Oh right, must have a committee to ensure the brown envelopes get spread around!
...........................................................................................................
Star Petroleum to pay for clean-up
Committee to assess marine spill damage
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... r-clean-up
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) will establish a committee to evaluate environmental damage caused by a marine oil spill some 20 kilometres off the coast of Rayong province that occurred last week.
The department's chief, Atthapol Charoenchansa, said the committee will calculate how much compensation Star Petroleum Refining Plc is required to pay for clean-up after oil leaked from one of its pipelines in the Gulf of Thailand.
The committee will be comprised of academics, experts and representatives from state agencies to find an accurate figure, ensuring transparency and credibility for all sides, he said.
"The PCD doesn't know at present what the cost of the rehabilitation efforts will be, so we need time to get more information, but according to the law, the company must pay every penny to clean up the environment," Mr Atthapol said.
He added that the department needs to monitor the situation as some of the oil might make it to the shoreline where seawater quality is currently in line with safety standards.
On Jan 25, the company's crude oil undersea pipeline broke. Initially, 400,000 litres of crude oil were reported to be have been spilt but the company later adjusted the figure to 160,000 litres.
The Department of Marine, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the navy and the company have since applied measures to mitigate the impact of the oil spill by using buoys and dispersants.
The company has apologised for the accident and expressed a willingness to cover the costs of the cleanup.
Meanwhile, the governor ordered a disaster zone in the area, together with warning people not to swim in the sea. He has also suspended seafood consumption.
In an update, Varawut Silpa-archa, minister to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, added that wind has assisted in efforts to suppress the oil's spread.
"The good news is that the oil spill hasn't gone to Ao Phrao Beach due to a change in the wind. However, we have not yet stopped the operation right now, we need to wait and see for at least one week, making sure that the dispersed oil is no longer found here," he said.
The PCD, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and the Department of Marine have filed a complaint with the police over the oil spill.
Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
There are at least 5 pages on Google reporting this from around the world:
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Navy sent to deal with second oil spill off Rayong
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... off-rayong
A fresh oil spill was found in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Rayong on Thursday and was being cleaned up, according to local authorities.
It was believed about 5,000 litres of oil had leaked. Nine naval ships were deployed to contain the slick which was located about 20km from shore, said deputy provincial governor, Pirun Hemarak, adding the situation was under control.
He said he did not expect the slick would reach land.
The latest incident comes on the heels of a Jan 25 leak from an underwater pipeline belonging to Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC), near Map Ta Phut in Rayong.
The spill, involving 47,000 litres of crude oil, has since been cleaned up.
On Thursday, Pollution Control Department director-general Atthapol Charoenshunsa said SPRC alerted authorities to the latest leak which may have occurred during modification work on an underwater pipeline. An investigation was ongoing to determine the cause. The department initially refused a company request to use about 5,000 litres of dispersant, deeming the amount excessive.
However, an unspecified amount was later dispatched to the area via the First Naval Area Command to be sprayed over the spill as part of containment efforts.
........................................................................................................
Whom ever is in charge of this shoould be taken out and dumped bodily into the middle of it. Bloody idiots!
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... off-rayong
A fresh oil spill was found in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Rayong on Thursday and was being cleaned up, according to local authorities.
It was believed about 5,000 litres of oil had leaked. Nine naval ships were deployed to contain the slick which was located about 20km from shore, said deputy provincial governor, Pirun Hemarak, adding the situation was under control.
He said he did not expect the slick would reach land.
The latest incident comes on the heels of a Jan 25 leak from an underwater pipeline belonging to Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC), near Map Ta Phut in Rayong.
The spill, involving 47,000 litres of crude oil, has since been cleaned up.
On Thursday, Pollution Control Department director-general Atthapol Charoenshunsa said SPRC alerted authorities to the latest leak which may have occurred during modification work on an underwater pipeline. An investigation was ongoing to determine the cause. The department initially refused a company request to use about 5,000 litres of dispersant, deeming the amount excessive.
However, an unspecified amount was later dispatched to the area via the First Naval Area Command to be sprayed over the spill as part of containment efforts.
