More than a year after its role in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster, mining giant BP has been cleared to apply for new leases to drill offshore. The tragedy killed 11 workers and left a massive environmental cleaning production along the coastline. The decision comes despite early suggestions the US may ban BP from expanding its offshore drilling program.
The US will allow BP to participate in an upcoming offshore oil and gas lease sale.
A high-ranking government regulator has said BP would not be banned from obtaining new leases to drill offshore. The offshore lease sale will be the first since the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig, which spilled more than 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
“They (BP) don’t have a deeply flawed record offshore,” Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Michael Bromwich said. “The question is ‘Do you administer the administrative death penalty based on one incident?’ and we’ve concluded that’s not appropriate.”
The Gulf of Mexico disaster – the biggest offshore spill in US history – was a stark reminder that the environmental cost of mining can be extreme. Green commentators have warned the financial penalties for considerable environmental harm are too low. In the case of BP it has been predicted fines from the Gulf of Mexico spill would cost BP no more than $21 million. This is just seven hours of profit according to US Democrat Edward Markey.
“That fine obviously does not even begin to approach the amount needed to be a deterrent against a repeat of this tragedy. That fine is a slap on the wrist.”
Australia has been at the forefront of mining and exploration research and development aimed at making the industry more eco-friendly. Liquid products, gas and mineral mining by-products contribute to pollution.
As the world’s leading coal exporter Australia has been well-positioned to lead the world in sustainable mining practices.
Reducing toxic chemical use in remote sites is an easy step which has been embraced in Australia’s mining regions.
Leading Australian environmental liquids company Envirosafe Solutions has developed a range of products which perform in hard-water conditions.
Its Extreme Green Soil Wetta-Dust Suppressor is an effective, non-toxic wetting agent that can safely be carried in water tankers used for drinking purposes.
Its low-phosphate, eco-friendly industrial liquid and powder laundry products give outstanding results while being compatible with remote camp sewage and wastewater systems.
While US authorities have given BP the green light to push forward with its offshore drilling plans, the lessons from the disaster need to be learned. Envirosafe Solutions has an Extreme Green range of environmentally friendly liquids uniquely designed for mining situations. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or emailinfo@evss.com.au.
Sources:
http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/bp-will-not-be-banned-offshore-lease-sale-0
http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=41&contentId=7067505
