Inquiry highlights Arctic drilling risks as Cairn drills dry Greenland well
Containing a Macondo-style blowout in Canada’s Arctic would be extremely difficult, says a new report to the country’s National Energy Board (NEB)
GIVEN the extreme operating conditions in the Beaufort Sea and Davis Strait, spill-mitigation efforts could be possible for only about five months, from June to October, said the study by Ottawa-based SL Ross Environmental Research. In addition, the effectiveness of techniques such as applying chemical dispersants, or the burning of oil slicks diminishes with factors such as weather, ice levels and the amount of daylight. The report is the latest in a continuing NEB inquiry into Arctic drilling safety in the wake of last year’s Deepwater Horizon tragedy, which went on to become the worst environmental diaster in US history. The NEB had previously been considering a request to waive same-seas
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