Clean-up operations across North West beaches after 80,000 litres of oil leak into Irish Sea
It is thought weather conditions from Storm Dudley have brought them to the shore
Last updated 17th Feb 2022
There are numerous clean-up operations happening on shores across the North West 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 in Blackpool as well as the shores of Southport, Crosby and Formby.
The spill is predicted to continue to make its way north of the country.
On February 14, Oil and gas supplier Eni UK Ltd has confirmed that a limited hydrocarbons release of less than 500 barrels 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.
"Our greatest concern is for the welfare of offshore populations"
Joan Edwards, Director of Marine Conservation, The Wildlife Trusts said:
“Currently, our greatest concern is for the welfare of offshore populations of common scoter, red-throated diver and great crested grebe in Liverpool Bay Special Protection Area. If oil reaches the coastline, then wading birds including knot, dunlin, godwit and oystercatcher that feed and roost across the Ribble and Alt Estuaries are also likely to be affected.”
News of the spill came on the 26th anniversary of what has been called Wales’ worst ecological disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude spilled from the Sea Empress oil tanker off the Pembrokeshire coast. Large numbers of seaweeds and invertebrates were killed on the beaches where it drifted ashore, and it took over a year to clean the slick.
It is important that if anyone finds oiled or dead birds on the coast, they do not touch them, and that they contact the RSPCA as soon as possible.
Storm Dudley is thought to have brought the 'tar balls' to the shore
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 beaches until they're clean.
Both councils are urging people not to touch them and leave the removal to the experts.
A spokesperson from Sefton Council said: "Owing to currents and weather forecasts in the next 24 hours, we expect to see deposits, in the form of ‘tar balls’ washing up on our coastline as a result of this incident.
"We urge all visitors to Sefton’s coast to avoid contact with any suspected spill wash up or ‘tar ball’. This is a potentially hazardous substance so we also advise that dogs are kept on a lead and under control to prevent contact or ingestion."
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."