A short guide to oil spill solutions

Economies are growing at breathtaking speeds. This in turn, has resulted in the rise of import and export of raw materials and finished products. It typically means moving the goods by train, trucks and ships, which can be hazardous. Transporting these materials involves a certain amount of risk. This risk increases when an accident occurs during transportation.

One of the most deadly and inflammable liquid raw material is oil, which is typically carried in tankers within the national boundaries or in ships when transported globally. In case of spillage or accident, the authorities act fast. The spill clean up process is immediately put into action. Plugging the flow is done quickly to contain the spread of oil. This is a highly risky and difficult task. A delay can prove catastrophic; leading to pollution of the soil, death of aquatic lives and animals. It also results in fires and explosion.

Mentioned below are some of the oil spill solutions.

1. One of the most important solutions during spillage is to plug the source; thereby prevent further damage.

2. Contain the spill within limited area.

3. The technical crew needs to surround the oil spill with booms or socks.

4. They also need to spread absorbent pads, pillows and other permeable materials which can soak up the oil. These pads need to be replaced quickly.

5. If fires erupt, these specialist people need to extinguish the fire and then use the aerial route to spray the area with special solutions which typically forces small puddles of oil to join and become one large chunk, which makes the task of clean-up a little more manageable.

Soil erosion is a natural phenomenon. But today, due to rampant cutting down of trees, it has become a man-made problem. Soil erosion occurs when the ground is not stable, and cannot hold large qualities of moisture or water. It results in caving in of large areas; pushing tons of debris and water everywhere.

Planting more trees and reducing CO2 in the air are the two most important solutions for preventing erosion. On the other hand erosion control products such as blankets can significantly slow down the flow of water. These erosion control blankets are made from bio-degradable substances and definitely help slow down erosion to a great extent.

These blankets also help promote the seeding on slopes. Seeding becomes easy because it does not get washed away. Over a period of time vegetation and trees will automatically provide the soil that basic strength to hold itself.

Storm water management typically means managing the flow of water, depending upon the prevalent conditions. It includes the following tasks.

1. Engineering control devices and systems - It means controlled release water and that too at appropriate time. The task also includes provision of clear passage for water.

2. Procedural practices - It means water retention and water treatment practices.

Management of storm water is an important task, specifically in cities which are prone to heavy rainfall, water runoff and other deluges.