AMSA continues its operational response to the Montara well head platform in the Timor Sea
25 September 2009Daily reporting indicates patches of heavier concentrations of oil have moved further to the north east of the platform over the last few days. Sheen and patches of oil have also been observed out to 166 km to the east of the platform into open waters. Despite coming close to Ashmore Reef and Cartier Islet, the most recent reports indicate no sheen near these areas. The closest sheen to the mainland is reported to be at least 144 km. Sheen is of a silver colour in appearance and is typically around 0.0001 mm in thickness. AMSA continues to focus its operational response within the close vicinity of the rig and vessel dispersant spraying continues to be successful in this area. Recent over flights and recovery operations indicate that oil released during the early stages of the spill, over a month ago, has formed patches of emulsion. This is part of the so-called weathering process of oil spilled at sea. Other stages include evaporation, dispersion, dissolution and sedimentation. Emulsion is commonly termed chocolate mousse because of its appearance. This type oil has been sighted north of the platform in the past few days. Recovery and containment operations continue to be the best method of removing it from the environment. More information on the weathering of oil can be found at http://www.itopf.org/marine-spills/fate/weathering-process/index.html. Daily observation and monitoring flights indicate patches of natural phenomena are also present in the region. Such phenomenon is typically algal blooms or coral spawn and has an appearance very similar to oil. This phenomenon has generally been observed in large patches between the platform and the Truscott air base and the platform and Darwin. AMSA would like to remind:
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