Guinean environmental impact potential risks assessment of oil spills simulation

Abstract

This work analyses the specific potential spill scenarios for future oil exploitation and transportation activity in Guinean waters. The analysis was carried out by using the DEEPBLOW and (OSCAR) 3-dimensional model system from SINTEF. A spill using 100t as a “worst case” reference scenario of marine crude oil demonstrates the rapidity with which such a spill will dissipate naturally. Guinean southwest (SW) and north–northwest (NNW) winds directions were selected. A comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been carried out, including the assessment of the impact from oil spills. The modeling identified environmentally sensitive areas which could potentially be influenced by an oil spill. Also, the potential of surface contaminant risk and maximum concentration were modeled; the total area of the oil spill and area of thick oil concentration were predicted; spill mass balance area and sediment risks and maximum concentration scenarios are shown. The simulation results demonstrate the usefulness of the models as tools for guidance of environmental impact risk assessment of spilled oil during an actual blowout event; and its application will help to set up an eventual spill planning response strategies and protect the country's marine environment against oil spill accidents and manage oil exploitation and transport.