Environmental Concerns Rise After North Sea Collision

Authorities and green groups are evaluating the possible harm to the environment from the crash between an oil tanker and a cargo vessel in the North Sea. The leakage of fuel also threatens marine and coastal wildlife. The size of the spill will depend on the chemical released and amount spilled and weather in the next few days.

Scale of the Spill and Associated Hazards:-
The MV Stena Immaculate oil tanker had 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 containers on board when it ran aground. Its managing company, Crowley, said one of the containers had burst and spilled fuel into the ocean. The extent of the spill was not known, but jet fuel is toxic to marine animals and birds if consumed or absorbed via the skin.

The Solong freighter was originally said to be carrying sodium cyanide, a toxic substance that is water-soluble and emits hydrogen cyanide gas. But its owners later clarified that the freighter had four empty containers that were previously used to carry sodium cyanide and are now being tracked for contamination.

The second environmental threat is that bunker fuel, or heavy marine diesel that powers the ships, can leak. Bunker fuel is denser than jet fuel and can survive a very long period of time in the environment. Although no real leak of engine oil is present until now, they are under strict surveillance of the authorities.

Environmental and Wildlife Impact:-
The accident happened in an area of high shore and sea biodiversity. The Humber Estuary, where the accident took place, is a habitat for migratory birds such as pink-footed geese, puffins, and avocets. It also hosts breeding seals, harbor porpoises, and other fish species.

If the spill persists, it has the capability to affect seabirds that are feeders on fish around the region. The timing of the disaster is most unsettling, as most of the birds have already begun congregate offshore, ahead of breeding season. Marine diesel has the ability to envelop animals and debase their capability to maintain body heat, which causes death.

Response and Mitigation Efforts:-
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is coordinating the efforts to stop the spill and determine the danger of contamination. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is in discussions with ship owners to come up with a salvage plan. Any fire that resulted after the collision could have evaporated some of the jet fuel, but tests kits are being used by the authorities to verify whether there is any sediment left.

The most effective method to remove jet fuel spillages, experts advise, is the release of the material to evaporate naturally in the open sea. Where the fuel is deposited on the ground, absorbents are utilized to cover up the tainted surface. The UK government is also utilizing ocean circulation models to forecast the direction of contaminants.

Ongoing Concerns:-
In spite of mitigation measures, environmental groups continue to be concerned with the long-term impact of the spill. A possibility of another leak, particularly with bunker fuel, still exists. Wildlife monitoring and clean-up operations will continue in the affected area to reduce damage to ecosystems.

The investigation into the collision cause and possible environmental transgressions continues. Authorities will provide more updates as the situation unfolds.

Source: BBC News