The Canadian Coast Guard seeks proposals for bulk oil removal from Manolis L
News Release
GANDER, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – The Government of Canada is taking action to protect the marine environment from spills and the threat of pollution. The Oceans Protection Plan is a $1.5 billion investment that is going towards further protecting our coasts and waters, and the recently proposed Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act will help address risks posed by problem vessels to safe navigation, the marine environment, public health and local economies.
Today, Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L. The freighter sank in January 1985 near Change Islands in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2013, oil pollution was traced to the wreck and ever since then, the Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response team has routinely been on scene to ensure that no significant threats to the public and environment have occurred, by conducting regular monitoring, underwater hull surveys and annual maintenance to contain leaks from the damaged hull.
A technical assessment in September 2016 recommended bulk oil removal from the Manolis L in order to reduce the potential risk of pollution that the vessel poses.
The Request for Proposals anticipates that a contract would be awarded by spring 2018 with oil removal operations to take place in summer 2018.
Protection of the marine environment and the safety of those at sea are top priorities for the Canadian Coast Guard, and this request for proposals further strengthens the Government of Canada’s commitment to effectively dealing with wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels.
Photo legend: On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, alongside Wade Spurrell, AC CCG Atlantic; Robert Grant, Senior Environmental Response Officer CCG Atlantic; and Larry Crann Deputy Superintendent Environmental Response CCG Atlantic announced action to be taken to address the marine pollution threat from the 1985 sunken freighter Manolis L.
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Quotes
“It is vital that we preserve and protect our marine environment and coastlines. The Manolis L wreck poses a pollution risk to an environmentally sensitive area and the local economy that relies heavily on fishing and tourism. Today marks another positive step towards our government’s commitment to addressing the many problem vessels found throughout our waterways and oceans.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“On behalf of our government, I am very pleased to announce this important step towards dealing with the threat of pollution from the Manolis L. Protecting our marine environment is an investment in our people and our economy.”
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame
“Public Services and Procurement Canada is pleased to support this important work to keep our marine environment safe and clean. Through an open, fair and transparent procurement process, our government will deliver a long-term solution to help protect our oceans.”
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement
Quick Facts
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The Manolis L lies upside down in 70 meters of water. Some oil was observed at the time of the sinking; however, it could not be recovered due to winter sea ice. There were no other reports of pollution until 2013.
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Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response has conducted annual maintenance on the wreck to assess the condition of the hull and to contain the leaks. In 2016, a technical assessment determined that 115-150 cubic metres of oil remains trapped in the wreck. In addition, the Manolis L was carrying about 60 cubic metres of diesel fuel when it sank.
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Contacts
Laura Gareau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613 992 3474
Media Inquiries
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
709-772-3375
media.nl@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
NR-NL-18-02E
For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.
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