Oil spill erodes trust, as well as ecology and economy

The oil spill off the Tauranga coast has not only had damaging environmental and economic impacts, but has eroded trust in public institutions as well, according to Massey University disaster research specialists.

A study by members of the Joint Centre for Disaster Research based at the University’s Wellington campus says the grounding of the container ship Rena, and its subsequent oil spill, could have long term effects on public confidence in how institutions manage the risks of future technological projects such as offshore oil exploration.

The research, which draws on case studies of disasters such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska of 1989 and the Sea Empress off the coast of south Wales in 1996, is featured in the latest issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal.

Lead researcher psychologist Associate Professor Sarb Johal says while salvors and the authorities have worked hard to remove the hazard and protect the environment in the weeks since the spill, the potential for erosion of public trust was just one impact of many arising from a man-made technological disaster.

“Unlike most natural disasters, industrial or technological disasters such as this tend to create chronic uncertainty over an extended period, especially concerning health effects, economic impacts, the extent of ecological damage and recovery, issues of fair and just compensation, sociocultural recovery, explanation and closure,” the report says.

A perceived breach of trust was likely to be “ a critical factor” in the aftermath of the ship’s grounding on the Astrolabe Reef.

“Society generally believes that technology should and can be controlled, and a failure to do so can erode that trust,” Dr Johal says.

“A belief that there has been a failure to protect the public can create a perception of increased, uncontrolled risk and threat to personal and economic security, as what was perceived to be safe and controlled is revealed not to be so.”

Restoring perceptions of tourists and locals that the beaches, water and seafood are safe will be “pivotal” in ensuring the renewal of the region’s traditional economy in which the sea is such a crucial resource, he says.

“There is an opportunity to strengthen engagement with communities of concern to work together to deal with the consequences of the Rena incident, and to review processes and policies to increase public confidence.

“The rapid adoption of appropriate health protection measures, a transparent process aiming for the prompt resolution of insurance and litigation concerns, and the rebuilding of trust are likely to significantly influence long-term outcomes.”