DP3 Densification Probe Update #2

Wednesday, 12 March 2008 05:51

VFPA has had environmental professionals monitoring the DP3 site on a regular basis to assess the spill incident area and surrounding shoreline. Field observations conducted to date have confirmed that no fish or wildlife (including coastal seabirds and waterfowl) have been affected by the incident. Scuba divers have conducted subtidal survey assessments which indicate that no oil is present on the seabed. It has been confirmed that the hydraulic oil used in the densification probe was Esso UNIVIS BIO 40. This is a non-toxic vegetable based oil with a biodegradation rate of 97% within 21 days.

VFPA has continued to monitor the shoreline, including a portion of the perimeter dike where oil sheen and emulsified oil was first sighted on March 6th. No further oil sheen has been observed. However, the on-site environmental monitor will continue to assess shoreline conditions as part of the ongoing construction monitoring program.

On Monday, March 3, 2008, a densification probe tip broke 30 feet below the surface of the water while working on the Deltaport Third Berth Project. It is estimated that 100 to 200 litres of the vegetable-based, biodegradable hydraulic oil was released at the seabed surface.