Coastal waters and major tributaries provide routes for the waterborne 

 transportation of goods and supplies such as oil and agricultural products, 

 and provides sites for ports and harbors. The coast is the primary site for 

 large electrical generating facilities and in some areas supplies an abundance 

 of sand and gravel, shell, and oil and gas. It also is the locus of some 

 large manufacturing industries. 



OCS OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT 



Offshore oil and gas development, deepwater ports, processing and ship- 

 ping of petroleum products, and other OCS-related activities potentially could 

 have major environmental, economic, and social impacts on Northwest Florida's 

 coastal wetlands, natural resources, and communities. A major environmental 

 threat is the .potential for oil spills during drilling for or transporting of 

 oil. A major oil spill could be devastating because of the coast's vulnerable 

 environment and its heavy reliance on its beaches for tourism. Intensive OCS 

 exploration and development generates considerable onshore activity which is 

 accompanied by environmental, economic, and social impacts that can be either 

 beneficial or detrimental. Some of the more significant impacts of OCS oil 

 and gas operations are given in the following subsections: 



Environmental Implications 



Oil released in coastal waters in any large quantity could seriously 

 damage wetlands and foul beaches, shellfish, and waterfowl. Coastal waters 

 could be polluted by dredge and fill operations and by offshore construction 

 of platforms, drilling wastes, and runoff and emissions from onshore facili- 

 ties. Onshore support facilities, transportation facilities, and pipeline 

 construction are threats to wetlands. 



Economic Implications 



The region's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and the beauty of 

 the water and beaches. Any OCS-related activity that threatens these resources 

 threatens the economy of the region. 



In some areas, onshore OCS oil and gas related development could cause 

 fiscal problems for local governments. During onshore development, local gov- 

 ernments may be threatened by tax deficits created by the increased demand for 

 services before any increase in property tax revenue. Despite this problem, 

 long-term economic gains from increased property tax revenues are likely to 

 occur. 



Major economic benefits may accrue from increased community growth and 

 employment, but if new industries supplant old ones, such as the tourist in- 

 dustry, there may be little or no net gain. 



Social Impl ications 



Large scale OCS oil and gas development can alter the social character- 

 istics of rural, retirement, or tourist oriented communities. Development may 

 change the economic base of a community and, in turn, alter its social struc- 

 ture. Because of the new industry and population increase, additional schools, 

 roads, and services will be required. 



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