Private Sector Perspectives on Hydrocarbon Contamination

Abstract

This chapter identifies the hydrocarbon contamination issues from private and public sector perspectives. There are numerous financial implications associated with hydrocarbon contamination. However, the major implications would like to identify are as follows: remediation costs; loss of income; fines and penalties; adverse publicity; and property devaluation. There are a number of technological uncertainties that property owners often encounter during the remediation of sites with hydrocarbon contamination. A considerable amount of short- and long-term liability may be created by owners of hydrocarbon contaminated sites, depending upon the levels of hydrocarbon constituents that remain after remediation is completed and the methodology employed to remediate the site. Although a substantial portion of adverse publicity is given to companies that have willfully, or through negligence, contaminated the environment, there are many companies that are genuinely committed to preserving our environment.