Questions About Environmental Tradeoffs

Here are answers to questions that people have asked about the environmental tradeoffs of using in-situ burning (ISB).

Q. What are the potential environmental tradeoffs relevant to the use of in-situ burning?

A. As with all response methods, the environmental tradeoffs associated with in-situ burning must be considered on a case-by-case basis and weighed with operational tradeoffs. In-situ burning can offer important advantages over other response methods in specific cases, and may not be advisable in others, depending on the circumstances of a spill. In general, these are some of the pros and cons of ISB:

Pros:

Cons:

Q. Isn't burning just trading water pollution for air pollution?

A. Air pollution from an in-situ burn is usually short-lived and consists mainly of smoke particulates. In certain concentrations, these particulates may be harmful to some persons. However, unburned oil is also a source of air pollution, mainly from evaporating hydrocarbon compounds that also present health hazards. These compounds also contribute to the formation of smog.

Q. Does ISB preclude other spill response measures?

A. There are three primary cleanup methods: in-situ burning, dispersants, and mechanical methods. Whether or not burning would limit the use of other spill response measures depends on the circumstances of a spill. In a major spill, it may be possible for all response techniques to be used simultaneously. The goal is to find the right mix of equipment, personnel, and techniques that will minimize a spill's environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural impacts.

Q. Are there long-term impacts to the environment from spilled oil?

A. Yes, oil spills can have serious long-term impacts to the environment. The long-term impacts to birds and mammals include lower reproduction rates and physical mutations in offspring. Harmful oil components can contaminate fish that are in turn eaten by other fish, seabirds, and humans, thus passing these harmful components up the food chain. Once oil is trapped in sediments, it can be recirculated into the water and remain in the food chain for many years. Some research indicates that oil can remain in sediments for hundreds of years.



General | Tradeoffs | Environmental Impacts | Health | Safety | Economic Concerns | Institutional Concerns

Revised: December 29, 2000
Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration