Poole Harbour oil spill: Investigation in its final stages

The Environment Agency is continuing its investigation into what went wrong after 200 barrels worth of reservoir fluid was released into the water. 

A major incident was declared in March due to a leaking pipe at the Wytch Farm oil field which is run by the Anglo-French firm Perenco. 

Providing an update on progress, an Environment Agency spokesperson said the incident is still being investigated, alongside the Health and Safety Executive, to understand its root cause.

Picture of the clean up from earlier this year (Image: PA)

They said: “We are also working closely with Natural England on remediation to the salt marsh immediately around the spill location. 

“Sampling has shown that there does not appear to be a significant impact on the wider harbour and that the spill was mainly contained to the area at the head of Shotover Moor, where remediation work is being targeted.  

“We are entering the final remediation stages of the area around the initial spill site. This includes the removal of vegetation and oil-contaminated sediments.  

“The booms are likely to remain in place for some time to ensure no loss of mobilised oil. There will be an ongoing monitoring and reporting requirement for the operator to ensure that the remediation activities have been successful.” 

Protesters earlier this year (Image: Daily Echo)

Following the initial disaster, dozens of environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion staged protests calling for Perenco to have its operating permits and licence revoked. 

Meanwhile, the government confirmed a full investigation would take place after concerns were raised by South Dorset MP Richard Drax in the House of Commons. 

A spokesperson for Perenco said: “We are at the final stage of the clean-up around the source point and continue to make good progress.” 

More than 150 personnel from more than 15 agencies helped clean up Poole Harbour’s waters, assessing 200 kilometres of shoreline. 

In April, the Poole Harbour Commission reported that more than 400,000 litres of an oil-water mix and some 7,000kg of contaminated waste had been recovered. 

The RSPB reported bird species, such as the black-headed gull, Mediterranean gull, shelduck and mute swan, had all been affected by contaminated waters.