Oil spills can have a significant impact on the environment. Oil introduces toxic material into the food chain, degrades beaches and can smother marine organisms. Reporting a spill early is critical.
On this page:
How to report an oil spill
How to tell if a substance is oil
How to report an oil spill
Step 1: If you witness pollution from a ship or notice oil on any waters phone 8248 3505 or call on radio channel 12 at all hours.
Step 2: You will need to provide as much information as possible.
Tell the operator:
- your contact details
- when and where the pollution occurred
- the type of substance discharged
- extent of the pollution
- name of vessel or other source
- any other relevant information available.
Do not attempt to clean up the spill yourself
The incident will be investigated and a suitable response made, such as:
- allowing the fuel to naturally dissipate
- agitation of the water
- use of recovery equipment.
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How to tell if a substance is oil
Rub it between your fingers. If the substance quickly washes off into the water it is probably algae. Oil will not wash off in water.
Sea scum
During the summer months, South Australian waters experience a phenomenon commonly known as sea scum.
Short filaments of algal plant life, disturbed by wind and sea, appear as grey-fawn coloured streaks on the water. The algae can also be red, red brown or yellow in colour, often resembling oil. As the algae decays it gives off an offensive odour similar to chlorine, iodine or oil.
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More information
Other websites
Australian Martime Safety Authority - Australian Government
Environment Protection Authority - South Australian Government
Downloads
Oil spill contingency plan (PDF 2MB)
For an alternative version of this document contact Flinders Ports South Australia.
Protecting our water ways (PDF 673KB)
For an alternative version of this document contact DTEI.Enquiriesadministrator@sa.gov.au.