THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Background

Began on 20th April 2010, Capped on 15th July 2010, Lasted 87 days Occurred off Louisiana, Mexican Gulf Discharge of 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf Caused by Oil rig explosion Damage to the Environment, Economy, and Social Well being

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The Scale

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The Environment

Over 200km of affected shoreline Over 8,332 Species affected; 1,200 Fish, 1,400 Molluscs, 200 Birds, 1,500 Crustaceans, 29 Marine Mammals, & 4 Sea Turtles 14 Species under protection 39 species at extremely high risk 1 species found only within the oil spill area 38 to 40km dead zone around the well 8,000+ individual animal death 650+ stranded dolphins Migratory birds carry chemicals & oil as far as Minnesota. Un-natural growth of eggs of birds Effect on wildlife still felt in 2013 and will continue to be felt for a long time Nature reserve near the spill Beaches covered in slick and tar Damage to animal habitat

Turtles: Illness due to chemical ingestion Loss of sensitive habitat Organ damage Burning eyes, skin

BIRDS: Lose their ability to regulate body temperature Lose their buoyancy Thinning of egg shells Develop respiratory issues Illness due to chemical ingestion

Fish: Immediate death due to blockage of gills Develop cancers Unnatural growth Illness due to chemical ingestion

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The Economy
$41billion fine for BP; twice the profit of 2009 $1100-$4300 per barrel spilled fine Louisiana loses money from tourism Significant cost of clearing up Loss of homes because of oil slick reaching shore Fishing industry in decline ( cost of $2.5bn) Tourist avoiding the area Restricted access to the ocean