ENGINEMAN 1 & C
replacement is costly, because the current methods
for beach sand reclamation are very expensive.
Mitigation of impacts may also involve
biological reseeding of areas affected by the
spill or the cleanup operations. It may also
include the collection, cleanup, and care of oil
soaked birds, which were attracted to the spill
area, although this effort is generally only
partially effective. It requires expert knowledge,
facilities for recuperation, and extensive use of
manpower.
As you read earlier in this chapter there are
six operational phases involved with spills. We
have briefly discussed only four of these. For
more detailed information about the phases
discussed and additional information on the care
of the equipment and administrative follow up
to a spill read and study NAVFAC P-908,
Oil Spill Control for Inland Waters and
Harbors.
CAUSES OF OIL SPILLS
The frequency of occurrence and the volume
of oil spilled in relation to the various causes as
reported to, and compiled by, the Navy Environ-
mental Support Office (NESO) is shown in table
8-3. You can clearly see that human error is
involved in the majority of these spills.
The best way to help cope with this problem
of human error is through the proper training
of operational personnel. This should include
study of pertinent regulations and operational
procedures; adherence to the Personnel Qualifica-
tion System (PQS) and periodic drills involving
cleanup procedures and operation of oil spil1
cleanup equipment.
In addition to routine and schedule
maintenance, as well run facility should perform
and log periodic inspections dealing with the
Table 8-3.Navy Related Oil Spills by Cause (1975)
Percent
Volume
Percent
Av. Vol.
No. of
Total
Spilled
Total Vol.
of Each
Cause
Spills
Spills
(gal)
Spilled
Occurrence
Valve misaligned
39
9.4
3,943
3.4
101
(open)
Monitoring error
80
19.2
6,792
5.8
85
Donut (WOR)
16
3.8
794
.7
50
Collision
1
.2
1,500
1.3
1,500
Grounding
0
-
-
-
-
Structural/design
95
22.8
52,267
44.5
550
failure
Tank overflow
27
6.5
3,305
2.8
122
Fuel transfer
(internal)
3
0.7
178
0.1
58
(external)
14
3.4
1,824
1.6
130
Air in line
7
1.7
74
.l
11
Unknown
124
29.7
39,744
33.8
321
Other
11
2.6
7,143
8.1
649
8-12
