August 2: EPA Releases Second Phase of Toxicity Testing Data for Eight Oil Dispersants
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Dispersants

Questions and Answers

What You Can Do

Air

Monitoring Air Quality >>
In response to the BP oil spill, EPA has been monitoring air quality along the Gulf. The air monitoring conducted to date has found levels of ozone and particulates ranging from "good" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" on EPA's Air Quality Index, these are at levels well below those that would cause short-term health problems.

The air monitoring conducted to date has not found any pollutants at levels expected to cause long-term harm. With the well capped and no new oil coming into the Gulf, we expect air monitors to continue to show pollution levels that are well below levels of concern.
Air Data >>

Water

Water Data >>
EPA collected surface water samples on August 16, 18, 20, 25, 26, 29 and September 1, 2010 along the Gulf Coast.  Five samples found nickel in exceedance of chronic aquatic benchmarks. 

Analysis of water samples collected along the Gulf Coast August 31 and September 1, 2010 did not detect levels of dispersant chemicals above the reporting limit.

Sediment

Sediment Data >>
EPA collected sediment samples on August 16-18, 25-29, and September 1, 2010 along the Gulf coast. Three samples found nickel in exceedance of chronic aquatic benchmarks.

Analysis of sediment samples collected along the Gulf Coast August 30, 2010 did not detect levels of dispersant chemicals above the reporting limit.

Waste Management

Waste Information >>
To date, waste sampling results do not exceed regulatory limits for the disposal of oil waste in state permitted landfills. These landfills have already been identified for disposal of BP's collected oil waste and material in the Waste Management Plans approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in consultation with EPA and the States involved in this response.