Analysis of Oil Spill Trends in the United States and Worldwide

Abstract

This presentation examines trends in U.S. oil spillage, with respect to historical and current trends in the United States and worldwide, and analyzes potential influences on spill frequencies. Contrary to popular perceptions, the numbers of oil spills, as well as the amount spilled, have decreased significantly over the last two decades, particularly in the last few years despite overall increases in oil transport. Decreases are pronounced for vessels. U.S. pipelines now spill considerably more than tankers. Overall, U.S. oil spillage decreased 228% since the 1970s and 154% since the 1980s. This decrease mirrors international trends and can likely be attributed to reduced accident rates, due to preventive measures and increased concerns over escalating financial liabilities.

In-depth analysis of accidental oil spills from tankers in the context of global spill trends from all sources

“…Very large spills are viewed as the most visible and dramatic causes of marine and coastal pollution as can be seen from their often exceptional media presence [13]. However, previous studies in many cases focused on particular aspects of oil spills such as the amount spilled and distributional trends (e.g., [14]), ecological consequences (e.g., [15,16]), economic costs of pollution (e.g., [5,17,18]), cleanup techniques (e.g., [19]) or examined specific geographical areas (e.g., [20,21]). …”

Risk Assessment and Management of Terrestrial Ecosystems Exposed to Petroleum Contamination

“…There are thousands of sites that have been seriously contaminated by petroleum products in oil-producing regions around the world (Etkin, 2001). In the US (Restrepo et al, 2009) crude oil is far and away the most frequently spilled hazardous liquid (39.4% of all cases, compared to gasoline, in second place, with 10.6%).…”

One planet, many people: atlas of our changing environment

“…The average number of large spills per year during the 1990s was about a third of that witnessed during the 1970s (ITOPF 2003). This decrease can likely be attributed to reduced accident rates due to preventive measures and increased concerns over escalating financial liabilities (Etkin 2001). (Krupa 1997).…”