KARACHI: Scientific analysis begins in few days: Devastation by oil
By Mukhtar Alam
KARACHI, Sept 26: A methodical scientific investigation is likely to be launched this week to assess damage to the natural resources by spillage from the broken oil tanker Tasman Spirit off Karachi coast.
An initial environmental impact report, prepared jointly by various government agencies, foreign experts and international organizations, has suggested such a scientific investigation covering all components of the ecosystem in three phases, starting September.
Official sources said that the comprehensive first phase plan, likely to cost US$190,000, had been submitted with the federal government for an approval. The plan has since been approved, they added.
It has also been decided in principle that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) would be providing funds for the execution of the first phase of investigation, likely to be launched on Tuesday or Wednesday, added the source.
It is learnt that the representatives of UNDP, PEPA, UNEP and IUCN would be meeting soon in the city in regard to the launching of the scientific survey and analysis. On completion of the first phase, considered to be a short term assessment spread over a period of three weeks, two more assessments involving mangroves, fish, birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, bottom (benthic organism and plankton) would be undertaken, added the sources.
It is believed that about 30,000 tons of crude oil had spilled from Tasman Spirit since it ran aground on July 27 in the KPT channel. The coastal environment in the spillage-hit zone, until the incident, was a rich and diverse tropical marine/estuarine ecosystem inhabiting an extensive mangroves forest, green turtle, commercial fisheries, etc.
According to sources in SEPA, first phase of the impact assessment programme for the Tasman Spirit Oil Spill (TSOS) outlines the monitoring work as an essential and useful part of the total response operation in order to determine the extent of damage to the marine environment and natural resources.
As outlined in the assessment report prepared by Evaluation of Impact Committee, constituted by the federal government with the assistance of the IUCN and UNEP and coordinated by the SEPA, a reputable chief scientist having good knowledge of local environment as well as experience and management skills should be given the management and coordination of the first phase of the IAP.
The designed monitoring work would ensure availability of data that could determine the extent of damage, within the affected area, to marine environment and natural resources.
The monitoring is supposed to be carried out in a most efficient and cost-effective manner within a period of two to three weeks. A sampling campaign is planned to be launched from Cape Monze to the south of Khuddi Island (Khai creek). The entire area would be divided into five zones for the purposes.
Besides sediment sampling, water sampling would also be undertaken in different zones. Various parameters, including Oxygen, salinity/conductivity, temperature, turbidity and under-water light, etc,. would be measured to determine the present quality of water, said the sources.
It is further learnt that the provincial fisheries department, would conduct a survey of some selected sites whereas samples would be sent to the NIO by the fisheries department. The NIO would provide guidance on how the samples should be stored for chemical analysis.
With regard to mangroves sampling, four sites — China Creek, PNS Himalaya, Bundal Island and Khudi Creek — would be selected. The sites would be surveyed to assess the damage to mangroves, vegetation sites, etc. Visual observations, including photography and sectional drawings would be carried out on the pneumatophores, adventitious roots and leaves of adult trees.
Such observations would also be carried out for the clusters of seedlings around the trees and any established plants around the trees. Visual observations for the oil contaminant would be recorded, besides conducting some chemical analysis.
The cost of equipment and expertise has been estimated at about $189,175 whereas gravity core (two sets) would cost up to $30,000 and Turner Design Field Flurometer (equipped with submersible pumping system) up to $20,000.
