Image Courtesy of Marine Photobank via Flickr

Although many green-living enthusiasts have come to the realization that other means of energy exist, oil remains the highest in demand. Oil is produced with no immediate signs of shortage. It is available in the deserts of the Middle East, the stomping grounds of Texas, near the plains of North Dakota, and in Canada. Crude oil can be found in many corners of the Earth, but there are many risks that may result.

Oil Spills are More Prevalent

Drilling may be done to investigate harmful environmental substances within the seawall, such as hydrocarbons. If left unaltered, the hydro-carbonic compounds are rendered relatively harmless. Ironically (and with some modifications), the hydrocarbons become petroleum with extremely high heat and applied pressure. Petroleum contains fossilized plankton, algae, and sedimentary rocks from the middle of Earth’s crust. If workers at an oil rig are digging too deeply, the petroleum can seep into the oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Seafood Consumption Can be More Risky

If we all knew what we were consuming on a daily basis, we probably wouldn’t want to eat. Picture it this way: Do you know which ocean your lobster came from? When oil seeps into the water, schools of fish and countless crustaceans are contaminated with petroleum’s waste material. Seafood in moderation, like anything else is fine. However, many seafood consumers have decided to stick to eating salmon as it’s a fish that swims upstream.

Cleanup Can be Quite a Chore 

Nothing in life is guaranteed, even when all safety precautions and cleanup regiments are followed. Oil spills can be reversed by attempting to contain the spread of oil and skimming a wide area. Skimming involves a net suspended in the water which hangs underneath a buoy. This is utilized to collect the residue. Large sponges, called sorbents, may also be used to attract and ingest the oil.

In situ burning may help to engulf the remaining oil residue on the water’s surface, but the smoke produced in the process is toxic to local communities. Oil cleanup is not simplistic, and the offenses to wildlife can be irreversible and catastrophic. Many species are already endangered. Minor oil seepage or substantial oil leaks can further lessen various species within the animal kingdom.

For decades, we have asked: What are the risks of deep sea drilling? We now have more information available. Although many oil companies further seek out untapped oil reservoirs, such that with Bakken formation, and deep-sea drilling promises to continue, the oil business has employed safer techniques for extraction and marine research.