The Cabinet's task force set up to deal with the recent oil spill in southern Taiwan said yesterday that the marine environment had been only slightly affected by the accident.
"A recent seawater quality examination carried out by experts from the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium has shown that too many organic salts, such as nitrates, have had an impact only on the coastal area near Lungkeng
The examination was done last week by Meng Pei-jie
Lin said that the water quality near Lungkeng was not good, but that it was fine at other locations.
He reiterated yesterday that the oil spill would pose no threat to the Third Nuclear Power Plant
EPA officials said that tourists should not be put off visiting Kenting National Park because of the spill. Nanwan, one of the most popular sites in the park, was previously renowned for its clear waters and unspoilt reefs. More than 100 diving companies rely on Nanwan's beauty to draw tourists.
Yesterday, two booms measuring 200m and 300m were established near Oluanpi (
Lin said that the northeast trade wind would not blow floating oil to Nanwan.
In Lungkeng, more than 1,600 soldiers from the Eighth Army removed 49 tonnes of oil from coastal reefs yesterday. Over the past three days, the army has collected a total of 315 tonnes.
Five Control Yuan members yesterday continued their two-day investigation into allegations of administrative negligence relating to the spill. They listened to reports from local officials and foreign experts, and said a primary investigation report would be released soon.
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