RESTORATION OF OIL-CONTAMINATED SHORELINES 



Robert W. Castle 1 



INTRODUCTION 



The development of oil spill control technology has centered around the 

 control and recovery of floating oil. For various reasons, little emphasis 

 has been placed on technological solutions to the complex and environmentally 

 important problems associated with cleanup and restoration of oil -contaminated 

 shorelines. Most restoration efforts attempt to reduce the level of contam- 

 ination to a point where immediate environmental and social hazards are mitigated 

 and the natural self-healing process proceeds quickly and efficiently. Nature, 

 after all, is the ultimate cleaner and restorer of oil-contaminated shore- 

 lines. Unfortunately, scientific knowledge of the fate and effects of oil 

 on coastal ecosystems is only now developing, and is incomplete. This state- 

 ment is particularly true with regard to long-term and sublethal effects. 

 In addition, little information is available regarding the effects of restoration 

 actions. As a result, well-intended restoration efforts occasionally result 

 in more damage to the environment than would be incurred if no actions were 

 taken at all. Still, oil spills continue to occur and the necessity of preserving 

 shoreline environments persists. 



In recent years, URS has actively participated in and conducted long- 

 term monitoring of a number of incidents involving shoreline contamination 

 and restoration. A significant portion of this involvement is ongoing under 

 sponsorship of the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Petroleum 

 Institute. The purpose of this paper is to use this experience as a basis 

 for describing revelant features of shoreline contamination, what appear to 

 be environmentally acceptable and cost-effective restoration techniques, and 

 corrmon misapplications. The paper is based on the assumption that a restoration 

 action is necessary. Techniques considered are primarily physical. Applicability 

 of chemical treating agents is not considered. 



SANDY BEACHES 



RELEVANT CHARACTERISTICS 



For purposes of convenience, this discussion of sandy beaches includes 

 treatment of gravel, cobble, and shingle beaches. The parameters considered 

 are by no means inclusive, but are thought to have a strong influence 

 on the nature and success of a restoration response. Sandy beaches are common 

 along the shores of the United States. These beaches are of widespread public 

 interest because of their recreational potential. In general, these beaches 



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