Risk Analysis for Environmental Hazards. The case of oil spills in Crete

In this paper a review of most recent practices in the field of Risk analysis are presented. Then the available data for oil spill incidents in the area of Crete covering the period 1995-1999 are analysed and discussed in detail. Risk analysis tables are produced in order to formulate the spatial, temporal (yearly and monthly) risk of an incident, the correlation with the prevailing wind fields in both northern and southern Crete, and the possibility of an early intervention the relevant authorities located at the major port of Heraklion. Then the possible risk of an oil spill incident is discussed in relation to various sensitive social or financial activities as well as to environmentally protected areas. Finally a formula is proposed and applied in order to combine the various risks from an oil spill incident. As it was found, northern Crete and especially the marine areas of Heraklion and Chania are most prompt for an oil spill accident and its consequences. The area of Sitia follows. Southern Crete seems to be less vulnerable to such risks.