The Australian Greens today released pictures taken yesterday of the West Atlas Oil Spill indicating the extent to which the oil had spread from the oil rig, and called on the Government to intervene in a situation that is clearly worse than originally reported.

"This spill is far more serious than both the company and the Government are saying. We were not prepared for the extent of what we saw," said Senator Rachel Siewert, marine spokesperson for the Australian Greens.

"The Government must urgently intervene, to stand up to the oil company and start immediate action to protect these precious waters and the whale, turtle, fish and other species that call them home."

"In our time reviewing the site we measured oil from the spill to be 180km across (west to east). We did not have time to review the extent north or south, however from the rig site, the oil film spread from horizon to horizon."

"Wind and currents associated with the Kimberley's huge tidal movements mean that the spill is spreading and will continue to. It is simply not true to say the coast is not at risk from this spill. It is difficult to imagine how they can contain this spill."

"With oil sited in tidal lines only 20 km off the coast we expect it is only a matter of time before the first oil starts hitting the Kimberley coast and damaging fringing coral reefs and mangroves," said Senator Siewert.

"PTTEP Australasia has failed to provide any data about the amount of oil already discharged. However based on information available on average flowrates for similar wells in the region and the company's own data we estimate conservatively that at least 3000 barrels of oil per day are being released from the well. This amounts to a rate of 477,540 litres per day."

"A significant volume of oil will be discharged into the Timor Sea before the leak is fixed. Given the extent the oil has already spread in the week since the leak occurred, it is clear that its continued impacts in coming weeks will be monumental."

"Every day that action is delayed increases the environmental impact of this disaster. The company must be required to use the closest available equipment to close the leak as soon as possible. It cannot delay action for weeks while the rig from Singapore is moved down. The company must accept Woodside's offer of help and get the new rig on site as soon as possible."

"We have written to the Prime Minister asking him to intervene and ask the company to accept Woodside's offer," said Senator Siewert.

"The Greens and the Australian public don't want to see further unchecked, unregulated oil and gas development in our pristine environments, causing these massive environmental catastrophes."

"This information further highlights the need of an inquiry into this disaster, to ensure we don't see a repeat performance in the future," concluded Senator Siewert.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180

Pictures attached - please credit Chris Twomey or Office of Senator Siewert.

Attachment	Date	Size
West Atlas Oil Spill.jpg	29/08/09 10:58 am	446.97 KB
West Atlas oil drilling platform.jpg	29/08/09 10:59 am	338.49 KB
Richard Costin filming.JPG	29/08/09 11:06 am	583.08 KB
Senator Siewert checking coordinates.JPG	29/08/09 11:06 am	664.71 KB
West Atlas Oil platform.JPG	29/08/09 10:54 am	320.89 KB
West Atlas Oil Spill 2.JPG	29/08/09 9:08 am	434.56 KB
West Atlas Oil platform from plane.JPG	29/08/09 9:08 am	510.1 KB
Kimberley coastline.JPG	29/08/09 9:27 am	630.12 KB
Kimberley coast.JPG	29/08/09 9:27 am	765.75 KB
Whale and calf near oil slick.JPG	29/08/09 11:06 am	873.94 KB
Letter - Rudd ask West Atlas Oil Spill.pdf	29/08/09 9:12 am	126.19 KB
West Atlas flightpath map.jpg	30/08/09 1:07 pm	990.55 KB