The Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary, which hosts thousands of migratory birds and endemic plant species, has been polluted by oil for a second time in two months. Platform Moris Lanvironnman (PML) has had enough and is calling for action.
In a statement released on Thursday, March 14, 2024, PML expressed concern about the impact of these two oil spills on the protected site. “Heavier fines should be considered in cases of oil spills,” said PML.
The organization believes that companies using oil in the Riche-Terre industrial zone, as well as in other industrial zones, should ensure that their facilities not only meet standards but also undergo regular technical and environmental audits.
PML points out that there is at least one factory or facility near the estuary, whose effluent drains or channels eventually flow into the stream. The organization states that this company has not learned from the last incident.
PML questions what is happening in these factories that lead to such oil leaks. It emphasizes that in both cases, these factories belong to conglomerates that should be able to ensure the proper functioning of their facilities to avoid such spills.
PML asks whether these companies conducted inspections of their facilities after the first spill and, if so, whether they shared their observations with their superiors. If not, why not? Is the Ministry of Environment monitoring the situation?
The consequences of an oil spill on land and aquatic biodiversity are severe, according to PML. The organization highlights the difficulty of removing oil in an aquatic environment, as seen in the ecological disaster caused by the MV Wakashio shipwreck.
What is even more concerning, according to PML, is that this is the second oil spill at Rivulet, Terre-Rouge, in less than two months, directly affecting the estuary. “The affected areas have not even had time to recover before suffering a second major oil spill,” PML points out.
The estuary is a Ramsar site, meaning it is a protected reserve of high importance globally, as it hosts 14 species of regular migratory birds and three endemic plant species.
Kavi Ramano: “It is not normal to have oil leaks in the region”
The Minister of Environment commented on the second oil spill in the Terre-Rouge estuary. Kavi Ramano stated that measures were taken as soon as the incident was reported to the ministry.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. We also share the frustration of many people about these events. It is not normal to have oil leaks in the region,” said Kavi Ramano. He mentioned that an investigation is underway for the first company involved in the oil spill.
“If there is evidence for prosecution, they will have to take responsibility. The same goes for the second company. The investigation will determine who is responsible, and each must take responsibility,” said the minister, emphasizing that the law will be enforced.
According to the minister, it is crucial to consider the sensitivity of this region, which is not only an industrial zone but also a protected area, especially due to the bird migration. Kavi Ramano stated that his ministry will closely collaborate with other relevant authorities.
Source: Defi Media
