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Cleanup Methods
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Each link below opens more information on a method or type
of equipment used during the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.
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On The Water
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Boom
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Boom comes in many sizes, shapes, and types and is used primarily to deflect
and/or collect oil.
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Burning
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Fresh oil contains gases which are very volatile. By igniting these gases whole
oil slicks can be reduced to tarry residue.
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Dispersants
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Dispersants are used to do just that, disperse. They are chemicals that
break-up oil into smaller and smaller concentrations. Potentially into
individual molecules.
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Skimming
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Skimming is a mechanical system for removing oil from the surface. This process
was created based on the reality that oil is lighter than water.
On The Beach
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Bioremediation
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The application of certain fertilizers to beaches stimulates the growth of
"oil-eating" microbes. This fertilizing process is known as Bioremediation.
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Chemical Cleaning
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In an attempt to avoid Hot Water & High Pressure treatment, chemical
cleaners were tested which removed oil from the beach for collection.
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Hot Water & High Pressure
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By using hot water at high pressure, cleanup crews blast oil off beaches into
the water where it can be skimmed off.
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Manual Treatment
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Manual treatment incorporates the use of shovels, rakes, absorbent materials
and human hands.
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Mechanical Treatment
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Tractors, backhoes, front-end loaders, and other machines were used to move
beach and scoop up asphalt collections.
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