Oil spill response exercise for Dampier

The State’s resource rich Pilbara region will be the focus of a major oil spill response exercise next month, prompting organisers to reassure the local community there’s no need for concern. 

Hosted by the Port of Dampier and staged over three days commencing June 18, 2019, Exercise Dampier Challenge will involve simulated response activities including oiled wildlife and shoreline clean-up.

Department of Transport (DoT) Marine Safety General Manager Ray Buchholz said the exercise would see State authorities, local government and the private sector responding to a realistic scenario to measure their individual preparedness and response capabilities as well as their ability to work collectively.

Mr Buchholz said members of the community should not be concerned if they observe equipment deployments and other exercise related activities in the Dampier area.

“The State is well prepared to respond to major maritime environmental emergencies in the Pilbara and exercises such as this provide a valuable opportunity to enhance response arrangements,” Mr Buchholz said.
 
DoT is the State’s lead agency for ensuring an effective response to maritime environmental emergencies and is working closely with the Pilbara Ports Authority to stage the exercise. Other major players include the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Port of Dampier operators, petroleum companies and the City of Karratha.

“Approximately 90 people from up to 12 organisations will be involved in what is a significant opportunity to boost skills and hone the State’s plans for dealing with a major spill,” Mr Buchholz said.

Field deployments will involve booms and skimmers on the water, the simulated clean-up of oil and the collection and treatment of simulated oiled wildlife.

For further information about maritime environmental emergency response arrangements in WA, visit Marine pollution. 

Media Contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au