GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Offshore oil wells are considered a point source of pollution. Point source pollution means that there is a specific source that is responsible for the pollution in an area.

Detailed explanation-2: -Toxic Pollution: Normal offshore drilling operations release toxic pollution into the air and water. Exploration and drilling at the platform, transportation via tankers, and refining the oil on land can all release volatile organic compounds, greenhouse gases, and other air pollutants.

Detailed explanation-3: -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines point source pollution as “any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack.” Factories and sewage treatment plants are two common types of point sources.

Detailed explanation-4: -Point Sources: Industrial wasterwater and discharges include oils, greases, metals, chemicals, such as PCB’s and pesticides, and debris that eventually head into the Cuyahoga River. Oil Spills and Grease: Oil spills and dumping also play a major role in point source pollution.