........................................................................................................
Whom ever is in charge of this shoould be taken out and dumped bodily into the middle of it. Bloody idiots!
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Second oil spill 'doubles' damage to Rayong coast
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... yong-coast
A second oil spill from a pipeline owned by Star Petroleum Refining Public Co Ltd (SPRC) has at least doubled the damage to the marine environment off the coast of Rayong, an expert said on Sunday.
Thon Thamrongnawasawat, deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that oil slicks can once again be seen along Mae Ramphueng beach, one of the areas worst-affected by the first oil spill on Jan 25.
After the first spill, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment urged the police to investigate SPRC. The company was also told to cease operations immediately after the incident.
However, SPRC admitted on Thursday that a further 5,000 litres of crude oil had leaked from the same pipeline.
Mr Thon said thin films of crude oil can be seen along Mae Ramphueng beach once again.
Worse still, he wrote, samples taken from the beach showed the oil was seeping deeper into the sand.
A study of wedge clams, a known biological indicator of pollution, that were taken from the area showed many were killed as a result of exposure to crude oil. The spill, he said, isn't just affecting local clam populations, as many other crustaceans commonly found along the coast have also been affected.
The clean-up of Mae Ramphueng beach is carried out by the Air and Coastal Defence Command under the navy, which recently said the situation was "under control".
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... yong-coast
A second oil spill from a pipeline owned by Star Petroleum Refining Public Co Ltd (SPRC) has at least doubled the damage to the marine environment off the coast of Rayong, an expert said on Sunday.
Thon Thamrongnawasawat, deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that oil slicks can once again be seen along Mae Ramphueng beach, one of the areas worst-affected by the first oil spill on Jan 25.
After the first spill, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment urged the police to investigate SPRC. The company was also told to cease operations immediately after the incident.
However, SPRC admitted on Thursday that a further 5,000 litres of crude oil had leaked from the same pipeline.
Mr Thon said thin films of crude oil can be seen along Mae Ramphueng beach once again.
Worse still, he wrote, samples taken from the beach showed the oil was seeping deeper into the sand.
A study of wedge clams, a known biological indicator of pollution, that were taken from the area showed many were killed as a result of exposure to crude oil. The spill, he said, isn't just affecting local clam populations, as many other crustaceans commonly found along the coast have also been affected.
The clean-up of Mae Ramphueng beach is carried out by the Air and Coastal Defence Command under the navy, which recently said the situation was "under control".
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Rayong leak payments going at full speed: SPRC
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... speed-sprc
Up to 10,000 could get help after oil spills
Almost 8,000 have signed up for compensation from Star Petroleum Refining Public Co Ltd (SPRC), owner of the underwater pipeline that leaked crude oil into the sea in Rayong province.
Jirasak Mahasukhon, the firm's human resources manager, said the company will speed up payments and the amounts will be based on the criteria used in an earlier oil leak case in 2013.
He said talks on compensation payments are likely to be concluded at the end of this month now that four working panels are in place.
The panels will discuss the impact and compensation with groups affected by the leakage.
According to Mr Jirasak, the company held talks with the fishing industry on Feb 10 and asked representatives to submit a list of people affected by the spill this week.
The assurance was given as SPRC on Wednesday met with the working panels and business operators to discuss the effects of two oil leakage incidents.
The first leak occurred Jan 25 this year, releasing some 47,000 litres of crude oil into the sea near Map Ta Phut in Rayong.
The second occurred on Feb 10 when another 5,000 litres were released.
So far about 7,600 people have signed up to receive compensation from the firm. The total number is expected to be close to 10,000.
Rayong deputy governor Yutthapol Ong-artittichai said the working panels comprise four categories: tourism and related businesses; fisheries; other professions affected by the incident; and illness resulting from the leakage.
He said provincial authorities will ensure those affected will receive compensation as soon as possible.
Seree Ruanla, a provincial fishery official, said on Wednesday that testing of seafood samples to detect the presence of heavy metals has shown levels remain within a safe range.
He added that an inspection of the coastal environment from Ban Chang to Ban Phe also revealed no signs of irregularities.
