What Are the Consequences of Offshore Drilling?

According to the Natural Gas Supply Association, the process of offshore drilling is similar to drilling on land, except an artificial platform or rig must be in place to the extract oil or gas. Before drilling an area, geologists use tools and technologies to located possible petroleum sources. According to USA Today, the United States can produce billions of gallons of oil from offshore drilling. However, experts disagree on whether the economic benefit is worth the environmental risk.

Coastal Erosion

• According to USA Today, Louisiana has had offshore drilling in place since 1947 and has received billions of dollars in profits as a result. However, the 10,000 miles of canals and pipelines required to move the oil through coastal wetlands has caused erosion along Louisiana's coast. Natural coastlines and marshlands help to buffer the impact of large storms; without them, areas are more vulnerable to storms and the damage that can result.

Pollution from Daily Operations

• Transporting fuel from processing plants, the energy it takes to drill, and increased fuel and electricity consumption from related processes all contribute to many forms of environmental pollution. Also, when bringing oil to the surface of the ocean, it brings along toxins and chemicals such as mercury and lead. Water containing pollutants such as arsenic or benzene also comes up with the oil. While strict state and federal laws permit companies to discharge only minute amounts of these toxins back into the ocean, some environmentalists voice concerns about these levels. According to Live Science, low concentrations of contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have caused birth defects and impaired growth in laboratory experiments on marine life.

Spillage

• Although production facilities have many safety measures in place, spillage can result. Minor spills and leakage occur in addition to large-scale oil spills or explosions that affect wildlife and other industries. Massive spillage can cause great losses in the fishing industry because of affected plants and animals. Many U.S. coastlines attract tourists, which bring spending and tax dollars to these areas. However, large spills may prevent tourists from visiting areas where oil or tar are present.

Wildlife Disturbances

• Because most offshore drilling requires the use of nearby processing plants on land, these plants can adversely affect coastal ecosystems. Ports, roads, airstrips and other transportation to move the oil from the processing facility is also necessary. Additional homes, businesses and industry also result. More jobs and tax dollars are the benefits of these infrastructure developments. However, the operations, pollution and consumption affect the natural habitat. Determining oil and gas deposits before drilling can affect animals as well. Seismic waves sent to the ocean floor have caused mass beaching of whales, and explosives used to create drilling platforms can kill sea life.