Illidge Road:--- Environmental workers, activists and several persons are busy trying to find out the source of a huge oil spill in the Great Salt Pond in the vicinity of the Illidge Road round about.
Etienne Lake from Nature Foundation and Ruben Thompson from St. Maarten Pride and EPIC were among those concerned up to late Tuesday afternoon trying to source where the oil came from threatening the life of many pelicans, fishes and turtles. Speaking to SMN News Thompson said up to pres time no one could find who is responsible for the spill and he came to the conclusion that someone might have discharged oil in the pond on purpose somewhere between Madame Estate to the AT Illidge Road round about or from the landfill.
Thompson said he was busy all afternoon on Tuesday trying to get government or the fire department to begin cleaning the oil from the pond because a number of birds, turtles and fish will perish over night.
Thompson also indicated that his intension is to continue investigating to see if he could find the culprit behind the oil spill or dumping. He said he contacted the fire department who told them that they are not able to clean the oil due to the lack of expertise. However, Thompson plans to deal with government on Wednesday to make sure the cleaning process begins.
While Lake said those responsible has no consideration for environment. He said he did not feel those responsible considered the different types of bird species, fish species, turtles that call the Great Salt Pond their home.
Lake said what is more disturbing is that government does not have trained personnel to handle disasters such as this spill. He said in the coming days residents would see how much of the birds, ducks and other sea life will perish for the lack of oxygen and food. Lake called on the island government to provide the tools needed to members of the environmental groups who are willing to assist in the clean up. He said while the environmental groups has the know how, they lack materials.
A concerned resident and worker Firgus Paper told SMN News that he fears for the lives of the young turtles that live on the rocks next to his business place. The man said each day there are close to 10 baby turtles on the rocks some of which was seen stranded in the oil. The businessman said maintenance work was being conducted at a nearby business but he is not sure if they are responsible for the oil discharge. He called on government to look closely for those responsible for the spill and to bring them to justice.
Also on scene was commissioner environmental affairs Theo Heyliger and his executive assistant Maurice Lake inspecting the damage done to the pond and sea life. Lake in an invited comment said the commissioner has instructed the department of inspections to begin an investigation to see who is responsible for the spill. He said inspector also has to submit an official report and if the culprit is found they would be held liable for the destruction and clean up of the oil.
