By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
MINISTER of Environment Kenred Dorsett yesterday said he had no intention of resigning amid widespread criticism over his lack of public communication on the 2012 underground gasoline leak in the Marathon area.
Mr Dorsett said that he had hoped to expedite public consultation on the matter, but could not release the independent report on remediation efforts and chemical exposure until it had been authorised by the Office of the Attorney General, adding, “It is what it is.”
Defending the process, he confirmed that recommendations put forward by independent consultants concerning remediation plans had already been “set in stone”.
While he welcomed reports that the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) was engaged to conduct health screenings on residents, Mr Dorsett distanced himself from the role of public health officials, and acknowledged that their timeline of response in the matter needed to be reviewed.
“When we got the (Black and Veatch International) report,” Mr Dorsett said, “we went to Cabinet and the matter was then referred to the attorney general for them to make a determination. The AG’s office was obviously involved in understanding all of the litigation and all the rest of it going on and so when they authorised the release is when we were able to do so, that really is where we stand.
“The fact of the matter is the report is in the public domain now, which is most important, secondly I want to allay the misconception that the recommendations in the report have not been advanced.”
The fuel leak was observed at the Rubis service station at Robinson and Old Trail Roads in late December 2012 by station operator Fiorente Management, and reported to owner Rubis Bahamas on January 19, 2013. BEST Commission Director Philip Weech said variance records approximated the release of 12,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline.
Black and Veatch International was contracted by the government in 2013 to ensure that the actions taken by Rubis to address the release were appropriate to protect public health and adequately remediate the environment.
The BVI report was completed February 20, 2014, but wasn’t released until last Friday following public outcry at a Thursday town meeting hosted by the BEST Commission to present the findings.
That report found that area residents were possibly exposed to harmful chemicals, and that while remediation efforts were appropriate for groundwater contamination, Rubis could have expedited its response to off-site impacts.
According to the report, benzene was found in air samples in Cable Bahamas’ main building and in a ground water test well of one residential home.
Among recommendations for further monitoring and testing, the report called for a town meeting to release findings to the public and a communication schedule to keep area residents informed of remediation plans.
Mr Dorsett explained that his ministry undertook a technical review of BVI’s recommendations and submitted them in writing to Rubis as a mandatory requirement of their remediation efforts. However, public consultation was delayed pending the attorney general’s authorisation.
The report also pointed out that there were no specific environmental laws associated with contamination liability and cleanup, and that officials were guided by the DEHS’ Environmental Monitoring Risk Assessment Division draft policy document that addresses appropriate response actions to be taken in the event of a fuel release.
Yesterday, Mr Dorsett said: “As it stands you have the Ministry of Works and their volatile substance section, you have the Department of Environmental Health Services, the BEST Commission which advises the Ministry of Environment, but there are no regulations governing that sector.
“One of the things we hope to be able to achieve with the creation of the Environmental Planning and Protection Agency is that the Water and Sewerage Corporation will not be operator and regulator, and so we will be creating one regulatory authority that would be able to govern the sector. I think it will (streamline processes) and it will cause WSC to be held to be accountable and not be its own policeman.”
Both the Democratic National Alliance and the Free National Movement have called for Mr Dorsett’s resignation, along with the resignation of Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald over the matter.
Mr Dorsett added: “I hold no brief for the Democratic National Alliance or any other political organisation, they will do whatever they think is necessary. In the meantime, I have a mandate to carry out my work and the work continues. I have no intention of resigning.”
Comments
Romrok 9 years, 7 months ago
Dorsett. You are an embarrassment.
DonAnthony 9 years, 7 months ago
This entire government is an embarrassment. When questioned as to the delay for releasing the report Mr. dorsett and Mr. Fitzgerald blamed the attorney general's office, meanwhile when questioned as to the year long delay the attorney General said delay, what delay, there was no delay. So we move from two cabinet ministers who pass the buck and avoid any responsibility to one who is in complete denial ( attorney general). They must think the Bahamian people are stupid. Meanwhile, these innocent citizens living nearby have been exposed to heaven knows what toxins. It really is criminal. This is the worst government in the history of the Bahamas, and it is not even close!
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 7 months ago
Forget Dorsett....he's just a mere pawn.....the real culprit is Vomit Christie! Same goes for our periodic public dump fires that spew toxic fumes over thousands of very vulnerable young children and equally vulnerable older Bahamians. Christie is no doubt responsible for the deaths of thousands of Bahamians, not to mention those who have been gunned down by his failed policies that have actually increased rather than reduced the alarming rate of serious crime in our country.
