Clean-up of submerged oil in spilled shoreline and sediments of polluted lake using compressed air

The oil spill caused by oil tanker Hebey Spirit at Taean coast in 2007 has been recorded as a big international oil spill accident. The oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico was also a big accident. Aquatic technology has been developed to treat aquatic oil spill, and various ways to address coastal and offshore oil contamination have been explored. We developed the remediation technology that fits in the given condition, and environment-friendly, and proved to be free of any second effects involved in the conventional removal method; the photos document a three-year-long close look at the vibrant and dynamic lives of benthic organism. Our technology represents the first-ever attempt in the world to combat pollution by using compressed air; actual application was done under consultation with the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited Britain. In collaboration with the state-run National Taean Shoreline, we took part in the project to remove residual oil and restore environment during October-December period in 2008 as well as the ecosystem recovery project in May through June the following year; As a result we obtained Korean patent from the Aquatic Environment Preservation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs in October 2009 in re cognition of the peculiarity of our technology; we are now applying for international patent PCT. Going through the clean-up of submerged oil, recovery of land quality, and removal of oils absorbed onto the various substrates, we are face on the process of developing the technology to remove sludge in seaports. Our aquatic works were done in accordance with the technological advices from international organizations such as P&I Club, IOC Fund and ITOPF. The bottom ground of the lake has been gradually kept clear following the dredging, and in particular, the bottom of the lake has been much clearer after dredging with the compressed air jet. However, the lack of the related scientific data repre- ents much something to be desired, although there was no obligatory regulation governing on-spot data. Afterwards, we make it rule to establish relevant data regarding our inland projects; our technology has been recognized as an outstanding initiative in the removal of pollutant and the reduction of cost.