An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially the marine ecosystem, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The term is usually given to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land., Oil spills are disasters that can have severe social, economic, and environmental impacts. They are the release of crude oil or refined petroleum products from tankers, rigs, wells, and offshore platforms. These spills are most common in marine environments but can also occur on land., Oil spills harm sea creatures, make seafood unsafe to eat, and can even ruin your day at the beach. Oil is found below ground or below the ocean floor in “pores” or holes in the rock called reservoirs., This booklet provides information about oil spills. It contains chapters that outline and explain oil spills, their potential effects on the environment, how they are cleaned up, and how various agencies prepare for spills before they happen., The FDNY responded to the scene of an oil spill in Hunts Point Wednesday afternoon., .