Government investigation launched into Poole Harbour oil spill
The clean-up operation is continuing over the coming days
The Government's Environment Minister says investigations are underway to 'determine the reason for the fault' after a pipeline from the Wytch Farm oil field caused a spill into Poole Harbour.
Rebecca Pow was responding to an Urgent Question from South Dorset MP Richard Drax, into the leak that happened on Sunday morning (26th March).
He told MPs the effect on the marine environment is 'unknown', describing it as 'potentially catastrophic'.
Speaking in Parliament, he said:
"I am very concerned at this spill... I've been assured this morning that the spill is not as serious as first thought. The majority of the fluid that leaked from an underground pipeline was contained yesterday."
He asked the Government 'to ensure that it is paramount the regulator carries out a full investigation into why the leak occurred'.
Mr Drax also said he wanted the Government to seek assurances from owners of the oil field, Perenco, that 'the rest of their network is being properly maintained and checked, as we do not want this to happen ever again'.
Ms Pow responded:
"Investigations are currently under way to determine the reason for the fault and to make sure that similar incidents are not repeated.
"This has been designated as a tier two incident. If it were to escalate to a tier one, the (Maritime and Coastal Agency) would lead the response... however we consider that unlikely due to the rapid response and deployment of the oil mitigation plan.
"I would like to give him absolute assurances that a full investigation is under way. It's critical that the investigation is carried out so that we've got the full details of what occurred."
She said the area is an 'extremely important nature and wildlife area', and 'I'm sure (Mr Drax) will share my concern for the impact to the local wildlife in the area', adding the pipe has been shut off and depressurised to prevent further discharges.
She said: "The current situation appears to be stable, with the continuing focus of the strategic co-ordination group to gather further data to assess the environmental implications and to continue to progress a clean-up operation.
"I give him absolute assurances that I, as the minister, will be following this very closely to assure that all the correct procedures and the right investigation - which can then inform what we do in future in terms of the regulation and the regulator - is all carried out."
Sightings of oil in the harbour are down by 60%-70% since the weekend, according to observations by Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC).
But the clean-up is expected to take much of this week, with the public advised to avoid the beaches and water there, for safety reasons.
Franck Dy, Perenco UK's Wytch Farm general manager, said:
"Any spill is an extremely serious matter and a full investigation will be launched to ascertain what happened in Poole Harbour.
"It is important to stress that the situation is under control, with the discharge of fluids having been stopped and the spill is being contained."
The spill prompted protests from environmental campaigners yesterday afternoon, with members of the Wimborne branch of Extinction Rebellion gathering on Poole Quay.
They were calling for Perenco to close down the oil field.
Environmental groups have expressed anger and concern at the risk posed by oil facilities on the UK coast, particularly close to protected wildlife sites.
Richard Hill, from the Marine Conservation Society, said:
"I am shocked and saddened to see yet another oil spill in UK waters. We need better protection for sensitive sites such as Poole harbour.
"The seabird breeding season is about to take place and there are tern and gull colonies close by at Brownsea Island that may be vulnerable.
"It would be awful for a future spill to impact on the wider area of the harbour, home to overwintering and breeding birds, or sensitive habitats such as the seagrass beds outside at Studland.
"This incident should be considered a warning to adequately protect sensitive sites and ensure that oil industry infrastructure is up to the task. We cannot allow these spills to continue to happen."
Dr Malcolm Hudson, associate professor in environmental science at the University of Southampton, said the spill was 'potentially a serious environmental incident':
"While we don't know the full extent of the leak yet, a spill in Poole Harbour raises particular concerns. It's a very large enclosed bay - and so pollutants may not be flushed out quickly by the tides.
"Also, it's a very low energy environment, so unlike a spill on an open coast, there won't be much wave action to help break down and disperse the oil.
"Poole Harbour is especially sensitive, and internationally protected for the wildlife there."