Clean-up operation on Blackpool beach after 80,000 litres of oil leak into Irish Sea
Local authorities are advising the public to avoid the area
Last updated 17th Feb 2022
There's an clean-up operation happening on Blackpool's shores today after just under 80,000 litres of oil leaked from a pipe near North Wales into the Irish Sea.
Small balls of tar, being referred to as 'tar balls', are washing up on the North Pier and Central Pier, but local authorities are urging the public to avoid the area.
Eni UK Ltd has confirmed that a hydrocarbons release of less than 500 barrels occurred on Monday 14 February from its pipeline between the Conwy and Douglas Installations, approximately 33 km from the North Wales coast.
Blackpool lies about 40 miles (64km) north-east of where the spill happened.
It is thought that weather conditions from the storm have the balls to wash to shore.
There are also flood alerts in the area, as high tides and big waves are still expected to be dangerous today
Although those winds have died down on the coast, Members of the public are being warned not to take their dogs on the beach in Blackpool until it's clean.
Blackpool council is urging people not to touch them and leave the removal to the experts.
What are 'tar balls'?
'Tar balls' are dark-coloured pieces of oil that will stick to your feet.
They are often remnants of an oil spill.
Blackpool Council have said that they are closely monitoring the situation and aim to reopen the beach in the next few days.
A spokesperson from Blackpool Council said: "We would like to stress that removal of this waste should only be carried out by experts wearing PPE and we ask that members of the public do not attempt to remove any “tar ball” deposits. Instead, please call 01253-477600 to report any suspected incidents.
"As a precaution, we would ask people not to walk their dogs on the beach at this time. Blackpool has numerous dog-friendly parks that can be used as an alternative, for example Stanley Park."