Catastrophic Oil Spills News

An environmental group and a law clinic petitioned the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Royal Dutch Shell has adequately disclosed to investors the risks of oil exploration in the harsh Arctic waters, the groups said on Tuesday. The U.S. Interior Department is mulling whether Shell can drill test wells for crude and gas off Alaska this summer. The company abandoned exploratory drilling efforts in 2012, an accident-plagued season in a region with little infrastructure for emergency response. Oceana, an international environmental group, and the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Chicago…

There’s a lot of conflicting information related to readily biodegradable lubricants and fluids. What’s the real story? The U.S. EPA’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements are now in place requiring the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in oil to water interfaces for vessels over 79 feet. The VGP revision also requires any above water line hull cleaning or deck washdowns resulting in discharge to be conducted with appropriate cleaners and detergents.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Crowley Maritime Corp. agreed to continue a contract stationing a company rescue tug at Neah Bay from October 2007 through mid-March 2008. A rescue tug has been stationed at Neah Bay since spring 1999. The tug has stood by or assisted 33 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transiting along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil. "The Neah Bay area is sacred to the Makah Tribe and Washington's coast is a world-class treasure," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Flanked by the Olympic National Park along the coast and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary where thousands of ships…