ExxonMobil criticised over response to Bass Strait oil spill

Investigation finds failure to properly respond to spill near drilling platform posed 'significant threat to the environment'

Failure to properly respond to an oil spill near an ExxonMobil rig in the Bass Strait increased the risk of contamination and posed a "significant threat to the environment", an investigation has found.

The spill was reported to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (Nopsema) on 1 February after an oily sheen was spotted in the water near the West Tuna oil platform, about 45km off the coast of Lakes Entrance in Gippsland.