We are pleased to announce the publication of a new report for BOEM on “Oil Spill Effects Literature Study of Spills of 500–20,000 Barrels of Crude Oil, Condensate, or Diesel”. The objective of this study was to synthesize documentation regarding impacts to 20 different physical, biological, social, and economic resources from spills of crude oil, condensate, or diesel (and diesel-like oils such as No. 2 fuel oil and home heating oil) 500–20,000 barrels (bbl) in volume. This focus on these three oils reflects the types of oil likely to be spilled during exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources on the OCS. Crude oil and condensate are produced on the OCS; diesel is used as a fuel for support vessels and power generation on offshore platforms. The literature search identified sixty-two spills that met the criteria for spill volumes and oil types and that included some published information on the impacts to the resources applicable to BOEM. The following information was summarized for each resource, as appropriate: description and ecological services, oil exposure pathways, impacts of oil exposure and treatment, tabular summary of the documented or estimated impacts and recovery, a plot of the recovery rate for each spill included in the synthesis, and a summary and discussion of information needs for assessing impacts to the resource.

Report Citation is: 
Michel, J. (Editor) 2021. Oil Spill Effects Literature Study of Spills of 500–20,000 Barrels of Crude Oil, Condensate, or Diesel. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Anchorage, AK. OCS Study BOEM 2021-048. 216 pp.
and a copy can be downloaded here.