Koh Sichang: Pollution Control Department reveals it took 16 hours to successfully remove oil spill outside Koh Sichang pier, still monitoring and analyzing environmental quality. Ms. Priyaporn Suwannaket, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), reported that the SBM 2 oil pipeline of Thai Oil Public Company Limited broke off during the unloading from the VLCC crude oil tanker named MT PHONIX JAMNAGAR, resulting in a Murban oil spill. The incident occurred approximately 13 km from the mainland and around 9 km from Koh Sichang, in waters about 30 meters deep. On June 6, 2015, at 00.54 hrs., Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, directed the PCD and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to monitor the environmental impact and provide academic assistance.
According to Thai News Agency, the Pollution Control Department utilized the OILMAP model to predict the movement of the oil, and the findings were shared with the Marine Department and Thai Oil Public Company Limited. This enabled a prepared response involving the use of 800 liters of oil dispersant chemicals, such as Dasic Slickgone NS or Super Dispersant 25, suitable for the 8,000 liters of oil spilled. Additionally, water and sediment samples were collected in areas including Koh Sichang, Koh Loi, Bang Phra Beach, and Wonnapa Beach. By 5:00 p.m., a meeting was convened to review the operation's outcomes after the joint oil spill elimination operation of relevant agencies concluded. The Commander of the 1st Naval Area, the Governor of Chonburi Province, and the Marine Department concluded the operation of the Oil Pollution Control Operation Center and the Oil Pollution Prevention and Elimination Coordination Center. They transferred the responsibility for continuous monitoring and situation surveillance to Thai Oil Public Company Limited, which will also handle complaints from villagers or affected parties if any arise.
The incident was swiftly contained, and operations were concluded in around 16 hours. Moving forward, the Pollution Control Department will collaborate with Thai Oil Public Company Limited and related agencies to monitor the situation and conduct environmental quality analysis.