Off-Topic: Good news.....can't find the oil in the Gulf

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	Name:	MartiniMan -
	Subject:	Good news.....can't find the oil in the Gulf
	Date:	7/27/2010 4:37:29 PM

The dispersant doesn't make the oil sink. It breaks it up into smaller globules that are easier to naturally degrade (i.e., greater surface area and greater exposure to physical, chemical and biological weathering). Please don't get me wrong. I am not saying there aren't going to be short term impacts from the spill. There has been and there will for some time. I am really focused on the long-term impact (3 to 5 years and beyond) and the fact that such a short time after the spill they are having difficulty finding oil to skim bodes very well for the long term.

I put this somewhat in the same category as the drought and low lake levels of several years ago (partly a man-made problem because of mismanagement by the USACOE, APC and others). As it was in full bloom there were all sorts of dire predictions, demands for action, etc. Many of which were ultimately not necessary as we returned to more normal precipitation patterns. Some of which were implemented and some are under consideration.

But at the end of the day the long-term impact of the spill will be negligible because of the cleanup operations and the immense ability of the Gulf to absorb and naturally degrade the oil. But there is no denying the fact that right now it is having an impact and you will see some effects for years to come and that is a very bad thing for those impacted. Will those longer term effects destroy the use and enjoyment of the Gulf of Mexico? I firmly believe they will not and time will tell. Just take heart in the news of the day and look forward to more improvement over time.