PTTGC drafts 5-part plan to study oil spill's impact
PTT GLOBAL Chemical has developed plans to closely study the various impacts of the recent oil spill off the coast in Rayong province, as well as compensation for affected fishing interests, hotel operators, beach vendors, other businesses and residents.
PTTGC chief executive officer Anon Sirisaengtaksin yesterday said the draft plans would be submitted to agencies and organisations such as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Rayong provincial governor’s office, so they that they are fully aware of what the listed company has in mind and can act accordingly.
PTTGC’s overall environmental-impact assessment plan has been prepared in conjunction with an Australian expert on oil spills, as well as experts from Chulalongkorn Univeristy, Burapha University, Kasetsart University and the Public Health Ministry.
There are five sets of programmes, with the first studying three aspects: compilation of information on the effects of the oil spill on the ocean’s surface, the underwater effects, and adverse impacts on marine life and natural resources.
The second programme is focused on the effects of the spill on fishing operations, other businesses and human health, and the impact of oil residue along the beaches, coastline and in the sea. The third concerns compensation for affected businesses and residents, including rehabilitation and restoration efforts, and monitoring of the natural recovery process in the later stage.
The fourth programme involves the review of PTTGC’s emergency plans to handle future oil leak or spill incidents, including coordination with state agencies and communities.
The final programme covers improved coordination between the public and private sectors in the event of a future accident similar to the one off Koh Samet.
Anon said the studies under the five programmes would gradually be completed within one month to a year.Based on the results of the studies, PTTCG will then review the issues and provide additional damage compensation if necessary and respond promptly to any unresolved issues or adverse impacts on the environment and marine life, for example.
As for the social and economic recovery plan, PTTGC will proceed with a number of activities through to December, aimed at restoring marine life and bringing back tourists to the area.
It will do this by working with fishing and tour operators, hotels and restaurants and the local chamber of commerce, organising promotional events to bring about a return of foreign tourists, said the CEO.
