IV-369 



CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS 



One great threat to the estuarine ecosystem is the ever-present 

 chance of a catastrophic spill of oil or other hazardous materials. 

 The large volumes of petroleum and chemical products transported 

 through the estuarine zone by ships, barges, pipelines, trucks, and 

 railroads present a continuing opportunity for accidental bulk spills. 

 The consequences of these spills depend on the amount and type of 

 material released and the characteristics of the receiving water. 

 They may range in magnitude from tragic loss of human life to little 

 more than economic loss for the transporter (Figure IV. 5. 9). 



When a significant spill occurs, the results can be dramatic. A 

 large quantity of material 1s suddenly disgorged into the system; 

 the fate of this material depends on its miscibility with water, 

 its solubility in water, and its density, stability, and volatility. 

 The fate of the environment depends on what segments contact the material 

 and the inherent toxicity of the material. 



The potential magnitude of the problem is staggering. The quantities 

 and varieties of oils and other hazardous materials transported or 

 stored are reflected in the following statistics: 



(1) Almost 4 billion barrels of petroleum and natural gas 

 liquids are used annually in the United States. 



(2) Twenty-five billion pounds of animal and vegetable oils 

 are consumed or exported annually. 



