Environmental Impact Archives

5 Major Environmental Impacts of an Offshore Oil Drilling Operation

Posted onNovember 4, 2017November 8, 2017

There has been a catastrophic event in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. This incident has increased concern about the safety of oil drilling operation. Oil spilling can have a huge negative effect on the environment. Here are the major environmental impacts of the offshore drilling operation.

Affects marine life

If oil is spilled accidentally during the drilling operation then the marine life will be affected. Seismic waves used during seismic survey also affect the marine life. Sharks are very sensitive to these waves. The noise produced during the survey can affect the health of these fishes.

Affects the seafloor

This drilling operation can damage the seafloor. The undersea pipelines, drill rigs, etc. can have a severe permanent effect on the sea floor. The drilling operation might destroy the ocean floor habitats. These habitats are good sources of oil and gas. So, you shouldn’t do any harm to them.

Water pollution

The drilling fluid can be toxic. It affects marine life by disrupting the food chain. Oil spills during drilling cause water pollution. High amount of toxic chemical can get into the water.

Changes wildlife migration routes

In the drilling sites lots there can be lots of traffic. The noise that is created during the drilling operation affects wildlife. Their migration routes may be affected.

Changes landscape

Drilling operations need heavy equipment like bulldozers. These may affect the vegetation and leave permanent damage on the road. It can increase erosion as well.

These consequences can be alarming. The oil companies should be more careful when conducting their drilling operations. They must reduce the impact of the environment.

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Category: Environmental Impact

5 Major Environmental Impacts of an Offshore Oil Drilling Operation

Affects marine life

Affects the seafloor

Water pollution

Changes wildlife migration routes

Changes landscape

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