Time needed to assess full extent of oil spill's environmental impact: Desmond Lee

The impact of the June 14 oil spill is wide-reaching and still unfolding, and time will be needed for the authorities to assess the full extent of its environmental impact, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee.

- Elise Wong

“We will then have to embark on recovery and restoration work,” he added.

Mr Lee was giving an update on the oil spill on June 19 at the launch of a conference on horseshoe crabs – marine creatures native to Singapore – hosted by the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) at Resorts World Convention Centre on Sentosa.

NSS partnered the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s horseshoe crab specialist group for the event.

Mr Lee’s update comes after The Straits Times reported on June 18 that four oil-coated collared kingfishers had been rescued following the oil spill, and two have died. Members of the public have also spotted other oil-covered animals along coastlines, including otters and monitor lizards.

The minister said government agencies in Singapore have responded quickly and have been working closely together to coordinate efforts to clean up and mitigate the immediate impact of the spill on the nation’s coastal and marine environment.

For instance, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore deployed its nearest patrol craft to the incident site within 11 minutes of being alerted, and sprayed dispersants on the spill after assessing the situation.

At the same time, non-governmental organisations such as the Singapore Veterinary Association, the Singapore Canoe Federation and the World Wide Fund for Nature (Singapore) have stepped up to offer help, Mr Lee said.

There has also been an outpouring of support from individuals, with more than 1,500 people signing up to volunteer to assist in the cleanup of the oil spill, he added.