supplies such pollution could drastically affect human health (Dineen, 1990, p. 181). Petroleum ingestion, as well as dermal contact, and the inhalation of oil vapors have been associated with a variety medical problems.
The original laws pertaining to oil pollution were enacted after major oil spills during the 1960s and 1970s. The Clean Water Act (CWA) absolutely prohibits all "unpermitted discharges by pollutants." These "unpermitted discharges" are primarily divided into two groups: "(1) spills of oil or hazardous substances from vessels or facilities; (2) all other unpermitted discharges." Moreover, the term "oil," according to the CWA, refers to "oil of any kind or in any form, including, but not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil" (Gibson, 1993, p. 6). This and other statutes additionally established procedures for analyzing contaminants and identifying polluters (Miller et al., 1990, p. 257). At that time, however, only oil pollution affec
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