Oil spill in Timaru

Members of the Environment Canterbury oil response team are currently on the scene of an oil spill in Timaru Port. The spill was discovered about midday and is believed to be light fuel oil.

“At this stage we are focusing on containment and cleaning up the oil,” says Environment Canterbury Regional Harbourmaster Jim Dilley. “Once that is done, we will then launch an investigation, but right now our priority is to lessen the impact on the environment as much as possible.”

Unconfirmed reports suggest the amount of oil leaked is 40 to 50 litres.

“We don’t have a lot of exact detail right now and at the moment we won’t be naming the boat.”

When more information is to hand an update will be released to media.