Question : SPILLING OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS INTO SEA

(a) whether the Government is aware that more than 2 tons of petroleum products spilled into sea during transfer to an IOC storage facility at Vasco-da-Gama as reported in the Indian Express dated October 3, 2004;

(b) if so, the fact thereof;

(c) whether spilling of petroleum products into sea has polluted sea and a large number of fish have died;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether any responsibility has been fixed in this regard; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to protect sea from such pollution?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BALLU)

(a) to (f) : While Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) was discharging kerosene oil (SKO) from a ship through their pipeline into their shore tanks, a leak developed in the underground pipeline near the IOC Terminal at Mormugao Port Trust on 1st October, 2004. The leaked Kerosene oil found its way into the rainwater drain and it was gathered that approximately 2 Kilo Litres of Kerosene Oil spilled into the sea at Kharewada Fishing Harbour, for which, prompt action was taken by the Mormugao Port to neutralize the spilled oil by using environment friendly Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD). No environmental damage was caused and no fish have died. The leakage occurred due to the development of a hole in the SKO pipeline caused due to corrosion. IOC Limited has been asked to replace the entire corroded pipeline and also explore the possibility of re-routing the lines above ground. M/s IOC have also been instructed to take necessary steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.