The recent Kingston fuel spill was not due to the failure of the bulk storage tank as originally suspected but rather the failure of a high pressure suction line within the bund wall, the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) says.

According to a press release from the power company, this resulted in the discharge of fuel into the bunded area.  The results of an investigation revealed three failures on the bunded area floor where cavities opened and fuel was allowed to escape.

The leak occurred at the company’s Water Street, Kingston Office, on April 13 at about 6:30 pm. A   release by GPL, in the aftermath of the leak stated that personnel at the Kingston branch became aware of a failure in one of two HFO bulk storage tanks. The tank contained 7,500 barrels of fuel at the time of the failure and had been constructed since the 1940s.  “The protective bund wall had also failed allowing fuel to spill into the compound then the Demerara River on the west and Water Street on the East.”

Meanwhile, the power company said that the total amount of fuel lost is now confirmed at 1, 950 barrels approximately valued at $19.5 million (US$ 97,500). The company had previously estimated its loss to be 1,064 barrels valued at $10.6 million (US$53, 236). GPL said that its measurements were inaccurate as a significant amount of water had accumulated in the bunded areas as a result of the rainfall last week. “Our measurements were therefore inaccurate as the water was measured as fuel”, the release stated.

The company further stated that the cleaning of drains and yards in the Kingston community is almost complete and that the GPL staff and a contractor are working diligently to complete this task.  This work included cutting and removing contaminated vegetation around drains and yards and this will be disposed of appropriately.  The release said that the “contaminated soil is being removed and will be bio-remediated.
According to the company, so far it has only received one report of fuel being sighted on the Kitty foreshore.  GPL meanwhile renewed calls for them to be notified of any such sighting.  The release stated that the fuel will by now be “emulsified and will become grayish and soggy and not remain black and defined.” The company’s Safety, Health and Environmental Officer can be contacted on telephone numbers 227-4934 or 623-4062.

GPL added that this incident will result in changes to the “routine inspection and maintenance of fuel tanks and in the design of flexible, high pressure connections.” The company has already completed a preliminary inspection of all its bulk storage tanks, bund walls and containment areas and will undertake a more detailed examination using specialized equipment.

Meanwhile, the company expressed its sincere appreciation to the Kingston residents in the release, for their patience, understanding and co-operation throughout the incident.  The Public Relations and Safety, Health and Environmental Units of GPL have visited twice with residents and have been able to direct cleaning services appropriately, the release said.   GPL promises to continue its contact with the community and will offer advice and support where necessary.