Federal Science Report Analyzes Environmental Risks and Benefits of Additional Clean Up for Sensitive Beaches in the Gulf
"Titled "Summary Report for Fate and Effects of Remnant Oil in the Beach Environment," the report examines data sampled from four representative beaches at Grand Isle, La., Petit Bois Island, Miss., Bon Secour, Ala., and Fort Pickens, Fla. The report will help guide oil spill responders' transition to monitoring and maintenance operations to address remnant oil deposits that remain on beaches that have already been successfully cleaned. During monitoring and maintenance, cleanup crews will conduct periodic inspections of beaches, receive reports from the public, and conduct cleanups as needed.
Results of a net environmental benefit analysis summarized in the report indicate that environmental impacts of remnant oil found on or near beaches after cleanup operations are relatively minor, and that cleanup operations beyond established standards may disturb sensitive habitats and wildlife – posing a greater environmental risk than leaving the residue in place. In these instances, further cleaning will likely do more harm than good to the ecosystem."
