A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY OF MACHIAS BAY, MAINE TO OIL SUPERTANKERS

The object of the report was to determine the environmental vulnerability of Machias Bay, Maine, to a proposed oil supertanker terminal. The study consists of a review and interpretation of the literature. A possible framework is proposed for assessing impacts of environmental changes. Processes considered are transport and dispersion, biological transfers and modifications, and biological effects. Separate consideration is given to a description of existing conditions along the eastern coast of Maine, the composition and characteristics of crude petroleum and petroleum products, the effects of oil on marine organisms, potential spill trajectories and behavior, and finally an assessment is made of the environmental vulnerability.