New equipment boosts NSW marine pollution response
by Roads and Maritime Services on 7 Oct 2014
SW
Marine pollution response equipment used by Roads and Maritime Services to protect the NSW coastline in the event of a pollution incident has received a boost with $170,000 in new equipment delivered this week.
Roads and Maritime Services Maritime Director Angus Mitchell said the new marine pollution response equipment includes new booms to contain substances on the surface of the water, sorbent materials, anchor kits, pumps and temporary waste storage units for recovered oil and other substances.
'Roads and Maritime Services has the responsibility for responding to marine pollution incidents for about two thirds of the NSW coastline, including the north and south coasts,' Mr Mitchell said.
'New legislation which took effect last month extends the role for Roads and Maritime to respond to the shipping areas of Jervis Bay, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
'Front line staff including boating safety officers, who would be deployed in the event of a marine pollution incident will undertake training with the new equipment in the coming months.
'The equipment will then be stored in purpose designed trailers based on the north and south coasts.
'Roads and Maritime will also provide trained emergency response staff and make available emergency response equipment under its control as a combat agency under the NSW State Waters Marine Oil and Chemical Spill Contingency Plan,' Mr Mitchell said.
Other marine pollution combat agencies include the port corporations and Fire and Rescue NSW.
For more information on how Roads and Maritime responds to pollution threats visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au
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