Australian oil spill leaks for over 2 months
Author : Amy Hollamby
12 November 2009
An oil spill at the Montara oil field, Timor Sea, off the northern coast of Western Australia is being investigated by Australian authorities. The oil rig leak is believed to be one of Australia’s worse disasters, dumping thousands of barrels of fuel into the Timor Sea for over two months, between the 21st August and the 3rd November. On the 3rd November the leak was finally plugged by pumping approximately 3,400 barrels of mud into a relief well.
Australian oil spill leaks for over 2 months
Reports suggest that the leak may have been caused after one of six wells being drilled on August 21 started leaking oil, most likely through an unsecured cap.
Thai-owned PTTEP Australasia and its related partners in the venture are facing a Senate inquiry into the oil leak, which has so far cost $5 million to clean up. The damaged drilling rig is estimated to be worth $250 million and the platform around $16 million.
Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the 150 miles of waters off the north-west coast, which are home to whales and dolphins. Indonesia has had thousands of dead fish and clumps of oil drifting near its coastline.
It is important that following such a disaster, we learn from it and take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent future similar incidents.