Chemical Spill Near Tuas Second Link Prompts Water Activity Ban
Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact and Fishing
Singapore authorities have issued an advisory against water contact activities and recreational fishing in the waters surrounding the Tuas Second Link, including areas near Raffles Marina, following a chemical tank submersion.
Incident Details Emerge
The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced the advisory on Thursday, July 24, after a chemical tank detached and fell into the sea. This occurred during an evening collision involving two heavy tankers on the Malaysian side of the checkpoint.
NEA and other Singaporean agencies were notified of the incident by their Malaysian counterparts. The agency confirmed that one of the involved tankers remained intact without any chemical leakage from the bridge itself.
Non-Hazardous Chemical Identified
The fallen tank contained propylene glycol, a substance described by the NEA as non-hazardous and biodegradable. This chemical is commonly utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
However, the NEA cautioned that propylene glycol could lead to reduced dissolved oxygen levels within the Lim Chu Kang fish farming zone. In response, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has alerted fish farms in the vicinity to remain vigilant.
Monitoring and Safeguards in Place
Fish farms have been instructed to have mitigation measures ready and to report any unusual fish behavior or water conditions to the SFA. The NEA is actively monitoring the water quality in the affected marine area.
In terms of infrastructure, the NEA stated that Singapore’s desalination plants are unaffected by the incident. PUB, the national water agency, is closely monitoring the seawater intake at these facilities.
Broader Environmental Concerns
While the specific chemical is not acutely hazardous, spills into marine environments can still disrupt ecosystems. For instance, a 2023 oil spill off the coast of Tobago, involving a tugboat, significantly impacted marine life and tourism, highlighting the potential for even seemingly benign substances to cause damage when released in large quantities (United Nations 2023).
The NEA’s proactive monitoring and the notification to fish farms demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding both public health and the local aquatic environment following the incident.