Poole Harbour: "Oil continues to dissipate" after pipeline leak
The leak came from Wytch Farm, one of Europe's largest onshore oil fields
Up to 20 birds have been spotted with oil smudges on their feathers following the oil leak in Poole Harbour.
Fears have been raised for the impact on wildlife and habitats following the leak from a pipeline operated by gas company Perenco under Owers Bay on Sunday.
Approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid were released after the leak occurred at the Wytch Farm oil field.
Perenco said a "small" amount of reservoir fluid (consisting of 85% water and 15% oil) escaped.
A containment and clean-up operation was launched by Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) which regulates activities in the harbour.
A statement from PHC said: "Since the start of the process, 58 km of shoreline has been assessed.
"PHC continue to monitor the harbour by helicopter, drones, boat and shore patrols.
"Latest reports show that the oil continues to dissipate, however some oil has come ashore in a small number of areas.
"PHC is in the process of clearing up these areas as and when recorded.
"There have been a limited number of reports regarding oiled birds, however we are unaware of any bird fatalities at this stage, but we will continue to monitor the situation.
"Water and shellfish sampling is being carried out in Poole Harbour and we continue to monitor any impact on the environment.
"Key stakeholders in the fishing industry have been contacted.
"As a precaution, the public are advised that they should still avoid using Poole Harbour for recreational purposes – including the hand gathering of shellfish - and continue to avoid bathing at beaches within Poole Harbour until further updates become available.
"Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 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 until further notice.
"Signage has been put up by Dorset Council along the Studland beaches, Knowle Beach, South Beach, Ferry Road and Shell Bay asking visitors not to not to swim in these areas until further notice.
"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.
"It is unlikely that there will be any long term health effects from short exposures.
" 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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