The chair of the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, Dr Bill Freeland, has provided this update on Friday’s oil spill in the Darwin Harbour.  

• The NT EPA expects that the area of the oil sheen caused by the spill has declined since Friday, when it was approximately 52.5 sq km

• It is anticipated that the rate of dispersal will depend on the weather and levels of boat traffic in the harbour

   

• It is not possible to predict when the sheen might disappear completely

• The EPA is still not aware of any reports of oiled seabirds or any dugongs, turtles or dolphins found in difficulty, or of any fish kills

• Investigations into the source of the oil are continuing. This is likely to be a relatively lengthy process. The NT EPA will notify the public via the media should there be any significant developments.

   

• Anyone with any information about the source of the oil spill is encouraged to call the EPA pollution hotline on 1800 064 567

Media contact: 0437 458213