environment.

The company is replacing its underground storage tanks over the next five years with leak-proof fibreglass tanks, Hamilton Rotarians were told this week.

"There are many steel underground storage tanks installed around Bermuda which were installed before secondary containment was an environmental issue,'' Esso Bermuda general manager Mr. Keith Hollis said.

"Because we recognise the importance of protecting Bermuda's fresh water lens from contamination, Esso on a voluntary basis, has embarked on a five year programme, which we estimate will cost in the range of $4 million to replace these old tanks with fibreglass tanks equipped with leak protection.'' Mr. Hollis also pledged the company would supply petroleum products which would meet tough new clean air regulations now before Parliament.

"We at Esso understand and accept the responsibility we have to supply high quality petroleum products which meet or exceed local regulations,'' he said.

Mr. Hollis added Esso had the capability and was ready to provide whatever fuels were needed to meet the new air quality standards.

And he touched on examples of Esso's efforts to protect Bermuda's environment.

Mr. Hollis hailed Esso as the leader in Bermuda in moving away from fully leaded gasoline.

First it embraced super low lead gasoline, and today it boasted lead free gasoline.

Another example was Esso's "oil spill response equipment'' which the company had been building up for more than 15 years, said Mr. Hollis.

"Development of this stockpile has been closely coordinated with the Bermuda Government and more recently Shell has joined in.

"The overall objective is to have oil spill response equipment and trained personnel available on-Island in the event the need ever presents itself.''