By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez yesterday declared that Marathon residents were never exposed to “dangerous levels of contaminants” after government-administered environmental and medical tests revealed that “no significant” detectable levels of contaminants were discovered in the area’s well water.

The findings presented by Dr Gomez were determined through assessments carried out by independent toxicology expert, Dr Rik van de Weerdt.

According to Dr van de Weerdt, preliminary findings from the health risk assessments carried out on 223 persons in or around the Marathon area concluded that at this time there were no long-term health effects detected.

“We know there has been exposure to substances related to the fuel spill, an odour was perceived by residents and there was discoloration of well-water,” said Dr van de Weerdt at a press conference at the Ministry of Health.

“But positively, we believe that exposure has not resulted in long-term health effects,” he added.

Dr Gomez acknowledged the turmoil the Marathon fuel leak has caused the entire country. He indicated that through the ordeal, the government has developed the necessary protocols to protect against similar occurrences in the future.

He said: “Our work is not done but we have made solid progress, and today I can share with you the most important finding is that, despite concerns, there is no risk to the health and safety of Marathon residents.”

Dr Rik van de Weerdt, a consultant toxicologist, was brought in by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to assist the government with the aftermath of the Rubis Robinson Road fuel leak.

Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett said he was encouraged by the doctor’s report, suggesting that the preliminary findings added credence to claims he made several weeks ago when he indicated that all contaminants were eliminated from the properties accessed by the government in recent weeks.

“The results of testing for contamination levels in wells, residences and businesses at all affected areas have been made public,” he said.

Mr Dorsett said the government will continue to monitor both residents and well water in the area to ensure that these preliminary findings remain current through the recently established Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP).

The DEPP will act as the heart of the government’s effort to protect the health and safety of Bahamians and the environment, Mr Dorsett said.

In the coming months, the DEPP will implement stricter regulation on the country’s petroleum industry. These regulations will manage every aspect of the industry, from equipment to mitigation protocols, officials said.

Dr van de Weerdt indicated that the preliminary results were encouraging but that it was important to establish a complete picture of the situation, both in completing the health risk assessment and in reassuring concerned citizens.

The draft report, once completed, will be released to the public.

Dr van de Weerdt’s report is one aspect of a road map concept being pitched by the government in conjunction with PAHO.

PAHO’s permanent representative to the Bahamas, Dr Gerry Eijkemans noted that the goal of the road map is to develop steps to better manage environmental health risks.

She confirmed that the road map has already been developed and both groups are working on ways to best implement it.

Dr van de Weerdt’s report confirmed findings in a 2015 report done by international environmental consulting firm Arcadis, which showed that in the locations where these steps were taken, the presence of benzene and other potential contaminants are at safe, acceptable levels.

However, an independent report prepared by Black and Veatch International last year found that Marathon residents were “possibly exposed to harmful chemicals,” including cancer-causing benzene.

That report, however, never confirmed to what extent resident were exposed to long-term health effects.

The government’s refusal to make the Black and Veatch report public for more than a year following its receipt of the document caused a national firestorm, with critics accusing the Christie administration of trying to cover the matter up.

The fuel leak occurred in late 2012.