Poole Harbour leak: Perenco halt oil operation amid clean up

Approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid were released into the water after a leak at the Wytch Farm oil field operated by company Perenco on Sunday, March 26.

Since the start of Poole Harbour Commissioners’ (PHC) ’Shoreline Clean Up and Assessment Technique’ (SCAT) process, 58 km of shoreline has been assessed.

It has received more than 200 reports from five teams feeding into its emergency response centre and PHC will continue to monitor the harbour by helicopter, drones, boat and shore patrols.

The spill still has major incident status.

Perenco told the Echo on Tuesday that is had temporarily suspended its operations at Wytch Farm following the incident.

Latest reports suggest that the oil is continuing 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.

PHC CEO Jim Stewart told the Echo some 7.5 tonnes of oil had been recovered from the vicinity around Wytch Farm.

He also said he was aware the Perenco had stopped operations and assumed this would remain the case until the firm was told otherwise from the Environment Agency.

There have been up to 15 oiled birds spotted, but the RSPB has said their behaviour appears to be “normal” and no fatalities have been recorded.

Shelduck with brown oil smear. (Image: Ian Ballam/RSPB)

As a precaution, the public are advised that they should still avoid using Poole Harbour for recreational purposes until further updates become available.

BCP 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.

Signage has too been put up by Dorset Council along the Studland beaches, Knowle Beach, South Beach, Ferry Road and Shell Bay.

A PHC spokesperson said: “We ask that members of the public do not try and help with the clean-up at Poole Harbour, specialist trained teams are working hard on the ground. 

PHC CEO Jim Stewart (L) and harbourmaster Captain Brian Murphy (Image: BNPS)

“It is unlikely that there will be any long term health effects from short exposures (eg days). 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.

“PHC would like to extend its appreciation to all the organisations who are assisting us with this operation.”

In the event of landowners discovering fluid or oil on their land and or near the foreshore, contact pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk for assistance.