Environment Report 2014

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2014

Crude oil at 74 tonnes, makes up the majority (37 per cent) of oil product volumes accidentally released. The oil and gas industry also uses a number of oil-based products in production, such as lubricating oil and hydraulic oil, which can be accidentally released to the marine environment. Lubricating oil made up 32 per cent (63 tonnes) of the total volume of accidental oil releases, whilst hydraulic oil contributed 18 per cent (35 tonnes) of accidental oil release volumes from 2011 to 2013. Diesel used for power generation and oiled wastes were also released, however, they made up a small proportion (nine per cent and one per cent, respectively) of the total volume released. Determining the oil product type is an important element of an oil spill response. Oil products have varying physical properties that determine how they will behave in the marine environment under different conditions. Lighter oil products, such as diesel and light crudes, tend to disperse quickly so that natural dispersion may be the most appropriate response for this oil product classification. For heavier crudes, the use of dispersant or containment and mechanical recovery may be more suitable.

Figure 17: Accidental Oil Release Volumes by Product Type on the UK Continental Shelf from 2011 to 2013

Crude Diesel

Hydraulic Oil

Waste Other* Lubricant

32%

37%

9%

18%

3%

1%

* Other includes small amounts of oils such as sludges, condensate and kerosene

Source: DECC April 2014

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