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Quick response contain Saipan seaport oilspill
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Posted on Apr 30 2001
Swift action taken by the Port of Saipan management prevented what could have been an environmental disaster due to an oil spill at the South Baker Friday, involving about 20 gallons of fuel.
In an interview, Port of Saipan Manager Antonio Cabrera disclosed that Saipan Mariner, a cargo vessel docked at the South Baker, had stress metal on its oil tank that caused a rapid oil spill.
Immediately, seaport attendants called the attention of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Marines Safety Detachment Saipan and Shell Marianas to clean the area.
Marine Safety Detachment Supervisor Lt. Michael R. Leon Guerrero said a two-phase containment process was immediately implemented to prevent the oil spill from contaminating other parts of the Saipan harbor.
Ports and detachment officials tried to reduce the possible impact of the oil spill by transferring the petroleum from the water to awaiting oil tanks
“The first phase is we contain the surrounding area of South Baker and the second part is to encapsulate the outer portion to ensure that no oil residue was channeled to other parts,” said Mr. Leon Guerrero.
Through this process, the threat was immediately minimized and the environment was secured from possible contamination. Until Friday midnight, Shell Marianas workers and CPA personnel worked on to clean up surrounding areas of the South Baker Dock.
The Saipan Mariner has reportedly spent over $5,000 for the immediate remedial and cleanup processes to address possible environmental concerns that may be created by the oilspill.
Mr. Guerrero assured that there is no more oil residue on South Baker and its immediate surrounding areas. “What left there is sheen, that will naturally evaporate,” he added.
Mr. Guerrero pointed out the oilspill will not, in any way, harm marine animals since effective cleanup operations were immediately carried out to contain possible problems.
But officials said monitoring will continue to double check the area. (EGA)
