Authorities rush to contain furnace oil overflow at refinery

By Asiri Fernando

The Navy and Coast Guard moved to contain furnace oil from mixing with local water bodies following an overflow at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation-run Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery last evening.

According to the Navy, the overflow was allegedly caused due to heavy rains and risks furnace oil mixed water in the Sapugaskanda area drifting into the Kelani River through the Pattivila canal. It could have an adverse impact on the water distribution of Ambathale and Biyagama water treatment plants as well the environment in the area, the Navy said in a press release. 

Pollution control teams from the Navy and the Coast Guard have placed a floating boom to prevent the further spread of furnace oil and are using an oil skimmer to extract oil in order to prevent contamination.