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Evaluation of the Use of Chemical Dispersants in Oil Spill Response

Completed

The decision to use dispersants on any given oil spill requires careful comparison of its health and environmental impacts compared to other available response options, including mechanical recovery, in situ burning and leaving the spill untreated. Based on an evaluation of domestic and international research and results of field and laboratory studies, this report concludes that dispersant application in some circumstances can be a useful tool in oil spill response.

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