spill prevention kit pillow in the engine bilge.
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to reduce the risk of spills.

By following these procedures and being vigilant, we can help prevent oil from entering sewers and drains, thus reducing the impact of oil pollution on our oceans and the environment.

Stay on top of boat maintenance

Staying on top of boat maintenance is crucial for preventing oil pollution in the ocean. Boat owners and operators have a responsibility to ensure their vessels are well-maintained to minimise the risk of oil spills. Here are some essential maintenance tips to prevent oil pollution:

Firstly, regular engine and machinery checks are vital. Boat owners should inspect engines and machinery for any leaks or potential sources of oil discharge. This includes checking for proper sealing and no cracks or damage that could lead to leaks. By identifying and fixing issues promptly, the risk of oil leaks during vessel operations is significantly reduced.

Secondly, proper waste management is essential. Boat owners should ensure that all waste oil and oily water are stored securely and disposed of responsibly. This means collecting and storing used oil, oil filters, and oily rags in separate, clearly labelled containers. Many marinas have facilities for disposing of these wastes, and boat owners should utilise these services to prevent oil from entering the ocean.

Additionally, it is crucial to be vigilant during refueling. Oil spills commonly occur during this process, so boat owners should take their time and be cautious to avoid any overflow or spillage. It is also important to use the correct equipment, such as funnel spouts, to prevent spills when transferring oil.

Furthermore, implementing preventive measures such as absorbent oil spill prevention kits can be valuable. These kits can be placed in areas where leaks may occur, such as the engine bilge, to absorb any spilled oil before it enters the water. Having spill response equipment on board is also advisable, as it enables boat owners to act quickly and effectively if a spill occurs.

By prioritising maintenance and adopting a proactive approach to oil spill prevention, boat owners and operators can play a significant role in protecting the marine environment and minimising the impact of oil pollution on ocean ecosystems.

Use oil spill kits and sorbents

Oil spill kits and sorbents are essential tools in preventing oil pollution in the ocean. They are particularly useful for cleaning up spills and preventing further contamination. The kits usually contain sorbent pads, booms, and other materials that absorb or adsorb oil, reducing the environmental impact of the spill.

Sorbents are a key component of oil spill kits. They are materials that can absorb oil, like a sponge, or cause oil to stick to their surface. There are three main types of sorbents: natural organic materials such as peat moss, straw, hay, and sawdust; natural inorganic materials like clay, volcanic ash, sand, or vermiculite; and synthetic sorbents made from plastic-like materials such as polyurethane, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The choice of sorbent depends on the type of oil spilled and the weather conditions. Sorbents are most effective when used before the oil emulsifies, as it becomes harder to separate the oil from the water once it reaches a pudding-like consistency.

Spill kits are employed to manage both oil and chemical spills. They typically contain sorbent pads, booms, and other tools to contain and absorb the spill. For example, St. Mary's University has spill kits and spill control materials (pads, bags, gloves, etc.) located in various buildings and facilities on campus. These kits provide the necessary tools to address spills and prevent further contamination.

In addition to sorbents and spill kits, other methods can be used to prevent oil pollution in the ocean. For instance, physical barriers, such as floating booms, can be deployed to control and contain the spread of oil on the water's surface. Skimmers, which are boats that skim oil from the surface, are also used to remove oil after it has been contained. While skimmers are effective, they only recover about 2-4% of the spilled oil. Therefore, sorbents are crucial for mopping up the remaining trace amounts of oil.

To effectively utilize oil spill kits and sorbents, it is important to have a comprehensive plan and trained personnel. For instance, St. Mary's University requires all personnel responsible for preventing, controlling, or cleaning up oil spills to undergo annual training. This training includes reviewing the university's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan, watching educational videos, and answering related questions. By ensuring that individuals are knowledgeable and prepared, the impact of oil spills can be minimized.

Reduce oil use and opt for alternative transport

Oil pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue, and one of the most effective ways to address it is to reduce our reliance on oil and embrace alternative means of transportation. Here are some ways we can make a difference:

Reduce Oil Consumption: One of the most direct ways to prevent oil pollution is to reduce our overall oil consumption. This can be achieved by making conscious choices in our daily lives. For example, instead of driving a car, opt for walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible. By reducing our individual oil usage, we lower the demand for oil transportation, decreasing the chances of oil spills.

Alternative Transportation Methods: Embracing alternative forms of transportation can significantly reduce our dependence on oil. Electric vehicles, for instance, are a more environmentally friendly option as they do not rely on fossil fuels. Investing in electric cars, buses, and trucks can help reduce the number of oil-powered vehicles on the road, minimizing the risk of oil spills from road transport. Additionally, promoting and supporting the development of infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations can facilitate a wider adoption of electric mobility, further reducing our collective reliance on oil.

Sustainable Marine Transportation: The marine industry plays a significant role in transporting goods and services internationally, and most of the time, oil is transported safely. However, accidents and spills can occur. To mitigate this risk, organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have introduced measures to ensure safer construction and operation of oil tankers. These measures include implementing oil discharge monitoring systems and setting standards for allowable discharges of bilge water. By supporting and advocating for stricter safety regulations and innovative pollution prevention technologies in the marine industry, we can further reduce the risk of oil spills from marine transportation.

Proper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of oil and oily waste is a significant contributor to oil pollution. It is essential to dispose of oil and oily substances responsibly. Instead of dumping them into sewers or garbage, look for designated collection points or recycling centers that can handle these materials safely. Many municipalities and waste management companies provide guidance and infrastructure for proper oil disposal. By disposing of oil responsibly, individuals and businesses can prevent oil from entering waterways and causing pollution.

Support Environmental Organizations: Joining forces with environmental organizations dedicated to preventing oil spills and protecting our oceans is crucial. Organizations like Ocean Conservancy work tirelessly to develop innovative solutions and champion policies that promote a sustainable ocean. By supporting these organizations through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, we can contribute to a collective effort to reduce oil pollution and promote alternative, environmentally friendly practices.

Implement Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans

Oil spills are one of the most devastating forms of pollution, wreaking havoc on the marine ecosystem and harming people, plants, and wildlife. In recognition of the danger that oil spills pose, the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule was established to help prevent the discharge of oil into navigable waters and adjoining shorelines.

The SPCC rule requires facilities that store, transfer, use, or consume oil or oil products, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, and various types of oils, to develop, maintain, and implement an oil spill prevention plan, known as an SPCC Plan. These plans are crucial in preventing oil spills and controlling them if they do occur.

To comply with the SPCC rule, the owner or operator of the facility must prepare and implement an SPCC Plan, which must be maintained at the facility's location. The facility must store more than 1,320 US gallons in total of all above-ground containers (only counting containers with 55 gallons or greater storage capacity) or more than 42,000 gallons in completely buried containers. Additionally, the facility must be able to reasonably expect to discharge oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

The SPCC Plan should include procedures, methods, and equipment requirements to effectively prevent and manage oil spills. It is important to note that the EPA has amended the SPCC requirements over time to extend compliance dates and tailor specific regulatory requirements.

By implementing SPCC plans, facilities can play a crucial role in reducing the impact of oil spills on the environment and mitigating the harm caused to marine life, humans, and ecosystems.

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