Office of the Official Opposition 

For Immediate Release

St. John’s, NL (August 19, 2019) – PC Opposition Natural Resources critic David Brazil is expressing concern over the most recent oil spill, which occurred on the Hibernia platform.

This 2,200-litre oil spill occurred just two days after Hibernia resumed production – following a 12,000-litre spill in July.

“Given this is the second oil spill in less than two months from Hibernia, and the third spill in our offshore in less than a year, I am concerned about the environmental impact these spills may have on our ocean and ecosystems,” said Brazil.  “We need to continue developing our offshore industry, providing well-paying jobs to the people of our province, but at the same time we need to do so in a way that protects worker safety, addresses environmental concerns, and is done sustainably.”

Brazil also expressed concerns about the cause of this oil spill.

“This oil spill occurred just after production resumed on the vessel.  Hibernia lost power, which triggered the sprinkler system, which in turned caused the waste containment drain to overflow and release oil and water into the ocean.  We don’t know why Hibernia lost power; we don’t know why back-up power failed to turn on.  Were employees left scrambling in the dark with the sprinklers raining down on them while they tried to work?  Was employee safety at risk? There are many questions here, and it is my hope that the C-NLOPB will ensure Hibernia answers all of them as they complete their investigations,” said Brazil.

“As we continue to develop our immense offshore potential, as we develop other oil and gas basins, we must do so in a way that ensures the safety of our workforce and the protection of our environment.  One oil spill is too many, but three oil spills in a year is unacceptable.”

Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Policy and Research

(p) 1.709.729.3668

(c) 1.709.685.3161

BradleyRussell@gov.nl.ca

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