Oil spill off Changi East: Singapore reports

Beaches affected by oil spill expected to open this weekend
By Lynda Hong Channel NewsAsia 2 Jun 10;

SINGAPORE : Beaches affected by last week's oil spill is expected to open by this weekend, according to the Environment and Water Resources Minister.

But Dr Yaacob Ibrahim told reporters on the sidelines of a community event that officers will monitor the waters for any deterioration.

"We will continue to conduct tests and investigate if there are any forms of deterioration. But at the moment, based on what we have seen and what experts have said, there is no discernible indication that there have been deterioration," said Dr Yaacob. - CNA /ls

Fish farms install warning system to track water quality
Jessica Yeo and Ng Lian Cheong Channel NewsAsia 2 Jun 10;

SINGAPORE : The recent oil spill off the coast of Singapore has drawn attention to possible contamination of the water in fish farms around the affected site.

But some farm operators in the areas of Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris already have warning systems in place to avert business collapse if the unexpected hits.

Three farms told Channel NewsAsia they have been using a multi-layer system to monitor oxygen levels in the water.

An oxygen pump is automatically triggered if a drop in oxygen level is detected.

The Norwegian system costs $150,000 and will be fully installed by July.

It comes with eight CCTV cameras, which will also help enhance security on the farm. - CNA /ls

Waters in Singapore port and beaches clear of oil patches, says MPA
Channel NewsAsia 2 Jun 10;

SINGAPORE : The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said on Wednesday that waters in Singapore's port, including the anchorages around Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin, are clear of any oil patches.

There was also no report of oil patches in the Singapore Strait south of Changi.

Waters from Changi Naval Base to Changi Beach and East Coast Park remain clear as well.

MPA said it will continue to monitor the waters closely and carry out necessary clean-up efforts.

It will also continue to work with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.

Members of the public can contact MPA's 24-hour Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325-2489 to report any sighting of oil slick in Singapore waters or coastlines.

- CNA/al