Kingston, Jamaica, December 15, 2007 (ODPEM) - The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that the oil spill, which occurred along the vicinity of Ironshore, Montego Bay, is now under control.

It has been determined that the source of the spill was used engine lubricant found in the vicinity of the Ironshore main road. The spilled material flowed through a nearby canal that leads to the sea. However, a significant amount of the spilled lubricant was trapped in the wetlands along the canal while a very limited amount escaped into the marine environment.

The following actions have been undertaken to date:
1. The Coast Guard, along with representatives of the Montego Bay Marine Park, deployed booms at the mouth of the canal to prevent any escape into the marine environment. Booms are used to control the spread of the spilled oil.
2. Sorbent padding was also placed along sections of the canal to soak up the oil.
3. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) toured the affected area and is working closely in monitoring the cleanup efforts.

Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) is also providing assistance in the cleanup effort in the form of boom equipment and sorbent padding.

Contact: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer, kmorris@odpem.org.jm

Officer, kmorris@odpem.org.jm