Oil Spills Must Be Reported
Thursday 19 May 2011, 3:20PM
By Marlborough District Council
435 views
The Marlborough District Council is responsible for responding to reported marine oil spills, both within the district and inside the 12-mile limit.
Records show that most spills within the Marlborough district happen during fuelling operations in marina areas. In most cases they’re minor and require little or no clean-up action.
However, anyone who discovers an oil spill, no matter how big it is or who is involved, is legally obliged to report it.
- MDC 24-hour phone line 520 7400
Information regarding the spill is vital in the early stages; it’s important the council is advised about the size of the spill, whether it’s spreading and what sort of risk its posing.
Council has a marine oil spill response plan.
Containment, recovery and oil dispersant equipment is held in Picton on permanent loan from the Maritime Safety Authority, ready for immediate use in the Marlborough Sounds, Cook Strait or around the South Island coast.