Case Analysis for Oil Spills free essay sample

One day, Jesse started telling Peter a story of a mysterious loss in one of the raw petrochemicals he receives by pipeline in the 1950s. Since there was no surface or groundwater pollution off the plant property, the plant manager decided to do nothing and not report the states. Tests showed that there is zero concentration of gasoline in the groundwater within 400ft of the surface. Peter recognizes that the state law requires him to report all spills but doesn’t know about spills that happened a long time ago. He tried to convince Jesse that he has to report such a loss. The surface water and 400 feet deep into the groundwater there was zero gasoline concentration. The state law acquires reporting all spills, however the plant manager decided to do nothing. Peter and Jesse agree on the facts but disagree about their relative importance. They have contradicting opinions about the issue. Jesse noted the drawbacks of reporting such a problem to the states and Peter didn’t have good reasons to convince Jesse. Some concepts involved through the issue are risk, confidentiality, environmental health, conflict of interest, and loyalty. First, the company and peters career will be in risk if he reported the oil spill to the state. Second, the engineering law requires confidentiality therefore it is irrelevant that peter report such an issue that is confidential in the company. Third, the tests were only taken 400 feet from the surface of the groundwater, however maybe there is contamination deeper or other marine life were affected. Four, most important concept is the conflict of interest since Peter had to either obey the engineering law that requires confidentiality and neglect his morals or obey the state law and lose his friendship and career. Five, Jesse trusted Peter to keep this mysterious spill between them; he should be loyal to him since they have a trusting relationship. Additionally, Jesse noted that he cannot have a consulting engineer who doesn’t value client loyalty. On the other hand, there are some unknown facts in the issue. According to state law all spills must be reported but what about spills that occurred years ago? Where the effects of spill seem to have dissipated? Is there any gasoline concentration beyond the 400 feet of gasoline? Is the marine life affected by the spill? Will the gasoline contaminate the ground water years later? Who is responsible to take an action for the spill at that time? It seems that there are more unknown facts than facts issued in the case. Although they are high in importance, the fact that this oil spill occurred a long time ago (1950s) might reduce its importance. From the case it is obvious that Jesse didn’t give Peter the chance to explain his situation which is a wrong action. Moreover, Jesse rushed in showing his disappointment in Peter. - So What? Impact In this case the affected parties are company, Peter, and Jesse. Each of them has different consequences that might have a negative effect on them. If the oil spill has been reported, the company will be in bad situation against the government and it has to re-open the file to make a re-check over that region which means spending useless dollars, a lot of time and Suspension of work of the planet for a while till the checking is done. Peter will do what his job requires him to do; however, he will put his job in the company, his career life and his promotion in risk. Jesse’s job will be in risk too since a leak of a confidential information has been through him and the relation between Jesse and Peter will no longer stay based on trust neither loyalty and arise enmity between them. If the spill has not been reported, no one will be affected and the case will be closed as before. Jesse and the company will be satisfied and Peter might get a faster promotion; however, peter will feel guilty because of his personal integrity that tells his to report the spill and follow the codes he is supposed to follow under stresses and loads of his role. Based on Code of ethics: AIChE code (for chemical engineering): * â€Å"Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in performance of their professional duties. † This code states that safety comes as priority which requires a spill report to ensure the safety and health of the public that the spill does not affect the underground water or a marine life there. * â€Å"Accept responsibility for their actions and recognize the contributions of others; seek critical review of their work and offer objective criticism of the work of others. This code requires the company to accept the re-check because it has to take responsibility for their action of not reporting the spill in 1950’s. The company would saved a lot if this spill was reported before and this case will not be shown in first place. * Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and avoid conflicts of interest. This case shows an obvious conflict of int erest between whither Peter to report the spill or act as if he didn’t know about it because of the relation between him and Jesse. On the other hand, by reporting the spill, the code involves confidentiality and the information that Peter got is very confidential to the company. So what to do? Report the spill or not? This is the question! - Now What? – reaction What are the possible solution for this case ? a- Peter reports the spill directly to the government because the state law requires him to report all spills. In this case Peter is taking a risk because he doesn’t know if the government will take an action or just review the previous check reports and consider it as a past. Moreover, his career life will be in danger and he will lose his job. b- Peter doesn’t report the spill, act as if the story hasn’t been told because of codes of ethics that requires confidentiality, continue his career life in the company and get the promotion. In addition, his relation with Jesse will stay strong and this might lead him to better position in the company. c- Peter might discus this situation with the company and request for a check as a regular check for that region to ensure that the chemical level in the underground water is zero for more than 400 feet. The result will determine what the company should do. If the level is zero the company will be in the safe side but if it’s not Peter should discuss the next step with the company itself rather than reported directly. Solution C is the best solution because it doesn’t affect any parties in a bad way and it satisfies win-win solution since this solution is the best for all. Peter will keep his job, relation with Jesse and the promotion. Jesse will keep his job also and the company will not be in risk.