Response to fuel leak at Lyttelton Terminal

Mobil is continuing to work with the authorities to respond to a jet fuel leak at the Lyttelton Terminal. A tank was severely damaged from a landslide from a hill next to the terminal, following storms and heavy rainfall on Tuesday night.

At 11am today, Mobil commenced operations to pump out the jet fuel captured in the concrete walled containment area around the tank. The fuel is being pumped into other tanks at the terminal.

Two additional pumps are currently being activated to assist these efforts. It is anticipated that it may take several days to pump all fuel out of the containment area into storage tanks.

A leak of fuel to the harbour from the damaged tank has now been substantially contained to the terminal site.

Our priority is to prevent any further release of fuel from the terminal into the water and we continue to work with the Harbour Master to assist their efforts.

We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience that this is causing. Our concern continues to be the safety of our employees, contractors and the community.

Our supply organisation is working closely with our customers in relation to ongoing supply arrangements. We have completed an inspection of the Woolston pipeline to ensure it did not suffer any damage in the storm. The pipeline was returned to operation at 3pm.

Further information will be provided when available. Further information is available during business hours (including over the weekend) from Mobil's community hotline on 0800 777 979.

- ENDS -

© Scoop Media