Oil Assignment

UIT UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Professional Ethics
HST-121
Spring 2024
ASSIGNMENT # 01-02
Group Members Name and roll numbers:
1. Abdullah Mohsin (23FA-048-ST)
2. Abdul Sami Khan (23FA-005-ST)
Section : A
Semester : 2nd
Date of submission: 13-may-2024
Marks Obtained:
Submitted to Engr. Dr. Rana Javed Masood

Professional Ethics (HST-121)
Spring 2024
Case Study Title: CASE 16 OIL SPILL 226

Case Summary:
The economic impact of oil spills on tourism, fishing, and ports is substantial and important
to assess. Coordinated efforts are necessary to mitigate these impacts, including effective
cleanup measures, public relations campaigns to restore the image of affected areas, and
support for businesses and communities that must bear the economic downturn.
Figure No. 01: A brown pelican coated in oil wallows on the Louisiana coast in June 2010..
Key Stakeholders:
In the context of an oil spill case, key stakeholders typically include:
1. Government Agencies:
2. Oil Company (Operator):
3. Affected Communities:
4. Environmental Organizations:
5. Regulatory Authorities:
6. Investors and Shareholders:
7. Emergency Responders and Cleanup Crews:

8. Media and Public Opinion: Ethical Analysis:
• Secondary containment – methods to prevent releases of oil or hydrocarbons into the
environment.
• Oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) program by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
• Double-hulling -– build double hulls into vessels, which reduces the risk and severity of a spill in
case of a collision or grounding. Existing single-hull vessels can also be rebuilt to have a double
hull.
• Thick-hulled railroad transport tanks.
Spill response procedures should include elements such as;
• A listing of appropriate protective clothing, safety equipment, and cleanup materials required for
spill cleanup (gloves, respirators, etc.) and an explanation of their proper use;
• Appropriate evacuation zones and procedures;
• Availability of fire suppression equipment;
• Disposal containers for spill cleanup materials; and
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Spring 2024
• The first aid procedures that might be required

In an ethical analysis of an oil spill case, several key ethical considerations arise, including:
1. Environmental Impact:
Ethical responsibility to minimize harm to the environment and protect ecosystems, biodiversity,
and natural resources affected by the spill. Consideration of the intrinsic value of the
environment and the rights of future generations to a clean and healthy environment.
Figure No 2: Few impacts of oil spills in the marine environment. Environmental

Effect:
2. Human Health and Safety:- Ethical obligation to safeguard the health and safety of
workers, responders, and communities impacted by the spill.
- Balancing short-term economic interests with long-term public health considerations and
the right to a safe living environment.
3. Corporate Responsibility:
Ethical duty of oil companies to uphold safety standards, adhere to environmental
regulations, and prevent foreseeable risks to human health and the
environment.Consideration of corporate accountability for negligence, inadequate risk
management, or prioritizing profits over safety and environmental protection.
4. Transparency and Accountability:
Ethical imperative for transparency in communication, disclosure of information, and
accountability for actions and decisions related to the spill Consideration of the ethical duty
to truthfully inform affected stakeholders, including communities, regulators, investors, and
the public, about the extent of the spill, its impacts, and response efforts.
5. Justice and Fairness:
Ethical concern for distributive justice and fairness in the allocation of resources,
compensation for damages, and access to remediation and restoration efforts. Consideration
of the disproportionate impact of the spill on marginalized communities, vulnerable
populations, and future generations, and the ethical duty to address and redress these
inequities.
6. Prevention and Precaution:
Ethical obligation to exercise precautionary measures, risk assessment, and preventive
action to minimize the likelihood and severity of future oil spills. Consideration of the

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Spring 2024
ethical imperative to prioritize prevention over response, invest in research and technology
for spill prevention and containment, and transition towards sustainable energy alternatives
to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Participation:
Ethical imperative to involve affected stakeholders, including communities, indigenous
peoples, and environmental organizations, in decision-making processes, response efforts,
and long-term planning. Consideration of the ethical duty to respect the rights, interests, and
perspectives of stakeholders and ensure meaningful participation and representation in
decision-making processes.
Ethical Solutions:
Figure No 3: Harbour Buster high-speed oil containment system

In addressing the ethical challenges posed by an oil spill, several potential solutions can be
considered:
1.Investment in Prevention and Safety Measures:
Prioritize investment in advanced technology, safety protocols, and preventive measures to minimize
the risk of future oil spills. Implement rigorous safety inspections, maintenance checks, and
training programs for personnel involved in offshore drilling operations
Figure No 4: An Air Force plane sprays dispersant onto the Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater
Horizon spill.

