24 August 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DISPERSANTS EFFECTIVE ON OIL SPILL
The oil slick from the West Atlas off the Western Australian coast has responded positively to the use of
dispersants.
Yesterday the Hercules aircraft flew two sorties that applied dispersant from the Darwin stockpile to the
oil slick from the West Atlas. AMSA’s Darwin based Dornier aircraft provided top cover for the Hercules
and was able to report visually, that the applications had appeared successful and the oil could be seen
to disperse in the water.
The Dornier flew again this morning and observations confirm the slick has remained in the vicinity of the
West Atlas.
The Hercules aircraft applied dispersant to the oil slick again today, and again observations confirmed
effective dispersion.
PTTEP has indicated that it will be weeks before the leak can be stopped. Under National Plan
arrangements AMSA is well prepared for a protracted clean-up operation and has mobilised personnel
and resources including aircraft and stocks of dispersant to cope with the lengthy response.
AMSA continues to liaise with both Federal and State agencies, including environmental specialists with
regard to the ongoing clean-up operation.
Operations will continue and planning for activity will be done on a day by day basis.
The priority for AMSA remains to get oil off the water as quickly as possible to mitigate any risk to the
environment.
Media inquiries: Tracey Jiggins 0418164901
* Please note: Any photographs or vision that become available will be posted on the website for access.
NEWS 