However, the provincial pollution control office reported high levels of petroleum-related pollutants in seawater samples taken from two of six locations along Mae Ramphueng beach.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... speed-sprc
Up to 10,000 could get help after oil spills
Almost 8,000 have signed up for compensation from Star Petroleum Refining Public Co Ltd (SPRC), owner of the underwater pipeline that leaked crude oil into the sea in Rayong province.
Jirasak Mahasukhon, the firm's human resources manager, said the company will speed up payments and the amounts will be based on the criteria used in an earlier oil leak case in 2013.
He said talks on compensation payments are likely to be concluded at the end of this month now that four working panels are in place.
The panels will discuss the impact and compensation with groups affected by the leakage.
According to Mr Jirasak, the company held talks with the fishing industry on Feb 10 and asked representatives to submit a list of people affected by the spill this week.
The assurance was given as SPRC on Wednesday met with the working panels and business operators to discuss the effects of two oil leakage incidents.
The first leak occurred Jan 25 this year, releasing some 47,000 litres of crude oil into the sea near Map Ta Phut in Rayong.
The second occurred on Feb 10 when another 5,000 litres were released.
So far about 7,600 people have signed up to receive compensation from the firm. The total number is expected to be close to 10,000.
Rayong deputy governor Yutthapol Ong-artittichai said the working panels comprise four categories: tourism and related businesses; fisheries; other professions affected by the incident; and illness resulting from the leakage.
He said provincial authorities will ensure those affected will receive compensation as soon as possible.
Seree Ruanla, a provincial fishery official, said on Wednesday that testing of seafood samples to detect the presence of heavy metals has shown levels remain within a safe range.
He added that an inspection of the coastal environment from Ban Chang to Ban Phe also revealed no signs of irregularities.
However, the provincial pollution control office reported high levels of petroleum-related pollutants in seawater samples taken from two of six locations along Mae Ramphueng beach.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
A bloody third leak! 
They need to shut the company down completely until they address the problem correctly, but the Gov won't do it out of fear. 
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... eaks-again
They need to shut the company down completely until they address the problem correctly, but the Gov won't do it out of fear. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... eaks-again
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Rayong beach 'still unsafe' after oil spill
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -oil-spill
Despite efforts to clean up the oil spill from Star Petroleum Refining Public Co's (SPRC) pipeline, the concentration of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons on Mae Ramphueng beach still exceed levels considered safe, the Rayong Pollution Control Centre said on Tuesday.
The extent of the pollution was revealed after the centre released the result of its tests following the oil spill. These measured the concentration of hydrocarbons and dissolved oxygen in the water on three locations of the popular beach.
The tests found the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons near Paya restaurant, Bayview Resort and Ban Sabai Sabai from Jan 27-Feb 12 had jumped to 1.8-4.3 milligrammes per litre while the safe level is at 0.5 mg/l.
Meanwhile, Rayong Provincial Public Health Office has collected urine samples from officials who were tasked with salvaging the oil to check for volatile organic compounds.
Among 534 officials, three showed levels deemed unsafe, while 18 others were still awaiting their results.
To work on removing 12,000 litres of crude oil from the broken pipeline, an engineering team from Japan is already in Rayong and ready to commence the operation at the command of the Marine Department.
Sopon Thongdee, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, said no oil slicks have been spotted on the following four routes since a patrol boat was deployed from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 1: Khao Laem Ya to Koh Samet; Mae Ramphueng to Koh Saket; Mae Ramphueng to Khao Laem Ya to Ao Phe to Pak Khlong Klaeng; and Mae Ramphueng to Koh Saket.
Furthermore, the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, Eastern Gulf of Thailand, also have not found any oil film on the seawater from Mae Ramphueng beach to the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand.
But clusters of tar balls were sighted washed ashore from Taphong pier to the bottom of the Gulf, Mr Sopon said.
Meanwhile, the Mae Ramphueng Beach Food Service group and 48 local fisheries groups gathered names to petition SPRC to demand compensation for the recent oil leaks.
Prasert Sirimaha, group chairperson, said the incident prompted the suspension of beach activities which has affected both the tourism and fishery sectors.
