ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BARDOLINO DEVELOPMENT

Bardolino Development Environmental Statement
Figure 6.10: Deterministic modelling results for the instantaneous release of 50 m 3 of
crude oil (dark blue lines indicate territorial boundaries)
Figure 6.10 shows the results from the deterministic modelling of an instantaneous 50 m 3
spill of crude oil. Under these conditions, modelling indicates that approximately 75 hours
after release all of the oil would have dispersed naturally, and no crude oil would be expected
to beach.
6.9.3 Impact on sensitive receptors and proposed or designated sites
The potential risk to birds from oil and diesel pollution is through damage to feathers resulting
in loss of mobility, buoyancy, insulation and waterproofing. Birds may also be at risk from
toxicity through ingestion of hydrocarbons and may face starvation through depletion of food
sources. The birds most affected are those, such as guillemots, razorbills and puffins, that
spend large amounts of their time on the water, particularly during the moulting season when
they become flightless (DTI, 2001).
Seabird vulnerability to oil pollution in the Bardolino area is “high” to “very high” during July,
September, October and November, with “moderate” to “low” seabird vulnerability for the
remainder of the year (JNCC, 1999; Section 4.4.5). High seabird vulnerability is attributable
to the high numbers of guillemot and little auk in this part of the central North Sea (UKDMAP,
1998). The Bardolino development activities are scheduled to occur between February and
August 2009, which coincides with periods of high seabird vulnerability. The potential impact
on seabirds is considered to be minimal, however, because the likely spills would be of diesel
rather than crude oil, and any spilled diesel would be rapidly dispersed offshore.
Major oil spills can result in direct mortality to marine mammals, although, generally, they are
less vulnerable than seabirds to fouling by oil. Cetaceans have smooth hairless skins over a
thick layer of insulating blubber, so oil is unlikely to adhere persistently or cause a breakdown
in insulation. However, they are at risk from chemicals evaporating from the surface of an oil
slick at sea, especially within the first few days; they may inhale vapours given off by spilt oil
and their eyes may be vulnerable to major pollution, and individuals may drown as a result of
associated symptoms. Neonatal (very young) seal pups are particularly at risk from oil
coming ashore. In addition, a major release of oil or diesel may deplete marine mammals’
food supply (SMRU, 2001).
April 2008 Page 6-39