TalRussell 9 years, 7 months ago
If you Google WWOW, I has wonder, if Kenred's name will pop's up, alongsides his colleague Fitzgerald's?
Comrades, forgive me but I just don't seem to be capable any longer to get's a grip on what is even plausible, if its originating from within the WWOW ranks of a seemingly coming unglued PLP cabinet. But this I do know, that even if it starts to sound likes it could be plausible, keep both eyes wide-open to spot, if it sounds be too damn "Wishy-Washy or What (WWOW)."
Maybe, The Tribune can dispatch a reporter to stand in front of the cabinet office building as each PLP cabinet minister does make their exit. Maybe, they can to some kind of an exit poll, as to where they each MP really stands, when it comes to standing up for and on behalf of the very people,who they're indebted t, for their House of Assembly seats? It is left to anyone's guess how the PM goin fix this, short of holding a "full cycle wash day." But him best be prepared use some them exceptional cleansing properties, in with da wash. Da PM may even decide the right course action to follow, would be for he self jump in da wash machine?
SP 9 years, 7 months ago
MINISTER of Environment Kenred Dorsett is not just a pawn. He's a WILLING pawn that fit right in with the pirates just like a grouper in boiled fish.
This guy is in it for the money, and only the money just like he was last time around.
He will have a rude awakening on the day of reckoning....Soon come ma-bey.... Soon come!
birdiestrachan 9 years, 7 months ago
This is my understanding of the Matter, the necessary measures were put in place. But they should have released the report. If I was living in that area I would have wished to be informed. Apparently Cable Bahamas moved their office there was a red light. I do not know what steps I would have taken, But I would like to know. The good Lord knows any time we hear cancer it puts the fear of God in us.
DonAnthony 9 years, 7 months ago
Congratulations Birdie, this is the closest you have ever come to even remotely condemning the gross malfeasance of this corrupt govt. Never mind that you sugar coated it as much as possible and it took potentially many innocent bahamians being exposed to deadly carcinogens being deliberately kept in the dark by their " we believe in bahamians " govt. They believe in nothing but themselves, do you think for one second that minister dorsett or Fitzgerald would have their families living in such conditions? And they hid this! It is reprehensible, continue your progress and you might develop a moral bone in your body to speak out for the poor bahamians wronged here.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 7 months ago
Don Anthony I never call right wrong, and wrong right. When I am wrong I admit I am wrong . and it is a good thing that God does not give us the ability to kick ourselves. I admit the Government has made mistakes, But corrupt NO. and even on a bad day they are 100% BETTER than the former Government who said "Bahamians need not apply" They never cared about the small people who needed help the most. I am doing all right. but I am concerned about the Bahamian people who are less fortunate.
HarryWyckoff 9 years, 7 months ago
Birdie,
The whole 'Bahanians need not apply' tag line was created for the PLP election campaign. This campaign, and the PLP's own 'Believe in Bahamians' marketing movement was in turn created by....
A U.S. PR company the PLP hired because they didn't believe in any Bahamian PR companies.
The PLP. Then outsourced all design, Internet and printing to foreigners for their 'Believe in Bahamians' campaign, because why Beleive in Bahamians?
newcitizen 9 years, 7 months ago
Hahaha, this has got to be one of the funniest comments ever on the Tribune, "But corrupt NO"!
They openly admit to their corruption. It's not a matter of debate. The debate should be what the people want to do about it.
realfreethinker 9 years, 7 months ago
Birdie Donanthony gave you a little credit for moving some of the bibee out your eye and in the very next post you show him what a mistake that was. I dont know that there is any hope for you seeing daylight,or beyond your nose
John 9 years, 7 months ago
Many are anxious to see this PLP government go. But surprisingly many in political office can't wait their term to end. Governance in this country has become a hostile, thankless and demanding occupation. It's the economy stupidi!
duppyVAT 9 years, 7 months ago
This lousy half-ass lawyer piece a shit doesnt have to resign .............. we will fire him in 2017
Cobalt 9 years, 7 months ago
And replace him with who??? Another do- nothing Bahamian politician??? There is no difference between a rotten apple and a rotten pear.
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
Heck Darville or even Grahm Weatherford may be a better environmental minister than Dorsett.
