Four years after the tragic oil spills caused by the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, effects are still being discovered. The spill lasted for 87 days, the largest accidental marine oil spill in history, and immediately claimed the lives of 11 individuals who manned the rig. While BP has already spent over $24 billion in recovery efforts and criminal charges, their expenses are far from over.
Private groups and federal scientists are all gathering information and have been since the event occurred on April 20, 2010. The spill affected over 4,700 square feet, pouring 5,000 barrels of oil into the ocean each day. The verdict is still out on the long-term effects but the current findings are anything but promising.
Cleanup efforts are far from over. The spill may have taken place near Louisiana but the disaster affects the entire coastal area. The oil and hazardous chemical used to disperse the oil, Corexit, are still affecting the cleanup crew. Many of the workers are combating dizziness, respiratory problems, rashes, elevated blood pressure, and chemical burns amongst other symptoms. Unfortunately, the chemicals and oil have even been linked to much harsher side effects like cancer and birth defects. El Paso personal injury lawyers are stepping in to assist those suffering from the cleanup efforts.
Humans aren’t the only ones who are still feeling the effects of the 2010 tragedy. The National Wildlife Federation reports several animal species who are suffering. Bottlenose dolphins are dying at three times the usual rate and scientists are reporting lung damage and immune system problems in the species. Area sperm whales are being discovered with unusual metals in their blood which are known to damage DNA. These same metals were found to be components in the oil. Approximately 500 sea turtles have died annually since the spill, some of which include the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.
The effects are also being seen in deep sea creatures including many at-risk coral species. Over 86 percent of the coral species are showing damage, 23 percent of which are showing more than 90 percent damage. Many other species utilize the coral for habitats and spawning grounds, naturally affecting their populations as well.
The entire ecosystem is at risk. Reports show that the massive amounts of oil and Corexist found in the water are responsible. The impact is being seen even on the microbial level. Plant life in the water, including algae, is suffering from oxygen depletion. Without the plant life that so many marine animals rely on for food and habitat, the entire ecosystem could face devastation.
The dismay isn’t reserved for underwater flora and fauna. Marshes and estuaries are still heavily impacted. Oil is difficult to remove from highly organic soil, which largely covers the landmasses. Marsh grasses were heavily damaged, leading to high levels of erosion, and creatures who used it for food and shelter are facing the effects. Sea life utilizes the marsh grasses for nurseries, bringing numerous creatures to the area for food. These animals – including birds, insects, and mammals – are still facing grave dangers.
The lasting effects of the BP oil disaster are yet to be seen. Much has happened in the four years since it occurred, but wildlife is sure to face prolonged devastation. Damage is being seen at the cellular level, impacting the DNA of many plants and animals, and the monumental damage will effect area wildlife for centuries to come.