Impact on Amazon reef

Now there are fears that the chemical could have a negative impact on the unique coral reef at the Amazon Mouth.

Scientists believe that the vast ecosystem is home to dozens of undiscovered species.

Campaigners have warned that oil drilling near the area poses a major threat to the reef.

BP was awarded exploration blocks in the Foz do Amazonas basin in 2013 and plans to begin drilling in August next year.

The company filed its EIA in March 2015, before the full extent of the Amazon reef had been discovered.

I’m amazed by how little science there is on the issue.

In a statement to Unearthed the company said: “We have a commitment to begin drilling operations for an exploration well on this operated block by August 2018. Drilling operations will only begin after a drilling licence is granted by the Brazilian federal environment agency, IBAMA. We are engaged in the process required to gain this permission, including submitting an EIA for review and approval.”

History

At the time of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the impact of Corexit on wildlife was largely unknown.

Then Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lisa Jackson told Senators at the time of the disaster: “I’m amazed by how little science there is on the issue.”

Under Jackson, the EPA asked BP to look at alternatives to Corexit, while the agency also asked the company to scale back its use of the chemical.

At the time, Nalco, the company which manufactures the dispersant, repeatedly insisted the chemicals were safe to use.

It is unclear what action Ibama, the Brazilian environment agency regulating drilling near the reef, will take on Corexit.

Currently, all chemical dispersants used in response to oil spills incidents in Brazilian territory can only be used after obtaining the product registration with the agency. Corexit EC9500A is currently registered with Ibama.

In a statement to Unearthed, a spokesperson for the agency said: “Ibama is aware of the environmental impacts that may result from the use of these products but also understands that, in certain situations, and based on a risk evaluation, the use of the chemical dispersants is a viable technical option that could result in lesser impacts on contaminated ecosystems.”