A THOROUGH investigation is being done to establish the cause of a fuel spill at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Kingston Power Station yesterday morning, where it is estimated that approximately one hundred gallons (three barrels) of fuel spilled, some of which escaped into the Demerara river.

GPL, in a statement, said that around 10:00 hrs yesterday, it was discovered that fuel was spilling whilst being transferred between a large storage tank to another at GPL’s Kingston generation compound.
According to the power company, it is estimated that approximately one hundred gallons (three barrels) of fuel spilled, some of which escaped into the Demerara river.
In keeping with the company’s safety, health and environmental policies and procedures, GPL’s personnel on site took swift action that led to containment of the fuel and avoided it from spreading.
“Fortunately, it was low tide and booms were to hand, which were promptly put in place to prevent the fuel from dispersing deep into the river,” GPL stated.
A prominent waste collection and disposal service entity, Countrywide Disposal Services, and the Coast Guard also responded immediately. GPL said that, as of late yesterday, almost all of the fuel was recovered. Special bio-degradable fuel dispersants are being used to clean up the small amounts remaining.
GPL said it wishes to thank its staff, management and staff of Countrywide Disposal Services, the Coast Guard and the Fire Service for their prompt response and action.