EU to help Lebanon cope with major oil spill

Lebanon has requested urgent help from the EU’s civil protection mechanism to contain environmental damage caused by a major oil spill off the coast of Lebanon. The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lebanon has asked for assistance from the European Commission’s Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) to mobilise the help of EU Member States in cleaning up the pollution caused by an estimated 10,000 – 35,000 tons of heavy fuel oil.

“Wars do cause enormous human suffering as we are witnessing now in Lebanon. But another aspect is also the significant environmental destruction caused by it. The recent oil spill off the coast of Lebanon could affect the livelihood and health of the Lebanese and people in neighbouring countries as well as the status of the marine environment in the region. With the help of the MIC, Member States will be able to provide co-ordinated assistance, including experts and specialised materials,” said European Commissioner Stavros Dimas, in charge of the MIC;

According to the Lebanese authorities, the spill was caused by the destruction of a storage tank at a power plant at Jieh, which was hit by Israeli bombs on the 13th and 15th of July. The fuel has been burning, but part of it leaked out to sea. There are also some other smaller sources of oil spills, which are believed to be caused by a ship that sank. The heavy oil has so far contaminated at least 70-80 km of the coastline north of Jieh. The spill has affected rocky and sandy public beaches as well as ports and marinas.

The Lebanese government requested the assistance in the form of significant amounts of dispersants, booms, absorbents, skimmers, as well as specialised boats and any other material/equipment needed for a clean-up operation. It also asks for a list of specialised registered companies, which are available to be involved.

Several states have already responded to the request and offers of assistance are being assessed in view of their submission to the Lebanese authorities.