The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet Minister said yesterday he is expecting in “short order” to receive a full report on the reported fuel leak at Sandyport’s canal, adding that there were several potential sources for the spill.

    Speaking outside Cabinet, Kenred Dorsett, minister of the environment and housing, said the Environmental Remediation and Response Laboratory (EMRAD) had been alerted to the problem and was investigating.

“On Friday afternoon I had discussions with Mr Garth Buckner, who is the president of SandpPort Development Company, because there was some additional testing that we wanted to have done that they did not allow us to do,” Mr Dorsett said.

“They had indicated that they would allow us to have  access to certain sites this week. I should be getting a full incident report form EMRAD in short  order. Once I have that report, then I would be able to speak to the public, but the investigations are ongoing because there are several potential sources.”    

Rubis (Bahamas) officials are also investigating reports by residents and store owners in the Sandyport area alleging that the company’s service station was emitting fumes and leaking small amounts of fuel into a nearby canal.

The company has come under heavy scrutiny since details the controversy over the gasoline leak at its Robinson Road Station in late December 2012.

Mr Dorsett yesterday said it was too early to confirm whether their was another fuel leak involving the company.

    “We do know that there was a dispenser that they reported to me where some of the lines are fragile,” he added. “That dispenser was shut down and Rubis mandated to change all of the materials and elements.

“The volatile substance unit at the Ministry of Works is also on the ground. They have also mandated to check the lines and do all of the pressure testing. Once I  have the report I will provide the details. It is under active investigation but I cannot speak until I get a formal report from EMRAD.

“I can’t say it is confirmed at this stage. I know that there have been reports of oil sheen in the water; it is a marina. You have vessels that obviously have fuel. I  just need to be certain as to the source of the leak and then we will be able to speak to it, but there is some action being taken.”

Mr Dorsett said there was need for greater regulation of the downstream petroleum sector in the Bahamas.

“That’s why I’m looking to get the feedback on the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection legislation,” he added. “The Commonwealth Secretariat was here last week because they are going to help us develop the regulations specifically for gas stations.

“I know the Department  of Environmental Health Services is  already in contact with all of the gas stations to understand the age of tanks, what those tanks are constructed out of and, even prior to regulations, we are  putting them on notice of the need to change certain installations in accordance with international best standards and practices.

“This is an evolution. The industry has been pretty much self-regulated and we have to move away from that.”