Jet fuel at Lyttelton Terminal recovered

A site response team continues to work at Mobil Lyttelton Terminal following damage caused by a landslide during a severe storm last week. The jet fuel that leaked from a damaged tank into the containment area has now been recovered.

The landslide caused severe damage to a tank containing approximately 1.2 million litres of jet fuel. This caused the fuel to flow into the concrete walled containment area around the tank. Some jet fuel also made its way into Lyttelton harbour.

There are ongoing clean-up works to remove any residual impacts, and environmental advisors are on site conducting environmental impact assessments.

With fuel now safely contained in storage tanks, the Fire Service have assessed that they are no longer required to lead the response efforts.

Fuel supply operations have been disrupted at the terminal. We have completed an inspection of the Lyttelton to Woolston pipeline to ensure it did not suffer any damage in the storm and the pipeline was returned to normal operation last week.

Mobil’s supply organisation is working closely with the broader industry and our customers in relation to ongoing supply arrangements. There are currently no shortages of jet fuel, diesel or gasoline, however supply remains tight.

Mobil will conduct a full investigation into this incident when it is safe to do so.

Mobil Oil New Zealand Lead Country Manager Andrew McNaught said he was very pleased that work has been completed safely and without further incident, despite the challenging conditions.

“Our clean-up operations have caused some unavoidable disruption and Mobil apologises to local residents. Jet fuel odours should diminish now that Mobil has recovered the jet fuel, however odour could occur intermittently as we clean up impacted areas. At no time has there been any risk to human health as a result of jet fuel odour.

“There may be some remaining traces of jet fuel in water in the drains which will largely be captured by absorbent booms, and as an additional precaution a boom remains in place across the drain entry point into the harbour. We continue to liaise with Environment Canterbury which has the lead on the marine response,” he said.

Mr. McNaught said Mobil would like to thank the NZ Fire Service, the Police, Environment Canterbury, the Lyttelton Port Corporation and the Christchurch City Council for their assistance.

“We are grateful for the patience and understanding that we have received from the community as we all recover from the impacts of last week’s storm,” he said.

Mobil will continue to provide further information on Mobil’s community hotline during business hours (including over the weekend) on 0800 777 979.

ENDS

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