Thursday, May 27, 2010

Secretary Jackson needs to tell her buddies at BP to completely STOP the chemical dispersants.

If there is any flaw in the response by the Obama Administration it is the PROLONGED use of the quantities of the chemical dispersant used by BP to attempt to stop the oil from surfacing.

It didn't at all work and Ms. Jackson can redeem herself somewhat by auditing these chemicals, how they are used and determining IF any dispersant is prudent, which is best, the volume that is appropriate PER BARREL OF OIL and then rule on the 'brand' that is acceptable for use within the USA borders.  

If at all.

The most disturbing reality of oil dispersants is the way in which it could enter global ocean circulation and disrupt fisheries.  It might be better to not use them at all considering they allow oil to exist in the entire water column, especially, in the shallows of corral reefs.  Single celled organisms that are absolutely vital to these invaluable carbon sinks.

The phytoplankton of the oceans have to be taken into account.  They live within the top 30 feet of ocean circulations and they don't have a chance against these chemicals.  I remind phytoplankton and algae in the ocean supply 60% of the breathable oxygen of Earth.  This is NO MINOR MATTER.

I believe the subject needs more intense review and it is my hopes Secretary Jackson embarks on exactly that.  

The reality of these dispersants is that coastal fisheries might have to take the heaviest hit in order to protect the ocean and coral phytoplankton.