Environmental Risks for Oil Spills in Northeastern Ecuador using GIS: Response Times and Vulnerable Areas

• Main Authors: Henry Santiago Mayorga Mayorga, José Luis Rivera Parra
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN) 2018-07-01
• Series: Revista Politécnica
• Online Access: https://revistapolitecnica.epn.edu.ec/ojs2/index.php/revista_politecnica2/article/view/923

In the present investigation Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used as a key tool for an efficient planning and response to the occurrence of oil spills in Ecuador; considered as a megadiverse country. It is intended to identify areas prone to oil spills, to identify vulnerable areas which conservation is a priority, and to suggest alternatives to reduce response times to these emergencies. The area of study corresponds to seven blocks of the Northeastern Ecuador, an area of immense ecological value, in which oil activities are developed. GIS was used to perform spatial analyzes of wells, platforms, production stations, oil pipelines and environmental factors such as protected areas. In addition, a statistical analysis was carried out to determine if the proximity to roads, houses, towns, rivers and flood zones are risk factors that could cause oil spills. An innovative proposal is presented to improve the prior planning and remediation of oil spills by identifying patterns of occurrence and vulnerable zones with GIS; thus minimizing environmental and social impact through rapid response. It also allows operating companies to update their contingency plans to respond effectively to new emergencies and optimize their resources. In general it becomes a new alternative to conserve the enormous biodiversity of Ecuador.