Arquivos

Coal Tar coatings were extensively utilized from the 1960s to around 1990 to waterproof offshore oil facilities, such as pipelines, and shield them from corrosion. However, in the 2000s, Coal Tar was found to be linked with a significant release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment, prompting a decline in its usage. Nevertheless, numerous aging oil structures coated with Coal Tar persist on the seabed. As these facilities near the end of their service life, a pivotal question emerges: does this mass of weathered Coal Tar coating still pose a risk to marine life? In response to these concerns, this overview explores the scientific understanding of Coal Tar and its toxic components degradation in seawater. Our objective is to foster discussions regarding decommissioning options that mitigate environmental harm, underscoring the crucial necessity of evaluating the effects of prolonged exposure to Coal Tar in marine ecosystems, particularly within the context of the left in situ (LIS) approach. We seek to heighten awareness among the academic community and project operators responsible for decommissioning initiatives about the gravity and complexity of this issue.