The Biggest Environmental Disaster in U.S. History Never Ended

Summary

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in 2010 resulted in 210 million gallons of oil spilling into the ocean, causing the worst environmental disaster in US history. The EPA's use of the hazardous dispersant Corexit for cleanup worsened the situation, leading to severe health issues for cleanup workers and coastal residents. Despite beaches reopening, the fishing industry struggles, and ongoing health problems persist. Cleanup workers and residents are still fighting for compensation and safer cleanup methods.

Takeaways

• 📅 On April 20th, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the Louisiana coast, resulting in the largest marine oil spill in history.
• 🔥 The explosion killed 11 rig workers and released 210 million gallons of oil into the ocean over 87 days.
• 🌊 The EPA allowed BP to use a hazardous product called Corexit to break up the oil, which was found to be 52 times more toxic when combined with oil.
• 🐟 The spill had a devastating impact on marine life and the fishing industry, with many fishers struggling to make a living.
• 🦐 Kendra Arneson, a fisher and advocate for Louisiana's fishing industry, had to transition from fishing to fighting for the industry's survival.
• 📉 The fishing industry's shrimp catch significantly decreased post-disaster, with catches dropping from around 70 million pounds to 29-31 million pounds.
• 🌿 Marine species are slowly recovering, but the environmental impact of the spill is long-lasting.
• 🤒 Cleanup workers, including fishers and coastal residents, experienced serious health effects from exposure to oil and Corexit.
• 💸 BP agreed to pay $20.8 billion in the largest environmental damage settlement in US history, but this does not cover medical costs for those affected.
• 🏥 Thousands of medical claims are still in litigation as new health problems continue to appear among cleanup workers and residents.
• ⚖️ Despite its hazards, the EPA still advises using Corexit for oil spills, leading to ongoing legal actions to push for safer response methods.

Q & A

When did the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion occur?

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded on April 20th, 2010.

How many rig workers died in the Deepwater Horizon explosion?

11 rig workers died in the explosion.

How long did the well hemorrhage oil after the explosion?

The well hemorrhaged oil for 87 days.

What was the approximate amount of oil that spilled into the ocean?

Approximately 210 million gallons of oil were spilled into the ocean.

What product was used to break up the oil, and what was its issue?

The product used was called Corexit, which is hazardous to humans and marine life, and when combined with oil, it was found to be 52 times more toxic than oil alone.

What was Kendra Arneson's sanctuary before the oil spill?

The Bayou was Kendra Arneson's sanctuary before the oil spill.

What impact did the Deepwater Horizon disaster have on Kendra Arneson's livelihood?

The disaster shut down the fisheries, forcing Kendra Arneson to pivot from fishing to fighting and become an advocate for Louisiana's fishing industry.

What health effects did cleanup workers experience?

Cleanup workers experienced serious health effects, including becoming ill from exposure to the potent mix of oil and Corexit.

What is the current status of the medical claims related to the oil spill?

As of the script, there are approximately 5,000 medical claims still in litigation.

What is the total amount BP agreed to pay as part of the environmental damage settlement?

BP agreed to pay twenty point eight billion dollars as part of the environmental damage settlement.

Why did Kendra Arneson join a lawsuit against the EPA?

Kendra Arneson joined a lawsuit against the EPA to force the agency to advise safer ways of responding to oil spills in the future.

What is the current status of beaches and waters mentioned in the script?

All beaches and waters are open for everyone to enjoy.