Agencies finalising investigations into Singapore oil spill in May: Transport Minister

Channel NewsAsia 16 Sep 10;

SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Raymond Lim said various agencies here are now finalising their investigations into the oil spill that took place in May and its long-term impact on marine and coastal life.

In May, two vessels collided with each other off south-eastern Singapore.

An oil tanker and a bulk carrier collided with each other 13 kilometre southeast of Changi East, releasing about 2,500 tonnes of light crude oil.

Response teams were immediately deployed to mop up the spill and protect nearby fish farms and the Chek Jawa wetlands reserve.

The Marine and Ports Authority also informed Malaysian and Indonesian authorities on the progress of the clean-up.

Mr Lim said while containment efforts will always be hampered by weather conditions, it is important that agencies do their best to minimise the impact of oil coming onshore, and if it does, to ensure a quick clean-up. - CNA/fa

Quick action prevented major damage to beach
Esther Ng Today Online 17 Sep 10;

SINGAPORE - Quick action by the relevant agencies prevented any major damage to the environment following the oil spill which occurred when two ships collided off Changi on May 25.

Transport Minister Raymond Lim told Parliament yesterday that while some marine life at Changi Beach were affected, the damage was not extensive.

There was also "minimal immediate impact" to coastal and marine life in Chek Jawa because the National Parks Board (NParks) had deployed protective oil booms.

He said the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore had also deployed canvas skirting at fish farms in the East Johor Straits to act as barriers to the oil slick.

Responding to a question from MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Christopher de Souza, Mr Lim said the National Environment Agency and other agencies used a combination of oil dispersants, absorbent materials, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning agents and vacuum suction trucks to clean up the oil spill.

More than 495 workers were mobilised.

East Coast Beach and Changi Beach eventually re-opened for water activities on June 4.

The House was also told that the Maritime and Port Authority is "finalising its investigation" into the cause of the collision. ESTHER NG