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and consumes large quantities of oil. Petroleum-based oil is <br /> used as a major power source to fuel factories and various <br /> modes of transportation, and in many everyday products, such <br /> as plastics, nylon, paints, tires, cosmetics, and detergents <br /> (EPA, 1998). At every point in the production, distribution, and <br /> consumption process, oil is stored in tanks. With billions of <br /> gallons of oil being stored throughout the country, the potential <br /> for an oil spill is significant, and the effects of spilled oil can <br /> pose serious threats to the environment. <br /> In addition to petroleum-based oil, the U.S. consumes millions <br /> of gallons of non-petroleum oils, such as silicone and mineral- <br /> based oils and animal and vegetable oils. Like petroleum <br /> products, these non-petroleum oils are often stored in tanks <br /> that have the potential to spill, causing environmental damages <br /> that are just as serious as those caused by petroleum-based <br /> oils. To address the potential environmental threat posed by <br /> petroleum and non-petroleum oils, the EPA has established a <br /> program designed to prevent oil spills. The program has <br /> reduced the number of spills to less than 1% of the total <br /> volume handled each year (EPA, 1998). <br /> Indian River County has about 18 miles of Atlantic Ocean <br /> coastline that is subject to contamination caused by an oil spill. <br /> By Executive Order, the responsibility for preparing response <br /> plans for coastal oil spills is designated to the Florida <br /> Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Florida <br /> Marine Patrol (Indian River County Emergency Management <br /> Division, 2000). The Florida Coastal Pollutant Spill Plan has <br /> been prepared to coordinate response procedures and <br /> recovery efforts after a spill. There are two active oil field <br /> regions in Florida: in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in the <br /> Panhandle, and Collier, Dade, Hendry, and Lee counties in <br /> southwest Florida. <br /> Vulnerability Assessment. Transportation system accidents <br /> can have the following potential impacts within a community: <br /> • Surface and air transportation disruption; <br /> • Navigable waterway impairment; <br /> • Human health and safety; <br /> • Economic disruption; <br /> • Disruption of community services; <br /> • Fire; and <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 67 <br />