Perenco pipeline spillage to be investigated

Assessments have started on the major incident involving 200 barrels of reservoir fluids spilling from a Perenco-operated pipeline under Ower Bay in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

OPERATIONS

Pool Harbour Commissioners (PHC) announced yesterday that some of the escaped small reservoir of fluid, comprising approximately 85% water and 15% oil, had been recovered.

“The pipeline was shut down and booms were placed on either side of the leak in order to minimise any pollution and Perenco that there is no risk of any further leakage,” added PHC chief executive Jim Stewart.

The French oil and gas company said it had stopped operations at its onshore Wytch Farm site in Purbeck following the spillage yesterday, 26 March.

General manager of Wytch Farm, Franck Dy added that the company would begin a full investigation to determine what had happened in the harbour.

“It is important to stress that the situation is under control, with the discharge of fluids having been stopped and the spill is being contained.”

Early indications were that the surface slick was already dispersing and it was unlikely to have any long-term effects from short exposures.

Wytch Farm, Europe’s largest onshore oil field, was acquired (95%) by the company from BP in 2011.

Perenco’s website states that the field is currently producing approximately 14,000 boepd.

The company adds it is committed to a voluntary SHE approach (safety, health and environment).

Perenco has headquarters in London and Paris operates in 16 countries

CLEAN-UP

PHC activated its emergency oil spill plan, specialist oil spill response companies attended and Dorset Police, Dorset Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, the NHS, the Environment Agency and Natural England are also involved.

A further assessment began earlier today on how to clean the site of the spillage and the public was advised to avoid the area.

POOLE HARBOUR

Poole is Europe’s largest natural harbour surrounded by unspoilt woodland and coastal walks, according to Poole Tourism.

The harbour is a site of nature conservation, a wetland for wading birds with many international protections in place. 

It is also a Ramsar site which recognises wetlands of international importance particularly for wildfoul, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) a Special Protection Area (SPA).