The 48 local fisheries groups urged the SPRC to pay monthly compensation of 70,000 baht for a period of five months, while other groups proposed a yearly payment.
Mr Prasert said the group will wait for 15 days for its demands to be met before considering whether to take more aggressive action.
Marine Department deputy director-general Phuriphat Thirakunphisut said the department filed a complaint with Mae Ramphueng police against the company on Jan 26 for contaminating the seawater under the Navigation in Thai Waters Act.
He said the incident has harmed the economy and had a devastating effect on natural resources and the maritime environment.
The department's Maritime Regulatory Division and Legal Affairs Bureau will determine whether to impose punitive measures and submit the matter to the transport minister.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -oil-spill
Despite efforts to clean up the oil spill from Star Petroleum Refining Public Co's (SPRC) pipeline, the concentration of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons on Mae Ramphueng beach still exceed levels considered safe, the Rayong Pollution Control Centre said on Tuesday.
The extent of the pollution was revealed after the centre released the result of its tests following the oil spill. These measured the concentration of hydrocarbons and dissolved oxygen in the water on three locations of the popular beach.
The tests found the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons near Paya restaurant, Bayview Resort and Ban Sabai Sabai from Jan 27-Feb 12 had jumped to 1.8-4.3 milligrammes per litre while the safe level is at 0.5 mg/l.
Meanwhile, Rayong Provincial Public Health Office has collected urine samples from officials who were tasked with salvaging the oil to check for volatile organic compounds.
Among 534 officials, three showed levels deemed unsafe, while 18 others were still awaiting their results.
To work on removing 12,000 litres of crude oil from the broken pipeline, an engineering team from Japan is already in Rayong and ready to commence the operation at the command of the Marine Department.
Sopon Thongdee, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, said no oil slicks have been spotted on the following four routes since a patrol boat was deployed from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 1: Khao Laem Ya to Koh Samet; Mae Ramphueng to Koh Saket; Mae Ramphueng to Khao Laem Ya to Ao Phe to Pak Khlong Klaeng; and Mae Ramphueng to Koh Saket.
Furthermore, the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, Eastern Gulf of Thailand, also have not found any oil film on the seawater from Mae Ramphueng beach to the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand.
But clusters of tar balls were sighted washed ashore from Taphong pier to the bottom of the Gulf, Mr Sopon said.
Meanwhile, the Mae Ramphueng Beach Food Service group and 48 local fisheries groups gathered names to petition SPRC to demand compensation for the recent oil leaks.
Prasert Sirimaha, group chairperson, said the incident prompted the suspension of beach activities which has affected both the tourism and fishery sectors.
The 48 local fisheries groups urged the SPRC to pay monthly compensation of 70,000 baht for a period of five months, while other groups proposed a yearly payment.
Mr Prasert said the group will wait for 15 days for its demands to be met before considering whether to take more aggressive action.
Marine Department deputy director-general Phuriphat Thirakunphisut said the department filed a complaint with Mae Ramphueng police against the company on Jan 26 for contaminating the seawater under the Navigation in Thai Waters Act.
He said the incident has harmed the economy and had a devastating effect on natural resources and the maritime environment.
The department's Maritime Regulatory Division and Legal Affairs Bureau will determine whether to impose punitive measures and submit the matter to the transport minister.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
"To work on removing 12,000 litres of crude oil from the broken pipeline, an engineering team from Japan is already in Rayong and ready to commence the operation at the command of the Marine Department."
If they don't have the expertise within the Thai oil industry that can respond immediately to emergencies, they shouldn't operate a pipeline at all.
If they don't have the expertise within the Thai oil industry that can respond immediately to emergencies, they shouldn't operate a pipeline at all.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Yes, that has been my argument from the start. It is not rocket science, and the equipment is basic and readily avaiable. I am sure that there will be regulations in place as part of their operating licence, but the usual lax enforcement is also in place!PeteC wrote: ↑Wed Feb 23, 2022 11:06 am "To work on removing 12,000 litres of crude oil from the broken pipeline, an engineering team from Japan is already in Rayong and ready to commence the operation at the command of the Marine Department."
