Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) has continued its intensive clean-up and assessment following the leak of 200 barrels of reservoir fluids spilling from a Perenco-operated pipeline in Dorset.
OIL SIGHTINGS
The leak under Ower Bay on 26 March resulted in more than 100 people involved in PHC’s operations with helicopters, drones, vessels and shore patrols gathering data for its Emergency Response Centre.
PHC said on Monday that aeriel footage suggested a 60-70% reduction in oil sightings on the water.
Collection of oil from sightings has started and taken to a safe waste recovery site on the port estate.
PHC has assessed 58km of shoreline since the start of the process and its Emergency Response Centre has received more than 200 reports from five teams.
Chief executive Jim Stewart added that monitoring of the harbour continued by helicopter, drones, boat and shore patrols.
“Latest reports show that the oil continues to dissipate, however some oil has come ashore in a small number of areas and PHC is in the process of clearing up these areas as and when recorded.”
OILED BIRDS
A limited number of reports had been made regarding oiled birds but Mr Stewart was unaware of any bird fatalities.
“Water and shellfish sampling is being carried out in Poole Harbour and we continue to monitor any impact on the environment.
“Key stakeholders in the fishing industry have been contacted.”
The public have been advised to avoid using Poole Harbour for recreational purposes, including gathering shellfish by hand – and avoid bathing at beaches within Poole Harbour until further notice.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has raised signage at Rockley Park, Lake Pier, Hamworthy Park, Baiter Slipway, Whitley Lake (Kite Beach) and the slipway at Lake Road to ask visitors not to swim in these areas until further notice.
Signage has been put up by Dorset Council along the Studland beaches, Knowle Beach, South Beach, Ferry Road and Shell Bay asking visitors not to not to swim in these areas until further notice.
Local landowners discovering fluid or oil on their land and or near the foreshore should contact PHC on pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk.
“It is unlikely that there will be any long term health effects from short exposures (eg days),” added Mr Stewart.
“Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water for ten minutes.
“If eyes have come into contact with the spill, they should be rinsed with water.”
Anyone exposed to fuel oil and feeling unwell is urged to seek medical attention.