special problems in water pollution abatement. Oils from different 

 sources have highly diverse properties and chemistry. Oils are relatively 

 insoluble in sea and brackish waters, and surface action spreads the oil 

 in thin surface films of variable thickness, depending on the amount of 

 oil present. Oil, when absorbed on clay and other particles suspended 

 in the water, forms large, heavy aggregates that sink to the bottom. 

 Additional complications arise from the formation of emulsions in water, 

 leaching of water soluble fractions, and coating and tainting of sedentary 

 animals, rocks, and tidal flats. 



Wildlife that become involved with an oil spill can die from ingestion 

 of the petroleum or from loss of insulating capacity of their feathers 

 or fur. Vacuum trucks and other skimming devices should be employed to 

 remove any collected oil. Any damaged vessels, which transport petroleum 

 products, should have an oil boom placed around them when necessary to 

 prevent discharge into the water while repairs are being performed. 



For refineries, problems with operations are by far the most important 

 consideration affecting fish and wildlife resources and the consideration 

 that the applicant will give the most effort to solving. If sited on 

 the waterfront, designing the facility to avoid shoreline wetlands, and 

 estuarine disturbances, particularly of wetlands, will be next in order. 

 With the necessity to handle flammable gases and petroleum hydrocarbons, 

 operation of the refinery must be performed to prevent accidental releases 

 and ignitions so as to protect human and wildlife environments. In addition, 

 emergency procedures should be practiced routinely so personnel can 

 respond quickly and appropriately in time of need. 



Regulatory Factors 



Refineries are likely to be subject to special siting procedures at 

 the state level. Local ordinances designed to minimize impacts on the 

 natural environment may also be stimulated by refinery siting proposals. 

 Federal regulations for dredge and fill and operating standards for air 

 and water pollution are also important. 



State and Local Role : State regulatory authorities may exist with 

 the ability to override or supplement local regulatory controls over 

 refinery siting. These controls are analogous to the zoning controls 

 referenced in Section 2.1.3. Local reaction to these proposals is often 

 adverse, and sponsors have been frustrated in many recent attempts as 

 illustrated by Table 18. 



Federal Role : If the refinery does not use a coastal location 

 requiring dredge and fill or water access, federal laws will primarily 

 influence design and operation of air and water pollution abatement 

 devices. 



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