UPDATE: RT oil spill cleanup proving costly- Source
Five days later the problem has not been completely resolved and while valiant efforts by this news agency to secure official comments from the various departments responsible for handling the situation including the Department for Disaster Management (DDM) have been futile, reliable sources have confirmed that the task of completely cleaning the mess is more costly and time consuming than previously envisaged.
According to a source, the extent of the remedial works are beyond the sole capacity of the Public Works Department of the Ministry of Communications and Works and has resulted in contracts being given out to private firms to tackle the issue. The clean-up process is being monitored step by step by the DDM and Public Works Department (PWD).
The source also alleged that the entity responsible for the oil spill has been identified; however, it is unknown at this stage whether legal actions would be taken since all energies are being directed towards the clean-up process.
It is also not known at this stage how much longer the clean-up process will take but commuters along the affected areas are being advised to traverse with caution.
Meanwhile, in a press release issued by Government Information Service (GIS) today August 20, 2013, it was mentioned that clean-up operations on oil spill in Road Town have been temporarily halted due to current weather conditions.
Senior Government officials affiliated with the project are expected to meet later today to discuss the resumption of work, the release stated.
“Since the oil spill occurred last Thursday, work crews were immediately deployed, first to contain the spill and then to undertake clean-up operations. The crews worked through the weekend and late into the night on Monday and were able to make significant headway, removing the oil, water and highly contaminated sludge.”
What was initially thought to be a quick clean-up has evolved into an in-depth operation given the level of contaminated effluent discovered in the drain, the rising water level due to rainfall and the challenges associated with using heavy-duty equipment in a confined space while ensuring strict adherence to safety procedures, the release continued.
“The actual cost of the clean-up is still to be determined but additional heavy-duty equipment had to be sourced to mount an effective response.”
The release further stated that there is legislation in the VI statute books through which Government can seek to recover the cost of the clean-up from the company deemed responsible for the oil spill and “every effort will be made to do so.”
See previous article posted August 16, 2013
UPDATE: Oil spill classified as highly contaminated
- Leak extended to Village Cay
Last night's August 15, 2013 oil spill which resulted in the contamination of the drainage system from the Road Town pump station to Craft's Alive Village is highly contaminated and toxic, according to the Department for Disaster Management (DDM).
Leakage was also detected near Village Cay this morning; however, this was reportedly quickly arrested to prevent the oil from escaping into the sea.
From all indications, the oil may have been discharged from the Road Town Pump Station although this has not been clearly stated.
The Department for Disaster Management said it is co-coordinating a multi-agency with the Fire and Rescue Services, Water and Sewerage Department, Conservation and Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Communications and Works.
Director of Disaster Management, Ms Sharleen DaBreo in a release today, August 16, 2013 explained that work is moving swiftly to ensure that the clean-up operation is completed soon. She indicated that Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool has been closely involved in the operations and has visited the site on several occasions.
He is said to be aware of the seriousness of the situation and has given his full support in ensuring that the operations are carried out effectively and expeditiously.
"They have contained the oil within the drain and work this morning focused on removing the drain covers. Honourable Vanterpool has been briefed and the next phase of work will entail the actual clean-up," Ms Da Breo stated in the release.
She added, "There is significant sludge from sewage as well as the contamination from the waste oil, which has introduced new contaminants to the oil. We have prevented it from entering the sea so far but it is a highly toxic area and the officers are working under significantly hazardous conditions."
The DDM Director said measures have also been taken to ensure public safety. "We have cordoned off the area to ensure that it is secured and prevent persons from stumbling into the highly contaminated water."
Given the highly contaminant nature of the operation, the DDM and collaborating agencies are working steadfastly to conclude the operation as soon as possible, the press release stated. It also said there may be a need to close portions of Waterfront Drive later this afternoon to facilitate work by heavy equipment being sourced to remove the contaminants within the drain.
The public will be notified of specific details in this regard later today, the release assured.
See previous article posted August 15, 2013
Oil spill discovered in Road Town
Officials from the Conservation and Fisheries Department and Department for Disaster Management are currently at a loss as to the origin of an oil spill discovered in the area between the Road Town Pump Station and Craft's Alive this evening, August 15, 2013.
According to officials, the spill was discovered sometime around 9 P.M. in the ghut leading to the sea in the Craft's Alive area. It is not clear how the oil reached into the ghut and some persons were speculating that it may have come from the Road Town pump station, however, this could not be confirmed.
Virgin Islands News Online was told by Acting Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer, Mr Kevin Penn that samples have been taken and will be sent to the United States in the morning for testing to hopefully ascertain the origin of the substance.
When this news site arrived on the scene, officials were already collecting samples and had cordoned off the parapet from the pump station to Nagico building.
There was evidence of oil in the vicinty of Palm Grove Shopping Centre, which from all indications had escaped while officials were attempting to prevent the oil from reaching the sea.
Mr Penn assured this news site that the situation is under control.
Virgin Islands News Online is working on further details to this story and will keep you updated as such information comes in.
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