Presentation
Trends and Observations on 50 Years of Oil Spill Statistics
DescriptionA review of over 50 years of historical data on oil spill incidents was conducted to examine longer-term trends and provide perspectives on progress in spill prevention. Based on available data, the evidence that spill rates, frequencies, and volumes have decreased over 50 years was examined. Data analyzed included that available for the US, Canadian, European, and worldwide over the last 50 years. There are notable data gaps and conclusions about trends based on these data may not be applicable to all parts of the world. Overall, the frequency of spills for all oil industry sectors has decreased. Spill volumes were decreasing until the 2010 Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the US Gulf of Mexico. This single event resulted in an extreme spill volume that strongly influenced the total volume for that decade. With the exception of the Deepwater Horizon event, reductions in spillage per oil produced and transported indicate that spillage rates have decreased. Reductions in spill frequency (spill number) and spill volumes occurred despite increased production and transport occurred across all oil industry sectors.
Event Type
Paper
TimeWednesday, May 15th2:30pm - 2:50pm CDT
Location298-299
Prevention