By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE recent oil spills and odour from industrial companies on Grand Bahama have become a “very serious” threat to residents in the Pinder’s Point area, according to a well known resident and former FNM MP.

Maurice Moore, a former MP for High Rock and Bahamian Ambassador, in an exclusive interview with The Tribune said the only real solution would be a permanent relocation of the settlement.

“The government needs to demand of the people doing the refinery, and to a lesser extent the Power Company and Pharmachem that they make necessary provisions to move the people from this area,” he said.

Last Sunday, there was an oil spill in waters off Pinder’s Point.

In a statement issued by BORCO officials, divers were inspecting marine growth and debris surrounding their terminal’s cooling water effluent line when a volume of less than two gallons of oil was dislodged. Emergency crews recovered the oil.

In February, another oil spill occurred that resulted in the release of approximately 20 gallons of oil.

There have been other incidents over the years, some involving spills by vessels in the area.

Mr Moore, who lives in Pinder’s Point, said in addition to chemical emissions, oil spills have been an ongoing problem for many years in that community.

“We experience odours, and all along the coastline now you got oil spills; almost every couple of days stuff is showing up along the coastline...”

“This whole situation has become a very serious matter,” the former MP said.

During the pre-independence service last Sunday at Jubilee Cathedral, Bishop Godfrey Williams brought to the Prime Minister’s attention the high incidents of cancer among residents in the area.

Mr Moore said he understands that the government will conduct a scientific investigation to determine whether there is some correlation to the industrial plants.

Because of the continuing chemical emissions from the nearby industrial plants, the Lewis Yard Primary School was relocated in September to the St Vincent de Paul School campus in Hunters.

The expansion of the oil storage facility and the proximity of oil tanks to the homes in the area is another major issue, Mr Moore said.

BORCO, which is owned by Buckeye, is the largest storage terminal facility in the Caribbean region. It stores, blends, and transships bunker fuel oil, crude oil and various petroleum products. It currently has 21.6 million barrels of storage capacity.

Mr Moore claims that jet fuel and gasoline are being stored in huge storage tanks that are in close proximity to homes.

“They have put these huge storage tanks within 100ft-200ft of people’s homes, and they are storing in them jet fuel and gasoline; this is very dangerous and something has to be done,” he said.

Pointing out that a class-action lawsuit would be a last resort, Mr Moore said he has been working with the Pinder’s Point Committee, Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville, who is the MP for the area, in putting information together concerning the cost of moving residents out of the area.

“We have sent it to the government. There is no (other) real solution short of moving the people from this area; we have a physical problem and we have a health problem,” he said.

“Naturally, you can’t allow people to store gasoline in tanks within 100ft or 200ft of somebody’s residence. You can’t expect people to be comfortable here anymore.

“They have invaded this community. The government must now take action to move the settlement,” he said.

“It is a grave danger now for the people here. God forbid that lightning strikes one of those gasoline or jet fuel tanks, this whole area would go up in smoke.”

“They (the government) need to deal directly with the industrial companies here, but more particularly, the oil refinery, and Pharmchem because every time you drive by the odour is unbearable.

“It is about time the government takes some action. It is a longtime issue, but it has become worse than it was 10 or 15 years ago.”

Mr Moore was pleased that the matter was raised briefly on the floor of the House.

“It is bringing the country’s attention to (our plight). This is a very serious matter that cannot be taken lightly any longer,” he stressed.

According to Mr Moore, there are approximately 200 homes in the Pinder’s Point community.

The government has issued a statement in response to the recent oil spills in Freeport.

Prime Minster Perry Christie, Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation, and Kenred Dorsett, the Minister of the Environment and Housing, held meetings with BORCO executives to discuss the recent oil spills off Freeport.

According to the press statement, they have expressed the government’s concern about health and safety protocols associated with the operations at BORCO.

However, senior executives from Buckeye Partners Ltd, owners of BORCO, assured the government of its commitment to the highest standards of operation and safety, and it was agreed there would be an continuing dialogue on initiatives being undertaken by Buckeye and the implementation of the necessary steps to further enhance training and a culture of safety in operations and protocols.

It was also agreed that the Government would immediately undertake an audit of its operations at the Freeport facility.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office said the Bahamas Government is committed to ensuring that the highest possible standards are incorporated into all industrial and marine operations in The Bahamas.

Legislation is being reviewed to ensure that regulations are adequate for all industrial and marine operations. In terms of safety and environmental management, The Bahamas is committed to enhancing the safety culture in the industry and in protecting the waters of our country.