Russia Declares State of Emergency in Crimea Amid Oil Spill Cleanup

• Russia declared a regional state of emergency in Crimea following an oil spill in the Black Sea.
• The oil spill occurred after a storm hit two aging tankers on December 15.
• Over 86,000 metric tons of contaminated sand and soil have been cleared.
• The spill has led to environmental damage, including the deaths of marine life.
• More than 10,000 workers are involved in the cleanup operation.

According to Reuters, Russia declared a regional state of emergency in Crimea after an oil spill in the Black Sea, which was caused by two aging tankers that were struck by a storm on December 15. One of the tankers sank, and the other ran aground, releasing oil into the surrounding waters. In response, Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Russia-installed governor of Sevastopol, announced the emergency, which enables authorities to make swift decisions, including the evacuation of residents if necessary.

Cleanup Operations

As of Saturday, over 86,000 metric tons of contaminated sand and soil have been cleared from areas around the Kerch Strait, which separates Crimea’s Kerch Peninsula from Russia’s Krasnodar region. The oil-tainted soil has been collected from both Crimea and the Kuban region in Russia. More than 10,000 workers, including rescue teams in protective suits, have been working tirelessly to remove the contaminated material from beaches and other affected areas. The oil, mostly in the form of viscous M100-grade fuel oil, has proven challenging to clean up due to its tendency to sink rather than float.

Environmental Impact

The spill has had significant environmental repercussions, with reports indicating the deaths of dolphins, porpoises, and sea birds. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the damage to marine life in the region. The oil involved in the spill is particularly dangerous because it solidifies at a temperature of 25°C (77°F), making it more difficult to remove compared to other types of oil that float on the surface.

Size of the Spill

The transport ministry estimated that about 2,400 metric tons of oil products were spilled, which is smaller than the initial projections. The tankers, both more than 50 years old, were carrying about 9,200 metric tons (62,000 barrels) of oil products at the time of the spill. The fuel oil is heavier than typical oils, and unlike others, it does not float to the surface but instead sinks to the seabed or remains suspended in the water column, complicating cleanup efforts.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook

Authorities are continuing their efforts to contain the spill and mitigate its environmental impact. The state of emergency allows for swift actions as the cleanup operation progresses. However, the challenges posed by the heavy fuel oil remain significant, and the environmental damage will likely take time to fully assess and address.