The Deepwater Horizon oil spill (also referred to as the BP oil spill, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, or the Macondo blowout) is a massive ongoing oil spill stemming from a sea floor oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill started with an oil well blowout on April 20, 2010 which caused a catastrophic explosion on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil drilling platform that was situated about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of the Louisiana coast. Eleven platform workers are missing and presumed dead; the explosion also injured 17 others. The gusher originates from a deepwater oil well 5,000 feet (1,500 m) below the ocean surface. Numerous estimates have been made for the amount of oil being discharged, ranging from BP's revised estimate of 5,000 barrels (210,000 US gallons; 790,000 litres) to as much as 100,000 barrels (4,200,000 US gallons; 16,000,000 litres) of crude oil per day. The exact spill flow rate is uncertain – in part because BP has refused to allow independent scientists to perform accurate measurements – and is a matter of ongoing debate. The resulting oil slick covers a surface area of at least 2,500 square miles (6,500 km2) according to estimates reported on May 3, 2010, with the exact size and location of the slick fluctuating from day to day depending on weather conditions. In addition, on May 15, researchers announced the discovery of immense underwater plumes of oil not visible from the surface.
The foregoing paragraph was gleaned from public sources on/abt May 15, 2010
Since then, the spill has eclipsed the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as the worst US oil disaster in history. Experts fear that due to factors such as petroleum toxicity and oxygen depletion, it will result in an environmental disaster whether it reaches Gulf coast or not, damaging the Gulf of Mexico fishing industry, tourism industry, and habitat of hundreds of bird species. It seems we are there already - that is, images on the news services of birds not just occasionally oiled, but drenched in heavy crude oil are heartbreaking, and such conditions are deadly to these fragile animals.
I have a little personal insight in the matter of oiled birds. When I was in my late twenties (about 45 or more years ago), I had been recruited to assist in the cleaning of birds at the site of a Hudson River (NY) oil spill. Maybe that was because at that time, I was engaged in banding and tagging birds, licensed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and had bird handling experience. There are certain ways to hold a bird so that it doesn't get freaked out by being handled. I had been given some training in the cleaning of oil and other hazardous materials by (as I vaguely recall) a consortium of medical, biological and coast guard people. As it turned out, however, I was never called out to actually assist with a large oil spill. Maybe because these emergencies always seemed to begin in the middle of the night, and other friends of mine living closer to the impact area were always on hand. But the point is, that wildlife and birds are fragile creatures, most especially when they are overcome by layers of oil which cut off their fresh-air intake and ability to feed safely. Also, heavy oil on wings make it impossible for these creatures to fly or even walk. Mammals (the size of raccoons, foxes, rabbits, etc.) don't fare very well either, for the same reasons. And, mice, voles and even rats, and squirrels, could die almost immediately. Now consider that there are 400 species of wildlife and many thousands of individuals in the Gulf, and no one knows (for sure) the distribution of these species in the area impacted by the oil spill, and the implications become very severe.
Did you know that cord-grass marshes, that are plentiful in south Louisiana, are growing areas for baby shrimp? Feeding areas for blue crabs and that many species of birds use these wetlands? And all this in the very critical nesting season ongoing in April-May-June and even in July? Brown Pelicans which have just been removed from the endangered species listings, have already been found heavily inundated by the oil. Many species feed in the water to bring food morsels to their young, with drastic results because of the massing oil along the surface of the water.
In addition, Federally protected species, such as the West Indian manatee, Piping Plover, Wood Stork, all four sea turtle species (Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green, and Kemp Ridley's) are in danger in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and in Florida if the spill reaches out that far. In some of these areas one might encounter the Hawksbill sea turtle, too. In the Florida Keys we have the Key Deer (deer the size of a large dog), various rats, American Crocodile, Roseate Tern, and several protected plants (click for the whole list). There are also dolphins and sperm whales in the Gulf, and many other species.
"Chemical exposures may include benzene and other volatile organic compounds, oil mist, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and diesel fumes. Physical hazards may include ergonomic hazards, excessive noise levels, sun exposure and heat stress. Injuries may occur due to slips, trips, and falls on slippery or uneven walking and working surfaces. Other safety hazards are associated with the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Biological hazards include possible exposure to biting or venomous insects or other animals. Psychological hazards may include witnessing traumatic injuries or death, inability to help affected wildlife, and fatigue. Fatigue may result from working in a fast-paced environment, working extended shifts, and doing heavy labor or demanding cognitive tasks such as problem-solving and decision-making." (Quoted from cdc.gov)
June 5th, 2010, Noon CDT, position of oil slick in Gulf of Mexico (red spots where oil has come ashore) in NOAA image on right.
Now let us examine the spiritual side of God's Creation which has been grossly mishandled by people who are more interested in wealth (the flesh) than in the welfare of people and wildlife. In addition to all sorts of animal species that are impacted, people are impacted too. The Gulf was an area very rich in Fishery resources, notable Shrimp, other shellfish and, marine fish. I say "was" because the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill has shown that these resources lost to the Gulf disaster, will take 25-30 years to recover if not longer. Or maybe, if ever!? The Gulf is a living body in the sense that there flows a loop current that takes water and also what drifts on it, potentially around Florida, through the Keys and other islands, into the Atlantic Ocean. There is that potential - we should pray that this potential does not become reality!
This oil spill catastrophy isn't over yet. Although efforts have been made to cap the well, oil is still pouring out at an alarming rate! Depending on the flow of winds, tides, and storms (even hurricanes, now that hurricane season has begun), more beaches in, and around the coastlines of the Gulf can be impacted, and Florida is a State very dependent on tourist dollars since it does not have an income tax. Oiled beaches can translate into fewer or no tourists and that will impact the tourist industry where employees are already not well paid as many jobs associated with this industry are notoriously underpaid. The economic impact of this oil spill hasn't been calculated yet, I believe. So please pray that somehow these effects of this environmental disaster will lessen, and ask Our Lord to forgive those who caused this mess to happen to begin with. We also pray for people directly impacted by the explosion on the drilling rig and those who lost their lives. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in the Lord. Amen. Also, please pray for those who are losing their livelihood as a result of this massive spill.
Don't forget to pray for another huge group of people who are defending our Nation: our military people who are in war-torn places.
Fred Schaeffer, SFO
6/5/2010
Note: I've worked 8+ years in an Ecological Services Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, apart from the 25 years as a volunteer in banding and tagging birds, specializing in Neotropical Migrants and Hawks (raptors). The volunteer work occurred mostly on weekends and during vacations from gainful employment.. In 1996, I resigned from the Service in order to persue other interests in my life. Prior to my employment with the Government, I was employed in the Airline and Travel Industry for almost 20 years.
