Natural dispersion to clear harbour diesel spill

January 21st, 2014
[TDC press release]

Officials are relying on natural forces to disperse yesterday's minor diesel spill into the Motueka harbour and estuary.

The approximately 100 litres of diesel originating from Port Motueka entered the immediate port area and through tidal flows into the Motueka estuary.

The focus has been on ensuring the leak has been stopped, the immediate effects managed and the dispersal process agreed to. Once the dispersal of the diesel is under control an in-depth investigation will be undertaken.

As diesel is a very light oil it will have covered a very large area. The thickness of diesel on water is 0.0102mm and as it is much lighter than water it will not sink, although some particles may be held as small droplets in the water column.

Following discussions with Maritime NZ's oil spill experts, the decision was made to rely on natural dispersion in this event. Diesel disperses very easily due to its low viscosity and its vulnerability to physical effects such as tidal flow, wave action, sunlight and breakdown by naturally occurring microbes.

Due to the limited amount spilled, its lightweight nature and vulnerability to natural forces, its impact on marine life in the affected area is minimal.

Residents will have noticed a strong smell for some periods yesterday which is exacerbated by the diesel evaporating from the surface. This is a positive and short term process.

Officials from Tasman District Council and the Regional Oil Spill Response team have been monitoring the situation since notification and will do so until the spill clears.

While the spill is unlikely to have a long term effect on shellfish and other marine life, people are advised not to collect shellfish from the area or fish adjacent to the wharf.

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