Oil leak from a vessel at Aughinish Alumina’s jetty, Aughinish, Co Limerick & Update 01/10/2007
Date released: Dec 11 2006, 4:36 PM
The EPA was informed of a leak of heavy fuel oil from a vessel delivering sodium hydroxide to Aughinish Alumina, Co. Limerick at approximately 10.30am on Sunday, December 10th. The ship had departed from the Aughinish Alumina jetty, after unloading its cargo, when a small tear in the vessel’s side occurred and a leak of a small quantity of oil became apparent.
Shannon Foynes Port Company was on site at the time and responded immediately to the incident. The initial focus of effort on site was to repair the tear and to transfer the remaining oil from the ruptured tank. The multi-agency Shannon Estuary Anti Pollution Response Team, which is co-ordinated by Shannon Foynes Port Company, was immediately alerted. The likely dispersal and behaviour of the oil was predicted using the team’s computer model of the Shannon Estuary.
The Irish Coast Guard carried out aerial surveys of the dispersal of the oil at 13:30 on Sunday 10th December and at 09:00 on Monday 11th December. Another survey is planned for the morning of Tuesday 12th December. The pollution response staffs of both Limerick and Clare County Councils have conducted inspections of the southern and northern shorelines of the estuary and, the EPA understands, are on standby to carry out shoreline cleanup if this proves to be necessary.
The quantity of oil leaked in the incident was initially estimated at 13 cubic metres, but, based on the aerial survey observations and the computer model of the leak, Shannon Foynes Port Company have revised their estimate to less than 1 cubic metre.
In relation to the possible pollution impact, Shannon Foynes Port Company has advised that the leak was of minor significance.
An EPA Inspector has been on-site to assess the situation.
Update: October 1 2007, 16:00
Mr Eugene Clonan, Marine Pollution & Salvage Manager, Irish Coast Guard, provided the following report on 1st May 2007:
On Sunday the 10th of December 2006 at 1042hrs, the Harbour Master Shannon informed Irish Coast Guard of an incident at Aughinish Terminal. During unberthing of MT COBALT WATER, the vessel sustained a 3" gash aft to bunker tank, which resulted in an escape of Heavy Fuel Oil. The Harbour Master instructed the Master of the vessel to transfer fuel from the bunker tank to bilge tanks. Harbour Master Shannon commenced deployment of booms and plug gash in the hull to stem the flow of oil.
Coast Guard informed local authorities of the incident. Irish Coast Guard’s role in this operation was to monitor the operation and provide assistance to the Harbour Master if requested.
Coast Guard helicopter at Shannon was tasked to conduct a pollution check of the area to assess extent of oil spill and impacted areas. At 1129hrs Sunday, Harbour Master Shannon reported oil leak stemmed and weather conditions too rough to deploy booms, however tugs attempting to break-up oil on the surface.
On Monday the 11th of December, Coast Guard helicopter surveyed the area and reported light patches of oil around Foynes Island and a few patches mid channel and Fergus Estuary. Limerick County Council reported small amount of contaminated seaweed between Aughinish and Glin. Clare County Council reported sheen at Cannon Island, Cahercon Pier and Labasheeda. Master of the vessel estimates approximately 6.3 tonnes of IFO 380 was spilt into the estuary.
Tuesday 12th of December 2006, further Coast Guard aerial survey indicated slight sheen on North Bank of Foynes Island, no further oil sighted.
Marine Survey office carried out a Port State Control inspection of the vessel. The vessel sailed on Wednesday the 13th of December.
Surveillance flights were stood down, however Clare, Kerry and Limerick County Councils continued to monitor the area. Harbour Master Shannon invoiced the owners of the vessel for the cost of the clean up operation.
To date, no further reports of oil sighted in the estuary. Because of its high density, low viscosity and high pour point, it is possible that split IFO 380 can sink either to the bottom or close under surface to resurface periodically. Due to the gales experienced in the area at the time, it is suspected that the majority of the oil dispersed or sunk to the bottom of the estuary, is covered with silt and will biodegrade over a period of time.
Oil Spill from MT COBALT WATER at AUGHINISH Terminal 10th Dec 2006
Eugene ClonanMarine Pollution & Salvage Manager
Irish Coast Guard
1 May 2007
The EPA considers that the incident is now closed.