Page 87 - Navy Journal 219

Marine Pollution ...

make definite judgment calls, a tier system response strategy is introduced.
According to Naibu Thuthu, Poet laureate and Chief Justice of the Maldives, “An
oil spill in a sea dependent country like the Maldives will be equivalent to nuclear
disaster in other countries.”

Figure 4: Triangular Diagram Showing Oil Spill Sequence

Spill can be controlled on site by
Port Administration Terminals

Spills requiring Regional
or National Assistance

Spills requiring
International Assistance

Source: Internet
Oil Spillage Response Strategy

Determining oil spillage response strategy requires many factors to be
considered. Net Environmental Benefits Analysis (NEBA) is a process to
evaluate cost - benefit deduction and determine the response strategy. Following
are few regular methods which are employed to control effects of the spillage.
Watch and Wait. In some cases, natural process of dissolving oil may be the
most appropriate action, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas such as
wetlands. If the oil/chemical is at sea that can be contained and not threatening
shore or sensitive areas, it is one of the best options.
Bio-remediation. Bio-remediation is the application of nutrients (fertilizers
containing nitrogen and phosphorous) to the shoreline to accelerate the natural
bio-degradation of the oil/chemical. Bioremediation is typically used as a final
treatment step or in areas where other methods are not possible or recommended.
Controlled Burning. In case of flammable spillage, in-situ burning is carried
out at shorelines by igniting the upwind end of the spread area and allowing the
oil/chemical to burn downwind.

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