Did you know there was a fuel spill
last November (2019) at one of the tanks at the Jackson Point
Terminal, which holds fuel for the retailer Rubis?

I didn't.

The first I knew about it was from a
Press Release issued by the Government Regulator, OfReg last Tuesday
(10).

OfReg said that it was investigating
the leak at the South Sound depot that is surrounded by residential
dwellings.

It has taken them three months to tell
us and they have not revealed the size of the leak, where it
occurred, whether or not it had impacted the marine environment or
what may have happened to cause it!

OfReg was informed of the leak as part
of the requirement under the Dangerous Substances Law. However, it
was not reported to the public, nor do we know if any residents in
the area were informed.

Surely, it is a dereliction of their
duty if they have not?

The Release said after discovering the
leak, the tank was immediately emptied and the fuel transferred to
other tank.

That's good to know.

OfReg now have direct supervision and
control to facilitate an “ongoing comprehensive investigation”.

Does that provide you with comfort?

They are currently executing their
investigations that take between SIX to NINE months to complete!!

They will plan a maintenance and repair
schedule once the investigation is over to enable the tank to be put
back in service.

After that they will provide a final
analysis to ensure adherence to safety regulations and formalized
accident prevention plans.

I leave you with these words of comfort
from Chief Fuel Inspector Duke Munroe, who is overseeing the
investigations:

“Rubis’s fuel tanks are critical
infrastructure for the sustainability and reliability of fuel storage
in the islands. OfReg is committed to conducting thorough
investigations of incidents such as these and taking measures, where
necessary, that will safeguard the well-being of those in the
community as well as our economy.”

I pronounce Chief Fuel Inspector Duke
Munroe, a full member of the Institute of Gobbledegook.

Congratulations to him.