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Argo Merchant Oil Spill

Photo Source: NOAA

In 1976, the Argo MIn 1976, the Argo Merchant ran aground off Nantucket, introducing more than 7 million gallons of fuel oil into local waters. Shorelines and beaches were saved by prevailing currents that swept the oil out to sea. In April 2003, a barge headed toward the Canal Electric Station leaked tens of thousands of gallons of fuel oil into Buzzards Bay. This much smaller spill soiled shorelines, killed wildlife, closed beaches and shellfishing beds, and harmed the local economy - just imagine if the next big spill is in the wrong place.

Facts on Oil Reliance
See Contributor's Guide below.

Visions on Oil Reliance
See Contributor's Guide below.

Contributor's Guide
The Argo Merchant spill is but one indicator of the risks faced by local communities due to regional reliance on foreign supplies of oil. Data, information, art, and photos are sought that address topics such as the ones listed below:

Facts on Oil Reliance

• Local electricity, heating, and transportation uses
• Fuel transport
• Argo Merchant, Bouchard, and other spills
• National security implications
• Your ideas?

Visions of Oil Reliance

• Steaming tankers and plodding barges
• Engines and furnaces
• Fouled waters, soiled beaches, and endangered wildlife
• National defense
• Capital flight
• True costs
• Your ideas?

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