Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a statement by the Bahamas Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Kenred Dorsett:
As the public would be aware there was concern of a possible leak at the RUBIS Sandy Port Service Station after an oily sheen was witnessed on the water at the dock near the site. Today, I am releasing a preliminary report compiled by the Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment Division (EMRAD) of the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) and an addendum thereto after inspections of the facility and stakeholder meetings.
It was found, upon inspection, that there was a leak at the dispenser closest to the boat fueling dock. That dispenser has since been deactivated and remains inoperable. An unreported historical spill among other factors is being considered in the ongoing investigation. The DEHS continues to monitor this situation and is satisfied with the response of the station owner and RUBIS Bahamas thus far.
With respect to this type of environmental incident, the Government is committed to the establishment of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and the regulation of the downstream petroleum industry.
I would like to commend EMRAD for their work thus far. I will continue to keep the public abreast of this matter.
The REPORT and ADDENDUM are attached below:
