‘Large amount of oil’ leaks from pipeline into Poole Harbour with spill reported at the site near millionaire’s row of Sandbanks
- Around 200 barrels of reservoir fluid leaked into the water on Sunday, March 26
- A major incident has been declared, with an oil spill plan put in place to clear it
A major incident has been declared close to the millionaire’s row of Sandbanks after reservoir fluid leaked into the water at Poole Harbour.
The Environment Agency said it received reports of a ‘large amount of oil’ in the water today – and warnings have been issued telling people not to swim in the area.
It occurred in an underwater pipeline, leaking about 200 barrels of fluid – which can contain oil – into the internationally important body of water today.
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) has put an oil spill plan into action and warned the public not to swim in the surrounding area until further notice.
Poole Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).
The leak took place in Poole Harbour (stock image) today, with reports of a ‘large amount of oil’ in the water
The wetlands are recognised as being international important for wildfoul and it is an important area for breeding and overwintering water birds.
Just outside Poole Harbour, Poole Bay is a Marine Conservation Area with the seabed featuring ten different types of habitat and is home to more than 360 different marine species.
It is also close to Sandbanks, the exclusive peninsula that is home to Britain’s most expensive waterfront homes and has an award-winning Blue Flag beach that attracts thousands of visitors in the summer months.
The pipeline is operated by Perenco, who operate nearby Wytch Farm – the largest on-shore oil field in Western Europe.
The leak happened under Owers Bay. The pipeline was turned off and booms (floating barriers) were placed either side of the leak.
Perenco and PHC have commissioned two companies specialising in oil spill incidents to help with the clear up.
In a statement PHC said: ‘PHC have activated their oil spill plan and are working with a number of organisations. A major incident has been declared and a gold command unit has been established.
‘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.’
On Sunday afternoon, the Environment Agency (EA) said it had received reports of a ‘large amount of oil’ in Poole Harbour, the BBC reports.
In a statement the EA said: ‘We are supporting the port authority and other partners in responding to this incident.’
