Questions raised about Rena oil dispersants

Not too much about this in the media.

Bay of Plenty Times,

11 October, 2011

Dispersant used to clear oil spilled from the stricken cargo ship off the coast of Tauranga could be doing more harm than good, an expert claims.

The Rena this morning leaked between 130 to 350 tonnes of oil.

A Maritime New Zealand spokesman said the leak was in a main fuel tank.

Tauranga oil spill

As oil starts washing up on the shores of Mount Maunganui residents head out to clear up the mess.

University of Southampton lecturer in oceanography Dr Simon Boxall told the Science Media Centre the chemicals used to disperse the oil were very toxic and had been banned by countries including Sweden.

Reports dispersants were only as toxic as dishwashing liquid were inaccurate, he said.

"Dishwashing liquid doesn't carry hazchem advice and you don't wear protective clothing and masks to do the washing up.

"In their raw form some dispersants can be very toxic and I believe will do more harm than good."

Mr Boxall said the oil leaked from the Rena should be left to break down naturally.

Containing the oil should be the first priority, followed by a comprehensive beach clean up operation, he said.

"At sea, nature will disperse and break the oil down very quickly, without use of chemicals."

Stormy weather striking the Rena could help the oil disperse naturally, Mr Boxall said.

FOR THE LATEST ON THE OIL SPILL CLICK HERE