GSPCB hands over tar ball samples to NIO
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, SEPT 1
The Goa State Pollution Control Board on Wednesday picked up tar ball samples from three beaches in South Goa and handed the same to the National Institute of Oceanography in Dona Paula for a thorough analysis.
Officials at the GSPCB said tar ball samples were picked up from Velsao, Colva and Betalbatim shores today and handed over to Dr Sanil Kumar at NIO.
Meanwhile, the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) project assistants are planning to make a trip to Goa on September 7, 2010, for a meeting with officials of the State Mercantile Marine Department, GSPCB and Tourism Department on the subject.
Official sources said one of the major tasks NEERI intends to undertake the next day, September 8, is a site visit to collect samples in an effort to identify the likely sources of tar ball formation on Goa’s coast.
However, pollution board officials expressed doubts about the presence of the tar balls till such time that NEERI officials make their presence felt. If they don’t manage to get the samples we will make it available for them, they stated.
While the report on the tar balls is awaited, a big question before the authorities concerned is its scientific disposal.
A very senior official said burial of tar balls was not a solution because they will continue to remain underground. Goa doesn’t have a scientific hazardous waste disposal site or else the same could be buried at this place, he stated.
He said using the black substance for road construction is one possibility that can be explored.
GSPCB hands over tar ball samples to NIO
PANJIM, SEPT 1 The Goa State Pollution Control Board on Wednesday picked up tar ball samples from three beaches in South Goa and handed the same to the National Institute of Oceanography in Dona Paula for a thorough analysis.