Cobalt 9 years, 7 months ago
Y'all really think fat-boy Dorsett cares??? He leads a good life and is well comfortable. He and his PLP cohorts played y'all like some fools. Lol.
He has already carried out his personal aspirations of becoming a politician, and now his agenda has been met. So now he will use his last remaining two years in office to secure whatever further interest he may have. Don't blame him...... blame the people who voted for him.
John 9 years, 7 months ago
Maybe it's time to elect Brent Symnonette for prime minister just for the hell of it and to see if it will make a difference. But just from watching what is going on with Hillary Clinton campaign it won't. Those in opposition want to have just as much say and just as much power as them set in government. They just don't want the responsibility at least some.
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
Got crime down , got my vote. But not for PM, he's got everything else on these islands already.
SP 9 years, 7 months ago
Brent Symnonette is the Bahamian white genius that concluded selling $40M in work permits was a good idea to raise Treasury funds.
At an average fee of $1,500.00 each, Brent issuing $40M in work permits equals 26,666.66 non essential foreigners doing blue collar jobs that less educated Bahamians qualify for.
If these 26,666.66 non essential blue collar workers were shipped out today, the level of unemployment would immediately dramatically decline to sustainable levels.
Immigration policy's of Brent the white Bahamian genius is the single major cause of unemployment in Bahamas today and the cause of more misery than Bahamians have ever experienced.
Not to mention the tremendous drain on our foreign reserves as these 26,666.66 foreign workers take money out of local circulation and Western Union $100M's hard currency back to impoverished home countries.
Brent Symnonette is also part and parcel of the corruption destroying our country. He too refuses to expose where the $5M disappeared to with his former FNM Cabinet Minister of tourism.....Aiding and abetting corruption!
Symnonette is part of the old guard having too many skeletons steeped in corruption in their closets making it impossible for them to govern the country properly
We desperately need a totally new crew of true nationalist, with no political baggage or closets full of corrupt skeletons to protect.
Very Nice guy.....But No To Brent as PM.
John 9 years, 7 months ago
We await your well vetted list of suggestions
SP 9 years, 7 months ago
.................................................. Happy To Oblige ...........................................................
Calling everybody from all constituencies with no political baggage or closets filled with 40 years of scandal and corruption laden skeletons to keep secret.
Only indigenous Bahamians with proven track records of successful business ownership or management, honesty and verifiable good character need apply.
There are 1000,s of Bahamians fitting this description that shy away from front line politics because of the high level of corruption and cutthroats now permeating the political arena.
These are people that cannot stomach systemic corruption, stupidity and dishonesty that has crippled Bahamas and threatens to destroy the mass's while making Billionaires of the 3% good old boys and pirates clubs.
themessenger 9 years, 7 months ago
Sounds good SP, unfortunately the indigenous Bahamians also have an unblemished track record for continually voting for that 3% and while there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel I don't see anything changing too much in that regard anytime soon.
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
It doesn't require authorization to tell the media there's suspected leakage! Don't pin this on the AG who's currently auditing members of your clan.
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
So was the remediation done. Before now and how soon? Why no mention of the method! Dilution or what?
Doesn't sound like Dorset is sure whether Rubis did any remediation at all. All he said is trim his point of view , they were still reviewing it.
Quit giving Bahamian people foolishness!
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
I don't want to hear anymore from him. Please find a petrochemist to comment. We need full time environmental consulting. A level of maximum permissible benzene in drinking water at must be set.
What did government get out of keeping this a secret ? They had nothing to lose in being responsible. Matter fact, it would have been a good image to prove early in their reelection that they could deal with this.
What if this was an oil spill from the drilling he is to overlook. Nothing done in Freeport, nothing done at Clifton, nothing here.
SP 9 years, 7 months ago
I don't understand why you people are acting all bewildered and wasting time debating this Rubis fiasco.
Simply LOOK at who owns Rubis service stations, their relationship to government and the rest of the puzzle immediately falls into place cloak, digger and all.
newcitizen 9 years, 7 months ago
It so obvious where the corruption stems from and leads to. I can't seem to understand why people are not seeing this. Just follow the money and it's obvious why the vast majority of government actions are against the best interests of Bahamians. It leads straight to corruption.
duppyVAT 9 years, 7 months ago
Soooooooooo, who owned/owns the Texaco/Rubis gas station next to Cable Bahamas in the period in question????????
