From Capricorn Conservation Council: Oil Spill Cure - Worse than the Disease? Conservationists are alarmed at reports of the continued use in Australia of banned chemical dispersants to clean up oil spills. Capricorn Conservation Council coordinator Michael McCabe said today, “We complained last year that Gladstone Harbour had not been considered a priority for deployment of oil spill equipment.” “Now we are informed that Gladstone has a stockpile of toxic CoRexit (1) to spray on oil spills.” “The authorities state the chemicals are being ‘phased out’ but have not given any assurance of safe alternative methods.” “The Shen Neng 1 spilled of 3-4 tonnes of heavy fuel oil at Douglas Shoal in 2010. The slick was ‘broken up’ with these toxic chemical dispersants as heavy swells prevented the containment with floating booms.” “The Shen Neng 1 caused extensive physical damage to the Reef and there are grave concerns about its chance of recovery because of the effects on marine organisms from the toxic chemicals and the anti-fouling paint scraped from the ship’s hull.” “Bulk carrier movements through the southern Great Barrier Reef could quadruple in the next ten years if all planned Queensland coal and coal seam gas exports projects are approved.” “Projects like Fitzroy Terminal’s Keppel Bay transhipping plans should be withdrawn as there is no proven safe way to clean-up oil spills.” “The Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the world, and it supports 60,000 tourism related jobs and a $6 billion dollar industry. “One oil spill, one catastrophe could put all this at risk. “We must seriously look at removing the threat from thousands more coal ships every year ploughing through the Great Barrier Reef. ________________________________________ ENDS: For more information contact: Michael McCabe CCC Coordinator Mobile: 0459 261 653 (1) nalcoesllc/nes/documents/MSDS/NESLLC-COREXIT-_EC9527A-March_2012.pdf MSDS states: “Repeated or excessive exposure to butoxyethanol may cause injury to red blood cells (hemolysis), kidney or the liver. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin or if swallowed.” & “ HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS – ACUTE”
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 02:45:36 +0000
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