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Spring 2024
Figure No5: U.S. Navy LCM’s (Landing Craft Mechanized) anchored off Smith Island, Alaska, on
May 11, 1989 provide steam to enhance clean up following the oil spill.
2.Enhanced Regulatory Oversight:Strengthen regulatory frameworks governing offshore
drilling activities, including stricter enforcement of safety and environmental regulations.
Increase transparency and accountability .through regular monitoring, reporting
requirements, and public disclosure of safety records and environmental assessments.
3. Corporate
Responsibility and Accountability:
- Hold oil companies accountable for compliance with safety standards, environmental
regulations, and ethical business practices.Implement corporate governance mechanisms to
ensure transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of operations, from risk
management to stakeholder engagement .
4. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
- Foster meaningful engagement with affected communities, indigenous peoples, and
stakeholders throughout the oil spill response and recovery process.Empower local
communities to participate in decision-making, resource allocation, and environmental
monitoring efforts, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights respected.
5. Restorative Justice and Compensation
Provide fair and timely compensation to individuals, businesses, and communities
impacted by the oil spill, including reimbursement for economic losses, restoration of
damaged ecosystems, and support for livelihood. Implement restorative justice measures to
address the harm caused by the spill, including community-led restoration projects,
environmental cleanup efforts, and initiatives to promote social and economic recovery.
6. Investment in Renewable Energy Transition:
Accelerate the transition towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and
hydroelectric power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the risk of future oil
spills. Encourage investment in clean energy infrastructure, research, and innovation to
create sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and promote environmental stewardship and
climate resilience.
1. Complexity of Ethical Dilemmas: Addressing the ethical dimensions of an oil spill
requires navigating complex trade-offs between economic interests, environmental

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Spring 2024
conservation, public health, and social justice. Balancing these competing priorities while
upholding ethical principles poses significant challenges for stakeholders involved.
2. Interconnectedness of Stakeholder Interests: The interests and concerns of various
stakeholders, including government agencies, oil companies, affected communities, and
environmental organizations, are interconnected and often overlapping. Ethical solutions
must consider the diverse perspectives, rights, and needs of stakeholders and strive to
promote collaboration, dialogue, and consensus-building.
3. Role of Regulation and Accountability: Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role
in setting standards, ensuring compliance, and holding stakeholders accountable for ethical
conduct. Strengthening regulatory oversight, transparency, and enforcement mechanisms is
essential for promoting ethical behavior, preventing future spills, and fostering trust in
governance systems.
4. Importance of Corporate Responsibility: Oil companies bear ethical responsibility
for the safety of their operations, the protection of the environment, and the well-being of
affected communities. Embracing corporate social responsibility principles, including
transparency, integrity, and stakeholder engagement, is essential for building trust,
mitigating risks, and promoting sustainable development.
5. Empowerment of Communities: Meaningful engagement with affected
communities, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups is critical for ensuring their
rights, interests, and voices are respected in decision-making processes. Empowering
communities with information, resources, and opportunities for participation enhances their
capacity to advocate for their needs, protect their environments, and hold stakeholders
accountable. In conclusion, reflecting on the ethical dimensions of an oil spill case
highlights the importance of ethical leadership, collaborative governance, and responsible
stewardship of natural resources. By embracing ethical principles, fostering transparency
and accountability, and working together towards sustainable solutions, stakeholders can
address the ethical challenges posed by oil spills and advance the common good for present
and future generations.
Conclusion:
The economic impact of oil spills on tourism, fishing, and ports is substantial and important
to assess. Coordinated efforts are necessary to mitigate these impacts, including effective
cleanup measures, public relations campaigns to restore the image of affected areas, and
support for businesses and communities that must bear the economic downturn.

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UIT UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Submitted to Engr. Dr. Rana Javed Masood

Case Study Title: CASE 16 OIL SPILL 226

7. Emergency Responders and Cleanup Crews:

UIT UNIVERSITY KARACHI

• The first aid procedures that might be required

Figure No 2: Few impacts of oil spills in the marine environment. Environmental

UIT UNIVERSITY KARACHI

Figure No 3: Harbour Buster high-speed oil containment system

UIT UNIVERSITY KARACHI

UIT UNIVERSITY KARACHI

UIT UNIVERSITY KARACHI

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