Sand and undergrowth left blackened by the oil that washed ashore.
FOLLOWING a brisk weekend storm, South Ocean residents were horrified to find their local beach hemmed in by a thick coat of black oil.
The homeowners say they can't be sure where the oil might have come from, but noted that BEC's Clifton Pier Power Plant, implicated in a number of past spills, is not far away. They said slicks have washed ashore before, but never one this substantial.
"We first noticed the oil slick when we took the dogs out for their morning walk, at around 8.30am," one homeowner said.
"My understanding is that the oil must have come in with the stormy weather as the marks are very high up the walls, which would only happen in very stormy weather and also at high tide.
"The amount of oil appears to be much more than it was last time and it will need Environmental Services to come and clean the contaminated beach now.
"It really is disgusting and looks like something from a horror movie.
"I just hope we can find out who is responsible and make sure that this does not happen again. Our seas and land need to be protected as they are the country's most important asset."
In 2007, Minister of Labour and Maritime Affairs Dion Foulkes admitted that New Providence's main power plant is anything but environmentally friendly.
He said: "The problem of oil spills at Clifton Pier is ongoing, as there is an old storage site which seeps.
"There is a need to have sufficient equipment and trained persons to respond to the problem of oil pollution. We are planning conferences and workshops to train persons throughout the islands to deal with spills once they arise."
BEC officials could not be reached for comment before The Tribune went to press last night.
Comments
Victor 12 years ago
Better get used to this if the PLP wins and the allow their cronies to drill for oil.
Islandboy242242 11 years, 12 months ago
In 2007, Minister of Labour and Maritime Affairs Dion Foulkes admitted that New Providence's main power plant is anything but environmentally friendly. He said: "The problem of oil spills at Clifton Pier is ongoing, as there is an old storage site which seeps. "There is a need to have sufficient equipment and trained persons to respond to the problem of oil pollution. We are planning conferences and workshops to train persons throughout the islands to deal with spills once they arise." . . . So let me get the above straight... It is noted that there is an ongoing oil spill, and it was admitted that the BEC plant is affecting the environment. And yes I know we need power. But if the old storage site is leaking then, get some pumps, pump it out, put it in a new storage tank or temporary tank. . Then all we get is, "there is a need to train people"???? . Reading between the lines that sounds like, there is a need, but its not on the top of the list. And "Workshops and conferences"????? Get some people in some white suits out there with an oil pump, a generator, and some cleanup equipment and get it dealt with. We all know conferences and workshops aren't always the most productive, real work is. . Kind of rediculous IMO . Definately something to watch.**
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