The OilDam solution from TIE Technologies and Geocomp Corp uses the concept of 'water-blocking-oil' (water-filled bladders made of geosynthetic materials). OilDam geosynthetic tubes are placed in the shallows at distances of 20 to 50 feet from the shore to form a barrier impenetrable to oil from the sea floor to several feet above sea level. This fixed barrier blocks oil and floating contaminants, submerged oil and tar balls from reaching the shore. At the same time, it allows water to pass back and forth through its base to maintain normal tidal flushing of the shoreline, allowing critical shoreline life to be protected.