National

BNT Concerned about Abaco Chemical & Fuel Spill

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas National Trust is troubled by the environmental impact of a chemical spill in waters off Abaco.

Published

3 years ago

January 6, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas National Trust is troubled by the environmental impact of a chemical spill in waters off Abaco.

BNT Executive Director Lakeisha Anderson-Rolle says while they’re expecting damage, they’re waiting for the all-clear to go in the water to do an assessment of the protected area.

Recently, a cargo ship transporting Kemira Ferix-3, an industrial granulated solid used to treat wastewater, odor control, and fertilizer, sunk off Hole in the Wall, South Abaco.

Bahamas National Trust Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle says what’s especially concerning is that the area is protected.

The Cross Harbour Protected Area has been established as a protected area since 2015 and was recently expanded back in 2021.

South Abaco MP John Pinder III told Our News no fuel from the vessel was spilt, however the BNT says the chemical and fuel from the vessel has been observed in the surrounding sea since the vessel sank.

The BNT says currently it is impacting the pH of the water surrounding the sunken vessel, creating highly acidic conditions.

Additionally, the BNT says if the Ferix acts as a fertilizer in the seawater, this could lead to harmful algal conditions.