TEMA Says Resurfacing Of Hydrocarbons Not Critical

Almost one year since the unprecedented oil spill occurred in Tobago on February 7th, 2024, hydrocarbon deposits have appeared along Petit Trou Beach in Lambeau.

Speaking with TTT News on Tuesday, Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director, Allan Stewart, said this was expected.

“Petrobras would have made the point that, based on their experience in 2019 that sometimes up to two years may have that experience of oil resurfacing as a result of what could be, what we can subscribe to it is that of the rough seas that we would have had. So, it is a phenomenon where heavy oils would come ashore in a high tide. Some will be on land and some will be on the beach itself. Some will be pinned between rocks.”

Mr. Stewart said the situation is not critical at this stage, and that the Tobago House of Assembly’s agencies have implemented measures, including the closure of this particular beach.

“We were able to activate at a Level 1, where we utilised sorbent booms to prevent it from impacting the mangrove area, which is at the opening of the two rivers where the bridges meet, that confluence of two rivers coming together, coming down to the sea on the one beach.”

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine held an Emergency Technical Meeting on Saturday February 1st, which included TEMA, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, and other key stakeholders.

Mr. Stewart explained that they continue to monitor the situation.

Translate »