FREQUENCY OF DISPERSANT USE WORLDWIDE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chemical dispersant use has been regarded in some areas of the world as a non-traditional response option for open water marine spills. This view is based on the historical prevalence of mechanical response and the additional regulatory or permitting requirements placed on organizations which wish to use dispersants. While such requirements may be a deterrent, the response community underestimates the actual frequency of dispersant use. Based on response reports for maritime spills, the frequency of worldwide dispersant use is summarized over the last four decades. Information is also summarized by the geographic region where the dispersant was applied and using any reports on effectiveness. Effectiveness reports are uneven in quality and, in many cases, absent. This situation underscores the importance of knowing if an oil is dispersible beforehand and monitoring the performance of a dispersant on a spilled oil afterward.