The 12 January 1998 rupture of a 24-inchpipeline from the IDOHO platform to the Mobil Qua Iboeterminal resulted in the release of approximately 40,000bbl of light Nigerian crude oil. Because of rapid westerlytransport, dispersants were the method of primaryresponse, with approximately 250 barrels being applied.Also, because more than 90% of the oil was dispersedoffshore, heavy shoreline oiling was limited and localized.However, due to westward transport by nearshore currents,remnants of the spill tracked 5-10 km offshore from thespill source were observed at Lagos harbor, about 900 kmaway. Oiling of interior sensitive mangrove habitats waslimited to a few locations. Exposed sand beaches selfcleanedwithin 2-3 weeks. Cleanup of heavily impactedshoreline areas recovered approximately 1000 bbl of oilywaste. A national and international team of scientists wasactivated within 24 hours and directed toward measuringimpact on environmental resources important to localhuman activities. Elements of the scientific program were(1) offshore components, including fisheries, benthos,chemistry, microbiology; and (2) riverine/estuary,including extensive water analysis to detect any spill inputto water resources used by local settlements and chemicalanalysis of local fish market samples. Preliminary resultsindicated that any initial environmental effects were limitedand localized. Based on the intial program, a largerfollowup program is planned involving offshore studies, ashoreline fate and effects program, impact to mangrovehabitats, and a study of any socioeconomic and humanhealth effects.
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