Strategy for Active Protection of the Environment from Oil Pollution in the Odessa Region
Main Thesis: The intensive development of oil transshipment infrastructure and shipping in the northwestern Black Sea region imposes a significant anthropogenic burden on coastal ecosystems. Effective protection of the region is achievable through the implementation of biotechnologies (specifically, agents and biosorption booms), systematic monitoring, and state environmental control.
Key Objective: To harmonize the operations of the major maritime and oil transport complex with the goals of preserving the unique recreational potential of the northwestern Black Sea region.
1. Infrastructure and Sources of Oil Pollution
The Odessa region is the largest transport and industrial hub in Ukraine. The intensification of shipping and oil transportation poses a potential risk of both systematic and accidental oil spills.
Major Oil Transport Complex Facilities
- Oil Transshipment Complex of the Region: Cargo turnover exceeds 3 million tons per year (Odessa MTP Oil Harbor, JSC “Sintez Oil”, JSC “Eximnefteprodukt”, JSC “Odessnefteprodukt”, Dnipro Main Oil Pipelines JSC “Ukrtransnafta”).
- Oil Terminal “Pivdenny” (Port Yuzhny): Design capacity of 40 million tons per year (accepting tankers with a deadweight of up to 80,000 tons).
- Regional Port Network (8 facilities): Yuzhny, Odessa, Illichivsk MTP, Illichivsk Fish Port, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ust-Dunaisk, Izmail, and Reni ports.
- Automobile Infrastructure: Expanding network of gas stations, oil depots, and routes for transporting fuel and lubricants by tank trucks.
Structure and Dynamics of Water Pollution
Background pollution of the aquatic area is formed by river runoff (Danube, Dniester, Southern Bug, Dnipro) and coastal sources:
- Total Discharge Volume: Annually, about 137 million m³ of wastewater is discharged into the coastal zone. Due to modernization, the volume of untreated water has decreased from 55.9 million m³ (late 1980s) to 0.2 million m³.
- Biological Treatment Stations (BTS): BTS “Northern” and BTS “Southern” discharge approximately 6 tons of oil products into the sea annually during the treatment of domestic wastewater.
- Drainage and Stormwater Runoff: In the Odessa beach area, the daily discharge volume is ~54,000 m³ (oil product concentration ranges from 0.05 to 1.57 mg/dm³).
Positive Dynamics: As a result of comprehensive environmental measures, a reduction in oil product levels in the surface layer of the Odessa Bay has been recorded—from 2–10 MAC (late 1980s) to MAC levels (late 1990s).
2. State Control and Spill Response System
A multi-level state system for controlling and promptly eliminating oil spill emergencies (OSRE) operates in the region to prevent and address environmental threats.
Regulatory Bodies and Response Services
- State Inspection for the Protection of the Black Sea: Monitors the coastal strip, territorial waters, economic zone, and shelf. Conducts environmental assessments of projects.
- Environmental Control Service at the Border: Investigates cases of water pollution from ships and land-based objects at checkpoints.
- State Management of Ecology and Natural Resources: Oversees compliance with environmental legislation on land and conducts environmental assessments.
- Marine Regional Rescue Coordination Center (MRRCC of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Ukraine): Coordinates oil spill response operations in the Black Sea area.
International Legal Framework: The protection of the Black Sea is regulated by Ukrainian legislation and international agreements, including the MARPOL 73/78 Convention and the “Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the Black Sea.”
3. Biotechnologies and Spill Containment Measures
The use of mechanical methods (oil skimmers, standard booms) allows for the collection of 80–90% of spilled oil but does not ensure complete cleanup. Sorbents and innovative biotechnologies are employed for final elimination.
Comparative Review of Applied Sorbents and Agents
| Category / Name | Origin / Developer | Key Characteristics and Application |
|---|---|---|
| “Econadin” | LLC “MARSOFT” (Ukraine) | Bacterial biopreparation based on peat. Contains immobilized destructor microorganisms. Buoyant, hydrophobic, activates natural microflora. Protected by patents. |
| “Ekonad” Booms | LLC “MARSOFT” (Ukraine) | Biosorption booms (sections of 20–50 m). Used for preventive protection, localization of focal spills, and shallow water cleanup. |
| “Zhemchug” | Industrial Production (Ukraine) | Organic sorbent. High oil capacity (4–10 g/g), hydrophobicity. |
| Foreign Sorbents (“Pit-Sorb”, “Fin-Sorb”, “Mukat-4”, “Sorboil”) |
Canada, UK, Finland, Belarus, RF | Polymeric and organic sorbents for collecting oil from water and soil surfaces. |
Advantages of Using the “Econadin” Biopreparation
- Rapid Localization: Instantly blocks the pollution spot and prevents its spread.
- Environmental Safety: Complete destruction of hydrocarbons without harm to the environment.
- Prolonged Effect: Stimulates natural self-cleaning processes of water bodies and soils.
- Readiness: A non-reducible emergency stock of the preparation is maintained in all major ports of Ukraine.
4. Priority Directions of Environmental Policy
To ensure the guaranteed environmental safety of the maritime complex in the Odessa region, four key directions have been established:
- Systematic Monitoring: Ensuring constant control over potentially hazardous objects and conducting an inventory of pollution sources with the development of individual instructions (based on the experience of Port Yuzhny).
- Material and Technical Support: Maintaining a non-reducible emergency stock of biosorbents and specialized equipment in all ports and enterprises.
- Stormwater and Drainage Water Treatment: Construction and modernization of treatment facilities, including the implementation of closed water supply systems (implemented at “Sintez Oil”, “Lukoil” refinery, Port Yuzhny).
- Widespread Implementation of Biotechnologies: Scaling up the application of biological soil reclamation and wastewater treatment at transport, energy, and industrial facilities.
