A MAJOR incident has been declared in Poole Harbour after around 200 barrels of reservoir fluid was released into the water column.
Here's everything we know so far.
When did the incident happen?
The Environment Agency said it is aware of a “large amount of oil” in the harbour and a gold command unit has been established in response to the incident, which happened shortly after 2pm on Sunday, March 26.
How much oil is in Poole Harbour?
15 per cent of the fluid spilt in Poole Harbour as oil, according to Perenco, the company operating Wytch Farm.
The remaining roughly 85 per cent of the 200 barrels of fluid spilled was water and some of the oil has already been recovered.
What's happening now?
Poole Harbour Commissioner is the leading agency in the clear up of the spill, which came from a leak in a pipeline at Wytch Farm in the Purbecks.
The site’s general manager stressed the situation is “under control” and that a full investigation has been launched to establish what happened.
The pipeline has been shut down and booms (barriers) have been placed on either side of the leak.
A statement from Poole Harbour Commissioners said: “Perenco have mobilised Oil Spill Response Ltd and Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) have mobilised Adler and Allen to assist with this incident. These companies are specialists in oil spill response incidents.
“PHC have activated their oil spill plan and are working with a number of organisations. A major incident has now been declared and a gold command unit has been established.
A major incident has been declared in Poole Harbour this evening. People are being warned not to swim in the waters after around 200 barrels of resevior fluid was released into the water column. @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/rZrKWxbCLZ
— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) March 26, 2023
“We would advise members of the public that they should not swim in Poole Harbour or the surrounding area until further notice.
“Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water. If eyes have come into contact with the spill, they should be rinsed with water.”
What has Wytch Farm said?
Franck Dy, Perenco UK’s Wytch Farm general manager, said spills are a “serious matter” but stressed the situation is under control.
He said: “Any spill is an extremely serious matter and a full investigation will be launched to ascertain what happened in Poole 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.”
What has the council said?
Cllr Phil Broadhead, leader of BCP Council, said there will be “time later for anger” and said the main focus is mitigating any impacts.
He said: “As leader of the council, I will, along with the senior council team, be working to see what implications this leak may have and what action we may need to take.
“It is of course extremely disappointing to hear of this event, and while there will be a time later for anger and investigation, our focus now must be on ensuring we can mitigate any impacts of this situation.”
Poole MP, Sir Robert Syms, said: "I am pleased with the swift action of Poole Harbour Commissioners to help contain the oil spill in Poole Harbour and the support they have from BCP council.
“I have requested the Speaker to grant an Urgent Question on the incident in the Commons tomorrow."
What's the Environment Agency response?
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We have received reports of a large amount of oil in Poole Harbour and we are supporting the port authority and other partners in responding to this incident.”
What does it mean for me?
People are being warned to stay out of the water and, if they have been in contact with it, to wash themselves immediately.
Jim Stewart of Poole Harbour Commisioners said: “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 who has been exposed to fuel oil and is feeling unwell please contact NHS 111 or seek medical attention from your GP.”
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