Hundreds of barrels of oil have leaked from an onshore pipeline into Poole Harbour in Dorset, prompting council leader Philip Broadhead to describe the situation as “unacceptable.”
Sunday, a leak occurred at the Perenco-operated Wytch Farm Oil Field, releasing approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid. Each barrel of the fluid contained 158 litres (35 gallons) of 85 percent water and 15 percent oil.
The spill was quickly contained, and oil spill response specialists were called in to assess the situation further. While the pipeline has been shut down, booms have been installed in the harbour to prevent further leakage.
Mr. Broadhead responded to the incident by stating: “Yesterday, when I first learned of this, I was angry and disappointed. You want the oil slick to quickly reach the ocean and disperse. It is unacceptable – the operator has already stated that an investigation will be conducted… but serious questions must be answered.”
People have been advised not to swim in the harbour or surrounding areas, and those who have come into contact with the spill are urged to wash with soap and water immediately, rinsing their eyes if necessary.
Poole Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe and a site of special scientific interest, serving as a habitat for a variety of wading birds. Unsure of how much oil has leaked and how easily it can be cleaned up, fishermen and charter boat captains are concerned about what they may encounter in the water.
The long-term effects of the spill are currently unknown, but authorities anticipate the best.
On Sunday, approximately 200 barrels of oil leaked into the water from a Perenco-operated onshore pipeline in Poole Harbour, shocking the local populace. Philip Broadhead, the leader of the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, described the incident as “unacceptable” and stated that “serious questions must be asked.”
To assess the situation, specialised oil spill response companies have been brought in, and booms have been placed in the harbour to prevent further leakage. Residents have been advised not to swim in the harbour or surrounding areas, and those who have come into contact with the spill are urged to immediately wash with soap and water, rinsing their eyes if necessary.
Poole Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe and a site of special scientific interest, serving as a habitat for a variety of wading birds. Unsure of how much oil has leaked and how easily it can be cleaned up, fishermen and charter boat captains are concerned about what they may encounter in the water. The spill’s long-term effects are currently unknown.
The pipeline responsible for the leak has been shut down, and an investigation is currently underway. Authorities hope for a positive outcome, though it may take some time to determine the extent of the damage.
