The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has activated a major containment and recovery operation following the discovery of a fuel oil seepage from a storage tank at the former Friars Hill Power Station.
APUA confirmed in a statement released Monday that it has mobilised a coordinated response involving several government agencies and regulatory bodies to contain the leak and prevent further environmental damage.
The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has been deployed to assist with the response, while crews are using specialised absorbent materials to recover fuel that escaped from the affected tank. Officials have also begun transferring fuel from the compromised tank to another on-site tank to reduce the risk of additional leakage, and arrangements are being made to remove all remaining fuel from the facility.
The Ministry of Works has supplied heavy-duty equipment to support containment activities, while the Ministry of Urban Transformation has provided materials for the ongoing operation. Contaminated materials collected during the cleanup will be transported to the Cooks Landfill and disposed of in accordance with established environmental procedures.
Residents and business owners in the surrounding area have raised concerns over possible environmental and public health implications. APUA has sought to reassure the public that it is working closely with the Central Board of Health, NODS, the Development Control Authority (DCA), the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force, and other stakeholders to ensure all necessary safety and environmental protocols are being followed.
As a precaution, APUA is advising individuals who are particularly sensitive to petroleum odours or airborne irritants to take appropriate protective measures and remain mindful of conditions in the area.
The authority said its immediate focus remains on preventing any further spread of the fuel while cleanup operations continue under the supervision of relevant authorities. APUA added that it is committed to resolving the situation as safely and efficiently as possible and will provide updates as response efforts progress.
