Officials at the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) say they are still awaiting laboratory results to determine the exact nature of oil-based contaminants that seeped from the Cooks Sanitary Landfill into surrounding areas last week, as containment and precautionary measures continue.
NODS convened a meeting Monday with members of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to receive updates on response efforts and testing procedures .
Deputy Director of NODS Craig Cole said samples were collected from several locations by the Department of Analytical Services and are being tested for a range of possible contaminants .
Officials from the Department of Analytical Services indicated that tests should include petroleum hydrocarbons and warned that potential long-term health implications must also be considered . The department has recommended the development and adequate funding of a long-term sampling plan to monitor any ongoing risks .
Since Friday, NODS has partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre and mobilized multiple agencies to install containment booms to limit the spread of the substance .
As a precaution, the Fisheries Department imposed a public health ban prohibiting the harvesting, sale and consumption of fish from waters stretching from Seaforth Beach to Pinchin Bay . Senior Fisheries Officer Mark Archibald said the ban was introduced as a safeguard while investigations continue .
Representatives from West Indies Oil Company reported that inspections found no oil film inside or outside the containment boom . The company plans to deploy an additional 4,500 feet of boom as a precautionary measure .
Officials acknowledged there remains uncertainty about what may be suspended in the water and sediments in the affected bay and whether it could pose a risk to public health .
Another NEOC meeting has been scheduled for Friday, when test results are expected to be available. Authorities said a further update will be provided to the media following that meeting .
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