Early morning oil spill in Pointe-a-Pierre contained
The Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs (MEEA) was notified by Petrotrin of an incident involving the spillage of fuel oil in the Pointe-a-Pierre jetty area at approximately 9:00 a.m. on December 17, 2013. It was reported that during loading operations oil was observed on the surface of the water. On investigation by Petrotrin operators a leak was discovered on the line, which was immediately isolated.
The MEEA arrived at Pointe-a-Pierre at 9:45 a.m. and immediately assisted in the coordination of oil spill management activities together with officers of the Environmental Management Authority, the Coast Guard and Petrotrin personnel. These activities included the deployment of booms, skimmers and dispersants for containment, recovery and treatment of the spill as required.
The spill was monitored and assessed by the officers and an aerial survey was conducted with the assistance of the Air Guard Unit of the Ministry of National Security. The aerial survey covered areas extending from Pt. Lisas in the north to La Brea in the south. The oil spill appeared to be confined to an area of about 0.6 square kilometres and located approximately three (3) nautical miles south west of Petrotrin’s Pointe-a-Pierre jetty.
The Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs continues to monitor the situation and will provide support as required in accordance with procedures and protocols outlined in the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
MINISTER Kevin Ramnarine
Dec 17 2013