‘Batangas oil spill not harmful to marine life’

MANILA, Philippines – The oil spill from the terminal of Chevron Philippines in Batangas will not be harmful to marine life in Batangas Bay, an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.

Capt. Gregorio Adel Jr., PCG-Batangas station commander,  said the oil spill was minimal and was close to shore.

“The oil was only scattered in front of the pier of Chevron Philippines Batangas and not at the Batangas Bay...Only be like 80 square meters in front of the pier was affected,” said Adel.

Adel said only 100 liters of bunker fuel oil was accidentally discharged during unloading operations from the Chevron depot to a motor tanker on Wednesday.  The oil spill was immediately contained, he added.

Chevron and the PCG-Marine Environment Protection Unit laid out oil spill booms and absorbent pads to contain the spill.