5 - The Petroleum Industry

Abstract

Many environmental factors depend largely on the conditions and operations of the facilities themselves. The petroleum industry refines crude petroleum and processes natural gas into a multitude of products. Processes include: oil- and gas-field operations, gas plant processing operations, refining and refinery operations, and refining technologies. Due to these activities, pollutants are produced in the form of toxic emissions and hazardous waste that are released into the environment. Pollution caused by this industry relies on design and operating practices; frequency of maintenance and inspection; type, age, and quality of equipment; operating conditions; treatment and processing equipment; and applicable environmental and conservation regulations. Poor practices stemming from both unintentional and intentional actions are documented. Such actions have placed the public at risk from both chronic and acute exposures to various toxic chemicals, including significant amounts of carcinogens like benzene. Oil fields across America are identified and the damage done is analyzed. The Santa Maria oil sumps, Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969, and Exxon Valdez oil spill are the prominent cases. The BP oil spill of 2010 introduced vast quantities of oil and methane gas into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It spurred major environmental controversy and raised serious concerns for oceanic health. As seen in other oil spill cases, the aftermath of this incident exhibited negative effects in marine organisms, wildlife, and surrounding communities that may persist for decades.