Controlled Burning
Controlled (In-situ) burning is the term given to the process of burning oil slicks at sea, at or close to the site of a spill. Burning may be seen as a simple method which has the potential to remove large amounts of oil from the sea surface. Controlled burns do the following:
- burn the oil off of the water
- can effectively reduce the amount of oil in water
- can only be done in low wind
- can cause air pollution and respiratory ailments
Controlled burning is the term given to the process of burning oil slicks at sea.
There are a number of problems which limit the viability of this response technique. These include:
- the ignition of the oil
- maintaining combustion of the slick
- the generation of large quantities of smoke
- the formation and possible sinking of extremely viscous and dense residues
- safety concerns
A controlled burn to clear marsh grasses can also be used BEFORE the oil reaches the shore.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-5. What may be seen as a simple method which has the potential to remove large amounts of oil from the sea surface?
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