Both methods of transferring the oil have an impact on the environment, but in this post, we shall figure out which has more environmental risk and which is better for the environment.
Impact of Oil Tankers
Thousands of oil tankers are transported through the seas every day from one place to another. Some great oil spills during the transportation of these tankers are Torrey Canyon (1967), Amoco Cadiz (1978), Braer (1993), and the latest one is Erika that happened in December 1999.
Due to bad history behind transferring the oil through the tankers makes it an easy target of environmentalists and concerned people on the planet. According to the research, oil tankers play a significant role in marine pollution through their normal operations and accidents.
After seeing the impacts of tankers on the environment, the authorities adopted some rules to prevent pollution from these vessels. And the studies show that the pollution from the vessels reduced to 12% in 1990 from 30% in 1970.
Impact of Pipelines
Pipelines can be dangerous for the environment in multiple ways like during construction; the activities involved in the construction of the pipelines can create noise pollution, soils can be eroded, vegetation can be affected due to destruction of the surface area, can cause risks to wildlife by the removal of their habitat, etc.
However, the major concern arises after the construction of the pipeline, and the flowing of fuels through it is that it can be leaked and ruptured. The spill through bursting can create an immediate hazard like combustion in the area after they explode. However, the authorities have passed a few regulations for the pipelines that are effective against the accidents. For example, there were 66 ruptures per year between 1990 and 1995, but the latest figure was only 11 in 2005.
The spills from tanks can have a huge impact on the coastal environments, and it takes thousands of labor and professional workers to clean the water after the accident.
While direct environmental risks through the pipeline are low in the comparison of tankers and the risks like rupture and leaks caused by the older pipelines caught by corrosion, still, it can be minimized through avoiding the vulnerable routes during the mapping of construction.
In the upcoming time, you can expect the same transportation methods to be used for transferring the fuels. However, most of the technology development officials are looking for more effective ways to move the oil to prevent leaks and spills.
This blog from Enviromarc looks at issues related to the environment. We review all ideas to help look after the planet and also information about environmental causes. Investing in the Future of Our Planet.