Authorities in Antigua remain in a state of heightened alert as laboratory analyses continue to identify the precise composition of petroleum-based pollutants that escaped from the Cooks Sanitary Landfill. The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), which has partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), is coordinating a multi-agency response while awaiting definitive scientific data.
Deputy Director of NODS Craig Cole confirmed that environmental samples gathered from multiple affected sites by the Department of Analytical Services are undergoing comprehensive screening for various potential contaminants. Technical experts have specifically recommended testing for petroleum hydrocarbons while emphasizing the necessity of evaluating possible long-term public health consequences. The department has formally advised establishing a rigorously funded, long-term environmental monitoring strategy to track persistent risks.
Containment operations are actively underway, with crews deploying specialized booms to restrict further dispersion of the unidentified substance. As a preventive public health measure, the Fisheries Department has instituted an immediate ban on harvesting, selling, or consuming aquatic organisms from coastal waters between Seaforth Beach and Pinchin Bay. Senior Fisheries Officer Mark Archibald characterized the prohibition as a necessary precaution pending conclusive investigation findings.
Initial assessments conducted by the West Indies Oil Company revealed no visible oil film within or beyond the existing containment barriers. Nevertheless, the company is proceeding with the deployment of an additional 4,500 feet of containment boom to reinforce environmental protection efforts. Officials acknowledge ongoing uncertainties regarding suspended particulates in water columns and sediments within the affected marine area and their potential health implications.
The NEOC has scheduled a subsequent strategic meeting for Friday, coinciding with the anticipated release of laboratory results. A comprehensive media briefing will follow this meeting to communicate findings and future action plans to the public.