Response Guide: Understanding Underwater Electric Transmission Line Dielectric Oil Leaks

Abstract

Addressing the underwater dielectric fluid leaks, this paper presents case studies and recommendations based on extensive response actions. Dielectric fluid leaks that occur underwater are significantly more challenging due to their dispersing properties in water which make these spills significantly more difficult to assess and cleanup. After distilling information from past case studies, it was determined that the success of a dielectric spill response depends on three variables: the amount of time until completion, damage to natural resources, and the cost. Although every incident poses its unique challenges and variables, this research highlights overarching best practices that can be applied to future spills. The analysis focuses on notification, discovery methods, sampling strategy, potential toxicity, effective clean-up strategies, and clean-up endpoints. The research concludes by acknowledging that these spills will be reoccurring until upgrades and increased maintenance is completed on aging U.S. electrical infrastructure.