CRUDE OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SPILLS IN U.S. WATERS

Reported Spills of Petroleum and Petroleum Products into U.S. Waters (monthly data)

NOTE: The spike in 1990 was caused by one tanker spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crude petroleum and petroleum products spills are costly to the environment and to society. Major oil spills are infrequent but can have large adverse impacts. Between 1995 and 1999, transportation was responsible for roughly 72 percent of the total gallons reported spilled. The remainder is from fixed facilities on and off shore; however, many of these facilities (such as marinas and ports) are transportation-related.

Data are only for reported spills. Unreported spills (such as from improper disposal of used motor oil into storm drains) also contribute to oil pollution, but the total volume of these spills is not known.

NOTE: Annual data from 1995 to 1999 were used to calculate the average percentage of transportation-related spills.

SOURCE: U.S. Coast Guard, Annual Data and Graphics for Oil Spills (1969-1999), available at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nmc/response/stats/ac.htm.