If they don't have the expertise within the Thai oil industry that can respond immediately to emergencies, they shouldn't operate a pipeline at all.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Navy divers to help seal SPRC leaks
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... sprc-leaks
RAYONG: The Royal Thai Navy has deployed divers to assist Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) in clean-up operations and repairing the company's underwater pipeline that leaked crude oil into the sea.
The operation, expected to take 11 days, was launched following the Marine Department's approval for SPRC to seal the leaks.
About 12,000 litres of crude oil still remained in the pipeline, a navy source said on Wednesday.
The first leak occurred on Jan 25, releasing some 47,000 litres of crude oil into the sea near Map Ta Phut in Rayong province. Another 5,000 litres were spilled on Feb 10.
Navy divers will gather aboard the Uniwise Rayong vessel to rehearse the operation and make preparations, the navy source said.
During the clean-up efforts, crew members will spray compounds to clear up the crude oil before sealing the leaks. Each diver will spend 15 to 20 minutes at a depth of about 25 to 30 metres.
According to SPRC, measures have been put in place to respond to incidents that may occur during the clean-up and repair operation, including the deployment of booms and vessels to intercept any new spill.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... sprc-leaks
RAYONG: The Royal Thai Navy has deployed divers to assist Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) in clean-up operations and repairing the company's underwater pipeline that leaked crude oil into the sea.
The operation, expected to take 11 days, was launched following the Marine Department's approval for SPRC to seal the leaks.
About 12,000 litres of crude oil still remained in the pipeline, a navy source said on Wednesday.
The first leak occurred on Jan 25, releasing some 47,000 litres of crude oil into the sea near Map Ta Phut in Rayong province. Another 5,000 litres were spilled on Feb 10.
Navy divers will gather aboard the Uniwise Rayong vessel to rehearse the operation and make preparations, the navy source said.
During the clean-up efforts, crew members will spray compounds to clear up the crude oil before sealing the leaks. Each diver will spend 15 to 20 minutes at a depth of about 25 to 30 metres.
According to SPRC, measures have been put in place to respond to incidents that may occur during the clean-up and repair operation, including the deployment of booms and vessels to intercept any new spill.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Slick clean-up sorely absent
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opi ... ely-absent
One month after a series of leaks from an undersea delivery pipeline, the oil spill in the waters off Rayong still ranks as a pressing concern.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa reassured the public early on that the spill had been contained, but the reality on the ground -- or in the sea, and later, on the beaches -- was quite different.
Three spills were reported on Jan 25, Feb 10 and again last week -- all from the same source. Polluting tar balls were later spotted on several beaches while state laboratory tests showed high concentrations of toxic chemical residue in the water, soil and even the urine of oil cleanup volunteers.
And while the affected villagers pray for compensation from the company responsible for the leaks, as promised, many people are fretting about the long-term impact on the local marine impact, economy and tourism.
This week, MPs from the Move Forward Party (MFP) launched a probe into the ministers responsible for handling this matter to determine if they were negligent in carrying out their duties in terms of controlling both the pollution and the activities of the private sector.
Today, activist firebrand Srisuwan Janya is scheduled to appear at the administrative court to press his suit against the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Harbour Department as well as the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).
He claims state officials may not have properly inspected the offshore oil delivery facilities of the company in question, Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC), let alone ensured it adhered to good safety practices.
Mr Srisuwan is calling for a review of SPRC's permits and environmental impact assessment, to see if there is any basis to suspicions of wrongdoing in how the company was granted permission to operate the facility where the leaks later occurred.
Such moves are commendable, especially at a time when the responsible authority and politicians have gone eerily silent. A month has already elapsed and the cause of the leaks is still being investigated.
This case has also swung the spotlight back on the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong, the country's largest petrochemical complex, which has courted controversy and bad press due to its pollution management for almost two decades.
The recent leaks were also badly handled, with a lack of booms to contain the sheets of floating oil and overuse of chemical oil dispersants that wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. In fact, the ability to conduct such a clean-up operation has barely improved since the worst oil spill was recorded in that area in 2013.
