Study: Exxon Valdez Oil Lingers In Alaska

[Kadie]

May 17, 2006 6:17 am US/Pacific


Study: Exxon Valdez Oil Lingers In Alaska

(AP) ANCHORAGE, Alaska Oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez 17 years ago extends farther into Alaska's tidal waters than previously thought and could be causing long-term harm to wildlife, a study concludes.

Research chemist Jeffrey Short and colleagues at the National Marine Fisheries Service in Juneau concluded that oil was found between the high- and low-tide lines where predators such as sea otters and sea ducks may encounter it while disturbing sediment in search of prey.

"This study shows that it is very plausible that exposure to Exxon Valdez oil is having a material impact on many shore-dwelling animals and is contributing to their slow recovery in some parts of Prince William Sound," Short said in a statement.

The study is to be published in the June 15 edition of Environmental Science & Technology, the journal of the American Chemical Society.

more...
http://cbs13.com/topstories/topstories_story_137091844.html