December 6, 2007

Oil spill exercise Saturday in Timaru

Environment Canterbury is holding a regional oil spill planning exercise this Saturday morning in Timaru.

As well as the regional council, PrimePort, Sanford, the national Marine Pollution Response Service and Timaru District Council staff will all be involved.

“The exercise is held in Timaru every second year, alternating with the region’s other port at Lyttelton,” said ECan regional harbourmaster Tony Whiteley.

“We also have regular oil spill equipment audits at the two ports to ensure that oil-containment booms and pumps are in good working order and ready to roll out in the event of an oil spill or similar threat to the coastal environment. We also have exercises using that equipment, separate from the desk-top scenario we will be working through this weekend.

“The aim of this Saturday’s exercise is to provide a realistic scenario that will test current procedures for an oil spill in South Canterbury waters. “

There will be around 17-20 staff participating in this weekend’s exercise at the new Civil Defence Emergency Management facilities at the Timaru District Council.

ENDS

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