SAEDNEWS: Iran’s Department of Environment said the oil pollution near Kharg Island came from contaminated ballast water of a damaged tanker, and no leaks were reported from offshore oil facilities or pipelines.
According to Saed News social affairs service, citing the Public Relations Office of the Department of Environment (Iran), conflicting reports have recently appeared on social media, some domestic outlets, and several foreign media platforms regarding the alleged spread of oil pollution in the waters around Khark Island, raising public concern. In response, the Department of Environment, as the specialized authority responsible for protecting the country’s environment, states that after field, technical, and multi-dimensional investigations, it finds it necessary to issue an official clarification.
Based on monitoring results, the source of the observed pollution was identified as the discharge of oil-contaminated ballast water from a tanker that had previously been damaged near the Strait of Hormuz. The release of this contaminated ballast water led to pollution in the vicinity of Khark Island.
It is hereby emphasized that no oil leakage has been observed or reported from pipelines, oil terminal facilities, or offshore platforms belonging to the Iranian Offshore Oil Company in the area. The pollution is solely attributed to the leakage of contaminated ballast water from the aforementioned vessel.
The Department of Environment, using satellite imagery, continuous field inspections by experts stationed on Khark Island, and close cooperation with operating companies in the region, is continuously monitoring the pollution situation on a 24-hour basis and implementing necessary measures to manage and control the conditions.
