Oilspill clean-up efforts show significant progress after 50 days

Fifty days after an oil spill off the coast of Tobago, the Tobago Emergency Management Authority (TEMA) has made significant progress in returning things to normal, according to director Allan Stewart. Schools and roadways have been reopened, and 15 kilometers of impacted shoreline in the Scarborough area has been cleared. However, TEMA is facing challenges such as hydrocarbon waste management and a high amount of sargassum seaweed mixed in with the oil. The agency is working on how to handle these issues, including scaling back the workforce and training CEPEP workers to assist with cleaning up hydrocarbon deposits on the shorelines.

Stewart mentioned that technical discussions were held regarding the treatment of the waste, as vendors have their own business concerns that need to be addressed. The workforce dedicated to clean-up efforts has been reduced from 140 to 60 persons, with plans for transitional changes in the future. CEPEP workers will be trained on how to handle hydrocarbon waste, dispose of it properly, use personal protective equipment, and employ collection techniques. This training will equip them to assist in dealing with any additional oil deposits that may appear on the shorelines in the coming days and weeks.

While progress has been made in clearing up the oil spill, TEMA is still facing emerging challenges that need to be addressed. The complexity of the mixture of hydrocarbons and sargassum seaweed requires careful planning and treatment methods. Stewart emphasized the importance of guiding the process to ensure the proper disposal of waste and protection of the environment. The agency is actively working on finding solutions to these challenges to prevent further damage to the island’s coastal areas.

TEMA is looking ahead to transitional changes in the clean-up efforts, including engaging CEPEP workers to assist with handling hydrocarbon deposits on the shorelines. By providing training on proper disposal methods, the use of personal protective equipment, and collection techniques, these workers will be equipped to effectively address any future oil deposits. Stewart highlighted the importance of maintaining a strategic approach to managing the oil spill aftermath and ensuring the protection of Tobago’s environment and resources.

In conclusion, the Tobago Emergency Management Authority (TEMA) has made significant strides in returning the island to normalcy following the oil spill. While challenges such as hydrocarbon waste management and the presence of sargassum seaweed remain, the agency is actively working on solutions to address these issues. By scaling back the workforce, training CEPEP workers, and guiding the clean-up process, TEMA is taking steps to ensure the proper disposal of waste and protect the environment. With transitional changes on the horizon, the agency is focused on effectively managing any future oil deposits and minimizing the impact on Tobago’s coastal areas.