At that time, the polluter was PTT Chemical Global (PTTCG). Tourism operators and villagers sued the company, demanding more compensation to offset the long-term impact on the local fishery and tourism industries. For over a decade, villagers in Rayong have reportedly suffered from respiratory and other ailments due to being exposed to air pollution and toxic chemicals.
The situation got so bad that in 2008 villagers sued the local authority. As a result, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) designated Map Ta Phut district as a "special pollution control zone" the following year. This raised morale but seems to have had little lasting legacy.
The government and most industrial companies have vowed to practice sustainable development. Now they need to walk the walk, not just spew out hot, polluted air.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opi ... ely-absent
One month after a series of leaks from an undersea delivery pipeline, the oil spill in the waters off Rayong still ranks as a pressing concern.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa reassured the public early on that the spill had been contained, but the reality on the ground -- or in the sea, and later, on the beaches -- was quite different.
Three spills were reported on Jan 25, Feb 10 and again last week -- all from the same source. Polluting tar balls were later spotted on several beaches while state laboratory tests showed high concentrations of toxic chemical residue in the water, soil and even the urine of oil cleanup volunteers.
And while the affected villagers pray for compensation from the company responsible for the leaks, as promised, many people are fretting about the long-term impact on the local marine impact, economy and tourism.
This week, MPs from the Move Forward Party (MFP) launched a probe into the ministers responsible for handling this matter to determine if they were negligent in carrying out their duties in terms of controlling both the pollution and the activities of the private sector.
Today, activist firebrand Srisuwan Janya is scheduled to appear at the administrative court to press his suit against the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Harbour Department as well as the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).
He claims state officials may not have properly inspected the offshore oil delivery facilities of the company in question, Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC), let alone ensured it adhered to good safety practices.
Mr Srisuwan is calling for a review of SPRC's permits and environmental impact assessment, to see if there is any basis to suspicions of wrongdoing in how the company was granted permission to operate the facility where the leaks later occurred.
Such moves are commendable, especially at a time when the responsible authority and politicians have gone eerily silent. A month has already elapsed and the cause of the leaks is still being investigated.
This case has also swung the spotlight back on the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong, the country's largest petrochemical complex, which has courted controversy and bad press due to its pollution management for almost two decades.
The recent leaks were also badly handled, with a lack of booms to contain the sheets of floating oil and overuse of chemical oil dispersants that wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. In fact, the ability to conduct such a clean-up operation has barely improved since the worst oil spill was recorded in that area in 2013.
At that time, the polluter was PTT Chemical Global (PTTCG). Tourism operators and villagers sued the company, demanding more compensation to offset the long-term impact on the local fishery and tourism industries. For over a decade, villagers in Rayong have reportedly suffered from respiratory and other ailments due to being exposed to air pollution and toxic chemicals.
The situation got so bad that in 2008 villagers sued the local authority. As a result, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) designated Map Ta Phut district as a "special pollution control zone" the following year. This raised morale but seems to have had little lasting legacy.
The government and most industrial companies have vowed to practice sustainable development. Now they need to walk the walk, not just spew out hot, polluted air.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
About 12,000 litres of crude oil still remained in the pipeline, a navy source said on Wednesday.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... sprc-leaks
I have not worked on off loading terminals such as the one in question, but I have worked extensively in the offshore industry, including what is termed "early production" facilities, where crude oil was exported via an undersea pipeline.
There has been no mention of just what type of crude oil it is that has leaked. Most of the crude imported here comes from the Middle East, but there are several different types, all with varying viscosities.
Heavy crude oil usually requires heating before it can be pumped because it is heavy with a low viscosity, and from ship tankers it is heated on board by steam on the ship.
If there is still crude in the pipeline, then there is a good chance that it has cooled down and returned to its original state. Most oil pipelines have facilities for inserting what is called a "PIG' into the pipeline to flush the line clear. In this case the "PIG" would need to be inserted at the offloading buoy end to 'push" the remaining crude out into the receiving tanks at the refinery. The pressure to "push" the PIG is usually compressed air.
