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Oil Spill from Wakashio: Day 8
PLANS FOR CLEAN UP
We are not experts in how to clean up after an oil spill and we are on a learning curve. We have communicated the hazardous nature of these petroleum products and that anyone involved needs to have proper and appropriate PPE. We also said that the threat of a further spill needs to be removed and the bulk of the oil needs to be removed from the surface of the sea before a clean up of the shore line takes place. There is no point in cleaning a shore line and more oil comes in to repollute it. The removal of oil from the surface needed mechanical means (boats, skimmers, pumps) and this has been put in place. We have provided our Ecotour boat and staff to help in this effort, they first worked infront of Ile aux Aigrettes, then moved along the coast to the Mahebourg water front, then Riviere des Creoles. With the bulk of the oil removed from the wreck we are relieved that the threat of a further major spill is averted although there is still a certain amount of oil which we understand can’t be extracted and will be a threat although it can be ‘caught’ by booms and removed before it reaches shore. We understand that the French company, Le Floch, has been appointed by the insurers of the wreck to organise the clean up. They will be employing the local fishermen and others whose livelihood has been taken away by this catastrophe. They will also be involving volunteers. This team of persons will need to be trained. We are in contact with Le Floch to support where needed. Our first concern is that the clean up is done in an environmentally friendly way using current techniques available. The feedback we have had is that Le Floch will carry out a survey of all areas affected by the oil to better plan the appropriate treatments and then publish an Action plan by Monday 17th August.
The problem with a clean up is that it needs to be done properly in order not to cause further damage. An example is the Mangrove forest. Care needs to be taken with any ‘products’ used. In all clean ups the oil needs to be disposed of in the correct manner.
– © The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
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