ticky and break down much faster than refined oil does. Refined oil is very thin and harder to clean up. Oil spills during off shore drilling are the first spill source. These spills are not the only sources, there are many spills during transportation and shipping. Clean up of an oil spill is very important and must be done in a quick, effiecient, and ecologically sound manner. What are the effects? What are some response techniques? Is location a factor? What is used to clean up the spills? These are some common questions asked when a spill occurs. There are also positive and negative aspects to consider.Many oil spills occur at sea. This oil immediately begins to move and weather, breaking down and changing its physical and chemical properties. (1) When this happens the oil threatens the surrounding areas. Animals and plant life may be seriously injured. (1)There are many response techniques used in controlling the spread of oil spills. One of the most effective ways to fight spills is the careful selection and the proper use of the equipment and materials best suited to the type of oil and the conditions of the spill site. (2) Most spill response equipment and materials are greatly affected by such factors as conditions at sea, water currents, and the wind. Quick actions and proper use of equipment can reduce damage to shorelines and other areas. There are four types of responses. (2)The first response technique is mechanical containment or recovery. It is the primary line of defense against oil spills in the U.S. The containment and recovery equipment includes a variety of booms, barriers, and skimmers. There are also natural and synthetic sorbent materials. Mechanical containment is used to capture and store the spilled oil until is can properly be disposed of.The second response technique is chemical and biological methods. They can be used in conjunction with mechanical means for containing and cleaning up oil spil...
