DISPERSANTS EFFECTIVE ON MONTARA WELL HEAD PLATFORM OIL LEAK - 24 August 2009

The oil slick from the Montara Well Head Platform off the Western Australian coast has responded positively to the use of dispersants.

Yesterday the Hercules aircraft flew two sorties that applied dispersant from the Darwin stockpile to the oil slick from the Montara Well Head Platform.  AMSA’s Darwin based Dornier aircraft provided top cover for the Hercules and was able to report visually, that the applications had appeared successful and the oil could be seen to disperse in the water.

The Dornier flew again this morning and observations confirm the slick has remained in the vicinity of the Montara Well Head Platform.

The Hercules aircraft applied dispersant to the oil slick again today, and again observations confirmed effective dispersion. 

PTTEP has indicated that it will be weeks before the leak can be stopped.  Under National Plan arrangements AMSA is well prepared for a protracted clean-up operation and has mobilised personnel and resources including aircraft and stocks of dispersant to cope with the lengthy response.

AMSA continues to liaise with both Federal and State agencies, including environmental specialists with regard to the ongoing clean-up operation.

Operations will continue and planning for activity will be done on a day by day basis.

The priority for AMSA remains to get oil off the water as quickly as possible to mitigate any risk to the environment.

Media inquiries: Tracey Jiggins  0418164901

* Please note: Any photographs or vision that become available will be posted on the website for access.

For a 6 second clip of a Hercules spraying dispersants, click here.

For further information, access our National Plan here.
Visit our frequently asked questions about dispersants here.

Photo credit: Aero Rescue Darwin