Scientific Basis for the Contingency Planning Against Coastal Oil Spill

Abstract

ISEE-0653 Background and Objectives: In order to minimize the effect of environmental disasters on human health, the national contingency plan should include a plan devoted to environmental health management. This study presents a scientific basis for the establishment of an environmental health contingency plan for dealing with accidental coastal oil spills and suggests some strategies for use in an environmental health emergency. Methods: The existing literature about environmental health systems and emergency planning, particularly with respect to vulnerable populations, and various fundamental factors involved in response strategies for oil spill were analyzed. The analysis was based on the data derived from Hebei Spirit oil spill and the authors used air dispersion modeling. Results: Spill amounts of more than 1,000 kilolitres can affect the health of residents along the coast, especially those who belong to vulnerable groups. Almost 30% of South Korean population (13,725,628 persons) lives in the vicinity of the coast. The area that is at the highest risk for a spill was defined. The most prevalent types of oil spilt in Korean waters have been crude oil and bunker-C oil, both of which have relatively high specific gravity and contain volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. In the case of a spill of more than 1,000 kilolitres, depending on the distances involved, the coastal characteristics, and the type of oil, it may be necessary to evacuate vulnerable and sensitive groups. Conclusions: To prepare for future oil spills, Korea should establish environmental health planning that considers the spill amount, the types of oil, and the distance between the spot of the accident and the coast. To make it possible to make rapid decisions and so minimize the health impact of an oil spill, a response team that includes environmental health specialists should be assembled in advance.