NT EPA critcised for lack of action after Darwin Harbour oil spill

THE NT Environment Protection Authority has been attacked by recreational fishers, tourism operators and conservation groups concerned over the handling of the oil spill in Darwin Harbour

AFANT chief executive Tristan Sloan says he is “dumbfounded” at the lack of action taken by NT officials, such as the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, following an oil spill in Darwin Harbour. PICTURE: Helen orr

THE NT Environment Protection Authority has been criticised by recreational fishers, tourism operators and conservation groups concerned over the handling of the oil spill in Darwin Harbour.

The collective of groups, which includes the Amateur Fishers Association of the NT and Australian Marine Conservation Society, have called on Federal Environment minister Josh Frydenberg to intervene.

NT EPA chair Dr Bill Freeland has described the criticism by AFANT as “disappointing.”

AFANT chief executive Tristan Sloan said he was “dumbfounded” at the lack of action taken by NT officials, such as the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, on this issue.

“Still days after the incident occurred, there is an unknown toxic chemical floating in our harbour and no action to clear it up, and no answers on who was responsible,” he said.

“We want the perpetrator to be prosecuted to the full extent.

“This oil spill should act as a catalyst for a rapid response unit to be developed for future spills in the harbour. The EPA needs to be better prepared for this in the future.”

Australian Marine Conservation Society organiser Jacqui Taylor said they had taken samples.

And she called on Mr Frydenberg to act.

“We are very worried about the potential impact of this spill on our fish stocks, marine life and the health of the Darwin Harbour,” she said.

Dr Freeland said the decision not to attempt to clean up Friday’s oil spill in Darwin Harbour did not involve the NT EPA.

“The EPA is disappointed that AFANT seems to have ignored the suggestion that it mobilise its fishers to assist with the dispersal of the oil sheen in the harbour,” Dr Freeland said.

He said the NT EPA is not responsible for cleaning up oil spills.

“The EPA has received no reports of oiled sea birds, distressed dolphins, dugongs or turtles, and no reports related to fish kills.”

He said it would be inappropriate for the EPA to provide a step-by step-commentary on its investigation.