According to MPA Singapore, the removal of bulk oil from the sea and beaches is nearly completed. There has been no observed oil slick along the East Coast and Changi since 18th June based on both satellite and drone images.
As explained, the bulk of oil-soaked sand has been removed from most of the affected public beaches, with the exception of Tanjong and Palawan beach at Sentosa. To date, about 550 tonnes of oil-soaked sand and debris have been collected from all affected beaches.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and private organisations have deployed over 700 personnel since 14 June for cleaning-up operations.
Over 3,400 metres of boom have been laid, to help contain trapped oil from flowing back to sea, and to prevent oil remnants from being washed ashore and into our inland canals while beach clean-up operations are ongoing. As the tides may continue to sweep in more oil remnants, we will be vigilant and continue to monitor.
We are moving to the next phase of the clean-up response, which is focused on the more difficult clean-up of oil remnants trapped in areas such as coastal features, waterside infrastructures and rock bunds. These areas are not as easily accessible, and oil could be trapped in crevices and below beach surfaces that require significant effort to clean.
…MPA Singapore said.
As informed, this new phase will involve specialised resources and equipment. This cleaning will be done carefully, considering the conditions at each site, such as wind, tide and currents, to minimise the oil on the rock bunds from re-polluting the coastline, beaches, and biodiversity-sensitive areas. We are working with the oil spill consultants to deploy the most effective methods for cleaning while minimising cleaning contamination to surrounding areas.
For the more lightly impacted areas at Sentosa Siloso beach and certain stretches of East Coast Park, this clean-up is expected to be completed earlier. The rock bund cleaning at Siloso beach has commenced since 21 June and the Singapore Civil Defence Force has deployed a Rapid Response Fire Vessel at the affected area to support the cleaning operation. The rock bund cleaning at selected rock bunds at East Coast Park beaches will commence this week and we are working towards the progressive re-opening of certain stretches earlier as well. All the beaches on Sentosa remain open.
Cleaning of trapped oil remnants in the shoreline areas and waterside infrastructures off Pasir Panjang Container Terminal including PSA Terminal and Labrador Nature Reserve has been largely completed on 23 June. There are no observed residual oil floating off the shoreline and the stranded oil near the shore and port structure since this morning. The upstream cleaning of the oil spillage is important to help prevent further spread of floating oil to other downstream locations, including Sentosa.
There have been no observed oil slicks at the Eastern Anchorages based on both satellite images and daily drone monitoring flights. Sporadic patches of oil sheens are observed but this thin layer of oil on the water surface are expected to dissipate through a natural process.
Over 1,500 members of the public have come forward, indicating interest in helping with the oil spill management efforts. Over 2,000 more members of the public have also indicated interest in being updated on ongoing efforts and future volunteering opportunities.
Thus far, over 400 volunteers, including volunteers of the Public Hygiene Council, have helped to patrol East Coast Park and West Coast Park, advising members of the public to stay away from affected beachfronts, as well as reporting sightings of oil stains and of oil-slicked wildlife.
