Bay Briefings - Spills, Fills, and Dumping

Abstract

Spills related to industry and shipping are often thought to be the most common and the most dangerous to the environment. However, sensitive habitats and wildlife populations can be harmed as much by the improper disposal of trash as by the spilling of oil and other chemicals. In addition to causing environmental harm, spills and illegal dumping affect the human population by contaminating seafood and by destroying the beauty of our bays and bayous. The Galveston Bay Estuary Program supports ongoing activities that reduce solid waste and prevent and respond to spills of hazardous materials. These activities include trash control, natural-resource damage assessments, and spill management.