Cleaning up Bahamas oil spill after Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian has left widespread devastation across the Bahamas. Among buildings to sustain damage was the South Riding Point oil terminal, operated by Equinor. Oil was observed on the ground at the terminal site and in neighbouring areas after the hurricane had passed and, although the size of the spill has yet to be determined, the company reports that ‘resources are being mobilised as quickly as possible to safeguard people, the environment and the facility’.

At the time of arrival of the hurricane, Equinor had 54 personnel on Grand Bahama. They had worked at the South Riding Point oil storage terminal up until the precautionary shutdown on 31 August. None were at the terminal when the hurricane took place and all have been confirmed safe and accounted for.

The terminal has a storage capacity of 6.75mn barrels of crude and condensate. At the time the hurricane hit 1.8mn barrels were stored in three tanks. The other tanks had residual oil. The South Riding Point terminal has a total of 10 tanks. Nine of these had roofs, and five of those are gone due to the impact of Hurricane Dorian.

Based on current visual assessments, there are no indications of continued oil leakage from the tanks or of oil spills from the terminal to sea or beaches, reports Equinor. Further examination is ongoing to assess the full impact of the spill. Security personnel is on site at the terminal working to secure the area and identify potential hazards.

Equinor has secured vessels and equipment for oil spill response in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, and from various ports across southeast Florida. Upon arrival, clean-up and remediation will start immediately. The equipment mobilised includes skimmers, oil containment booms, absorbents, pumps, pressure washers and boats.

‘The situation is complex and challenging, with damage to infrastructure hampering progress in relief and response efforts,’ reports the company.

South Riding Point oil terminal
Photo: Statoil/Tor Martin Anfinnsen