Approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid has leaked from the pipeline run by Perenco on Sunday 26th March. According to PHC, Perenco claimed “no risk” of additional leakage after the pipeline was shut down and booms were erected on either side of the leak to reduce pollution.
According to a statement made by BCP Council, Poole Harbour Commissioners and other authorities will receive support in responding. On Monday, March 26, assessments relating to a clean-up operation have been planned. Despite the PHC’s statement on Sunday that there is “no risk” of future leakage, BCP Council has advised the public to avoid using the water for recreational activities and to avoid accessing beaches inside Poole Harbour until more information is available.
Poole Updates
Perenco has stated:
- Two Clusters of oil remained in the harbour – at Poole Marina and at Ower Bay.
- Each Barrel contained 158 litres (35 Gallons) of fluid, made up of 85% Water and 15% Oil.
When observing the aerial footage PHC Chief Executive Jim Stewart has also stated that there was “a 60-70% reduction in oil sightings on the water” which has been pleasantly surprising for the chief executive as “it’s not as serious” as they “initially thought”. In addition to this it has also been stated there “seems to be a substantial reduction of oil slicks from yesterday” with “two places in the whole of the harbour” that has got the black crude oil.” Approximately 100 people assisted with clean-up operation.
The leak which came from Wytch Farm, an oil field and processing facility that produces about 14,00 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Reactions
Pool Council leader Philip Broadhead expressed his anger and dissatisfaction in the incident stating that “They’ve stopped any further leaks, they’ve got booms up, so one hopes at the moment that we have avoided any real disaster here.
“It’s unacceptable – the operator has already said there will be an investigation… but some serious questions need to be answered.”
Other locals have also expressed their discomfort as Boat owner Steve Harding, who spoke the BBC encountered oil on the water on the 26th on the eastern side of the harbour, observing a significant amount of oil on the surface, which has resulted in Mr Harding not being on “the water this week”. Other locals Anna Gilbert and her husband, who run a fishing business for bass, has said that due to the Poole Harbour incident, their business may be affected.
BCP council has sent out their support in resolving the harbour incident as early indications state that the surface slick is dispersing.