Cleanup works are continuing at Point Ligore, Point Fortin as Heritage Petroleum Company Limited tries to find the source of an oil spill that occurred last Sunday.
The company blocked off major access roads on Monday as it continued to remove oil accumulation which was reported along a municipal drain that collects overflow from many parts of Point Fortin.
The source of the leak has not yet been identified although efforts have been ongoing and would continue. Heritage said it has deployed specialised spill response teams to clean up the affected area.
“Most of the oil was contained via containment booms at the area and clean-up efforts are ongoing. Air quality testing was conducted at the site and all levels were within normal limits. No injuries or adverse impact to residents of the community have been reported,” Heritage said,
The company also said it is conducting ongoing surveillance to ensure that the source is confirmed and the spill is contained.
“ As a precautionary measure, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation crew has been mobilized to provide a specialized response, should it be required. Heritage has notified the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and all other regulatory agencies including the Environmental Management Authority (EMA),” the company added.
In a subsequent statement issued last night, Heritage said in addition to the ongoing surveillance, containment, cleanup and remediation work, the company has deployed additional resources such as booms, vessels and manpower at the site and risk assessments are ongoing.
The company advised the public to comply with all directional signs and instructions and utilize the alternative routes available.
“Failure to so do may jeopardise the timeliness of the clean-up activities in addition to introducing risk to unauthorized personnel. The company continues to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all operations are conducted in a safe, efficient and timely manner as per compliance requirements.”
Heritage said it will continue to keep the public updated on the cleanup efforts.