results of tests on various sections of the defective pipe.

An expert from an Exxon subsidiary in New Jersey has visited the Island, conducted a series of experiments and taken samples away for analysis.

Esso Bermuda general manager Mr. Keith Hollis said no expense would be spared to ensure that such an accident did not happen again.

At the moment, he said, his company was looking at the possibilty of using a device which is capable of assessing the strength and thickness of the pipe's surface. This would allow them to determine any weak areas in the pipe, which carries oil to the Bermuda Electric Light Company.

"It's costly,'' he said. "But we are here to satisfy ourselves that the integrity of the pipes are maintained. That is simply the cost of doing business. We will do whatever it takes to solve this problem.'' The valves on the Esso-Belco pipeline were turned back on after last month's spill once the rest of the steel conduit had been pressure-tested for any further weaknesses.

A construction crew had dug up most of the Coney Island bridge to expose the concrete-encased Esso-Belco oil pipeline.

They found a minute hole which was responsible for hundreds of gallons of oil leaking out into the waters off Coney Island forming two large pools of soupy black oil either side of the bridge. A wind shift, which blew the oil out to sea, saved Bermuda from major marine pollution.