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
..... Waiting on how much benzene was in each gallon of that gas?
Where's the informational contact to this specific toxicology issue Tribune? Please list any certified or qualified water testers that residents may contact for services if the water suppliers weren't monitoring the tap water lead concentrations in these high-risk homes they serve.
How Much Lead in Water is Too Much?
If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical such as gasoline, several factors will determine whether harmful health effects will occur and what the type and severity of those health effects will be. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the route or pathway by which you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the other chemicals to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics such as age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.
Typically, gasoline contains more than 150 chemicals including small amounts of benzene, toluene, xylene, and sometimes lead. How the gasoline is made determines which chemicals are present in the gasoline mixture and how much of each is present. The actual composition varies with the source of the crude petroleum, the manufacturer, and the time of year.
Recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control suggests that blood lead concentrations over 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood (µg/dL) may indicate lead poisoning. Research has shown that blood lead concentrations increase by about 1 µg/dL for every 5 micrograms of lead per liter of water (µg/L). At this conversion rate, 50 µg/L of lead in water would produce an unacceptable 10 µg/dL of lead in blood.
http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resour…
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/PHS/PHS.asp?id…
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
Harmful Effects
Excessive amounts of lead place adults at higher risk for cancer, stroke, and high blood pressure. At even greater risk are children, whose rapidly growing bodies absorb lead more quickly and efficiently. Lead can cause premature birth, a reduced birth weight, seizures, behavioral disorders, brain damage, and a lower IQ level in children. Lead is considered the worst environmental health hazard for children.
The levels of gasoline that killed people are about 10,000-20,000 ppm when breathed in and about 12 ounces when swallowed.
Can someone address claims of mysterious illness and deaths in marathon!
So 12,000 gallons is an estimated how much gasoline swallowed the days after it happened and how many ppm may be in the air now?
Tests involve measuring elevated blood or urine levels of lead (as an indication of exposure to leaded gasoline only), benzene, or other substances that may result from exposure to gasoline or other sources. These methods are sensitive enough to measure background levels and levels when health effects may occur.
Many adverse health effects of gasoline are due to individual chemicals in gasoline, mainly BTEX, that are present in small amounts. Breathing small amounts of gasoline vapors can lead to nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties. Symptoms from swallowing small amounts of gasoline include mouth, throat and stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headaches. Some effects of skin contact with gasoline include rashes, redness and swelling. Being exposed to large amounts of gasoline can lead to coma or death.
Some laboratory animals that breathed high concentrations of unleaded gasoline vapors continuously for 2 years developed liver and kidney tumors. However, there is no evidence that exposure to gasoline causes cancer in humans. There is not enough information available to determine if gasoline causes birth defects or affects reproduction (however lead does).
The health effects of being exposed to gasoline over long periods of time are not well known. This is because people exposed to gasoline are usually exposed to many other things that also can cause health effects. Some workers who are exposed to gasoline every day in their jobs have suffered memory loss and decreased muscle function. At very high levels, some of the chemicals in gasoline, such as benzene, are known to cause cancer.
If gasoline is in your well water, do not drink it. Consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking, using a water treatment unit certified to remove gasoline chemicals, or connecting to a public water supply.
http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resour…
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/PHS/PHS.asp?id…
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/f…
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
Ya gone down from reporting 30,000 barrels ay? So a whole barrel had less than gallon in it?
Forget to mention the 43 sick staff members and one that didn't recover.
"#It was alleged that the hazardous vapours from the leak had forced 43 staff to seek medical treatment before its customer service building was closed in January 2013, and one staff member had not fully recovered from serious health issues."
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/jan…
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
One tonne of crude oil might occupy 272 gallons (6.5 bbl) and one tonne of gasoline will require 333 gallons .
Refineries in the United States produce an average of about 12 gallons of diesel fuel and 19 gallons of gasoline from one barrel (42 gallons) of crude oil.
A barrel’s refined products include about 20 gallons of gasoline.
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
If 20 gallons is in 30,000 barrels.. sounds like it could be about as much as a small country imports, as much as and entire city buys. An armored division of the U.S. military can use as much as 600,000 gallons of fuel a day. A typical city water tower can hold anywhere from 300,00 to 600,000 gallons of water.
What a city water tower looks like. So you had a half a million gallon gas spill.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2015…
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