Letter | Risks are too great for offshore drilling off Myrtle Beach and East Coast

Risks too great for offshore drilling

I’ve read several news reports concerning seismic testing and off shore drilling. Seems to me we are unique on the entire East Coast due to our proximity to the Gulf Stream, to which I’ve heard or read nothing relevant to that point.

Have there been any studies as to ocean currents and wind effects on the disbursement of spilled oil? Wouldn’t a spill of any size likely spread via the Gulf Stream and have far reaching affects in the direction of its flow?

Couldn’t winds push the oil onshore with much devastation due to our unique estuaries and the curvature of the coastline, especially north of us around Bald Head Island, the Cape Fear River, and the Outer Banks?

The Gulf Stream has a rapid current with an unstable Continental Shelf that shifts, causing seismic activity. It is very, very deep.

With the amount of oil and gas available inland, why would we want to drill in less accessible areas in light of a spill? Aren’t oil spills in the ocean more environmentally damaging and difficult to curtail than onshore?

With the speed of the Gulf Stream currents, couldn’t a spill affect fisheries as far north as Nova Scotia?

An accidental oil spill seeping into the Gulf Stream, with globs of the goo being widely disbursed on the surface and sinking to the bottom depths, would be impossible to contain and clean up because of the tremendous current and depth. It is just not worth the risk.

I hope all communities up and down the East Coast will oppose seismic testing and drilling. Let your opinions be heard by our politicians. I've started with a copy of this letter to Rep. Tom Rice.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Letter | Risks are too great for offshore drilling off Myrtle Beach and East Coast."