The question now is: how are they going to flush the remaining crude through the pipeline if it is now one thick glutinous mass?
OR, have they already tried, resulting in the pressure causing yet another leak!
Sounds to me like the pipeline may be at the end of its useful life.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... sprc-leaks
I have not worked on off loading terminals such as the one in question, but I have worked extensively in the offshore industry, including what is termed "early production" facilities, where crude oil was exported via an undersea pipeline.
There has been no mention of just what type of crude oil it is that has leaked. Most of the crude imported here comes from the Middle East, but there are several different types, all with varying viscosities.
Heavy crude oil usually requires heating before it can be pumped because it is heavy with a low viscosity, and from ship tankers it is heated on board by steam on the ship.
If there is still crude in the pipeline, then there is a good chance that it has cooled down and returned to its original state. Most oil pipelines have facilities for inserting what is called a "PIG' into the pipeline to flush the line clear. In this case the "PIG" would need to be inserted at the offloading buoy end to 'push" the remaining crude out into the receiving tanks at the refinery. The pressure to "push" the PIG is usually compressed air.
The question now is: how are they going to flush the remaining crude through the pipeline if it is now one thick glutinous mass?
OR, have they already tried, resulting in the pressure causing yet another leak!
Sounds to me like the pipeline may be at the end of its useful life.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
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Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
PTT & PIG are a good match. The company has offered to buy the oil refineries that have been left by the exodus of Western petroleum companies in protest over how the Myanmar junta is treating the population. If the deal goes through, PTT will refine and sell oil to the junta. Sui, sui, here pig, here pig.
Re: Oil spill off Rayong, slick heading to coast
Governor, SPRC to discuss local payout
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... cal-payout
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has instructed the governor of Rayong to sit down with representatives from Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) to thrash out appropriate compensation for local fishermen affected by the oil leaks from its underwater pipeline, it was announced on Monday.
Jatuporn Buruspat, the ministry's permanent secretary, said the decision to have governor Channa Iamsaeng negotiate on behalf of the fishermen was made at a meeting attended by representatives from the local fishing industry.
The meeting, which was also attended by officials from the Pollution Control Department (PCD) and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), agreed that compensation should be based on a court ruling on Rayong's worst oil spill, which happened back in 2013.
Mr Jatuporn said the latest official inspection of the area's coastline showed most of the beaches in the area meet the pollution standards set by the government, except near the oil spill location.
DMCR director-general Sopon Thongdee said the department is working with the PCD, park authorities and Rayong's Office of Natural Resources and the SPRC to monitor the number of tar balls at three locations along Mae Ramphueng Beach.
Meanwhile, the SPRC said it will inject more sealant to prevent leaks from a valve which prior testing found to be damaged.
According to the company's latest update, a total of 37,670 litres of crude oil have been removed from the pipeline.
The amount was three times the SRPC's earlier estimation of about 12,000 litres.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... cal-payout
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has instructed the governor of Rayong to sit down with representatives from Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) to thrash out appropriate compensation for local fishermen affected by the oil leaks from its underwater pipeline, it was announced on Monday.
Jatuporn Buruspat, the ministry's permanent secretary, said the decision to have governor Channa Iamsaeng negotiate on behalf of the fishermen was made at a meeting attended by representatives from the local fishing industry.
The meeting, which was also attended by officials from the Pollution Control Department (PCD) and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), agreed that compensation should be based on a court ruling on Rayong's worst oil spill, which happened back in 2013.
Mr Jatuporn said the latest official inspection of the area's coastline showed most of the beaches in the area meet the pollution standards set by the government, except near the oil spill location.
DMCR director-general Sopon Thongdee said the department is working with the PCD, park authorities and Rayong's Office of Natural Resources and the SPRC to monitor the number of tar balls at three locations along Mae Ramphueng Beach.
Meanwhile, the SPRC said it will inject more sealant to prevent leaks from a valve which prior testing found to be damaged.
According to the company's latest update, a total of 37,670 litres of crude oil have been removed from the pipeline.
The amount was three times the SRPC's earlier estimation of about 12,000 litres.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!