SPILL IMPACTS AND SHORELINE CLEANUP OPERATIONS ON ARCTIC AND SUB-ARCTIC COASTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Spill response operations in ice-infested or Arctic environments must take into account environmental factors or constraints that are not applicable in more temperate climates. In particular, the potential impact of oil on biological habitats or communities must be evaluated carefully in terms of species distributions and population abundance at the time of a spill. The potential natural recovery from spilled oil is reduced because of the modifying effects of ice on mechanical (wave) processes at the shoreline. Stranded oil is likely to persist longer because of reduced thermal and mechanical energy levels and would, therefore, have a longer potential adverse effect on biological communities. Environmental conditions may constrain operational response in areas of ice-infested waters or of low temperatures. These climatic conditions have not favored human activities so that many Arctic regions are remote and response resources are greatly limited. The development of spill response decisions in Arctic regions must focus on (1) the necessity for cleanup versus natural recovery, (2) assigning priorities for the protection and/or cleanup of specific sections of coast, and (3) consideration of logistic or other operational constraints resulting from climatic conditions.</jats:p