This study was conducted to determine and categorize the causes of tank barge oil spill incidents and the extent of the resulting pollution. Coast Guard pollution incident data files were reviewed for the 3-year period from 1974-1976, and discussions were held with pollution control and marine safety personnel in four Coast Guard district offices. Operational and causal patterns were identified, present pollution prevention efforts were examined, and means of reducing the spill volumes and number of incidents were investigated. The analysis revealed a preponderance of small oil spills (= or 100 gal) which occur during cargo transfer operations; however, these incidents contributed less than 10% of the total volume spilled. The major spills ( 100 gal), which occur primarily during underway operations, represented a small portion of the total incidents but contributed the bulk of the oil volume spilled. A number of preventive measures were examined. Improved tankerman training and use of coamings should substantially reduce the number of small spills. Double-hull barge construction should prove effective in preventing many large spills resulting from collisions or groundings. Several other preventive measures were also considered which involve the regulatory area and barge/shore facility interfaces. (Author).

Review of U.S. patents, government reports, and technical journal literature dealing with the control of pollution from the production, transportation, and storage of petroleum products.