A geologist and a field engineer from the US are arriving today to assist RUBiS after yesterday’s oil spill at St George’s.

However, Minister of the environment, Sylvan Richards, said this afternoon “there appears to be no immediate health and safety risk.”

There has been no word over the extent of pollution.

Mr Richards said that Rubis had a team of environmental specialists arriving today to plan for remediation. Government’s environment experts are also assisting with pollution control efforts.

Rubis managing director, Graham Redford, said: “Rubis has contracted Arcadis US Inc., a global leader in environmental remediation. They are sending their principal geologist and a field engineer, who will arrive today.

“They will be responsible for the preparation of an initial memo of findings, and will create a plan based on those findings. Additionally, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, neighbouring properties will be visited to identify any potential issues.

“They will also check installed monitoring wells on site.”

The Arcadis specialists are expected to stay for several days to supervise recovery actions, including any additional monitoring well installation necessary to test for any water table issues, added Mr Redford.

Yesterday MP for St George’s West, Nandi Outerbridge, reassured constituents that the spill was being contained and monitored closely and she would keep affected residents informed.

Ms Outerbridge, the Minister for Social Development and Sport, said: “I immediately sought information from the Minister of the Environment as to what steps were being taken to ensure public safety and that all measures were in place to contain the spill.

“I can assure my constituents that the Department of Environmental Health is working with Rubis to contain the spill and work on cleaning the affected area.

“I will also be sure to keep residents informed as this situation develops.”