'Oiled birds' spotted after 'potentially catastrophic' pipeline leak in Dorset
The firm involved in the spill says it has been contained but that a full investigation will be carried out. However, environmental groups say the incident could have serious consequences for the local area.
Monday 27 March 2023 16:53, UK
The RSPB has said it has received reports of "oiled birds" around Poole Harbour after a "potentially catastrophic" leak from an oil field pipeline.
A major incident was declared in Dorset on Sunday after 200 barrels of reservoir fluid spilt from Wytch Farm oil field, operated by oil and gas firm Perenco, into the water.
People have been warned to avoid the water and beaches in the area - while South Dorset MP, Richard Drax, told the Commons on Monday he was "very concerned at this spill, which is potentially catastrophic" with the impact on the marine environment "unknown".
Poole is Europe's largest natural harbour and is recognised as an internationally important wetland. It is a protected area as well as a site of special scientific interest.
The RSPB said it is too early to fully assess the damage to wildlife.
Peter Robertson, senior site manager at RSPB Arne, which borders the harbour, said: "We have received reports of oiled birds in the area and we are monitoring the situation closely.
"The area is home to numerous bird species such as black-headed gull, Mediterranean gull, redshank and oystercatcher which breed on the coastline, and many other waterbirds which rely on the harbour mudflats for food."
Paul Morton, of the charity Birds of Poole Harbour, said: "Right now we're in that important transition period where our winter birds are leaving and our summer birds are arriving, many of which use the southern shore of the harbour for feeding, nesting and hunting.
"Each month we conduct wetland bird surveys across the harbour to monitor populations of over-wintering birds.
"The last survey which was conducted on 5 March logged 5,450 birds along the southern shore in the spill area."
Poole Harbour is home to the only pair of ospreys in southern Britain, having bred for the first time there after an absence of 200 years, Mr Morton said.
The male returned from West Africa on the same day as the slick, while the female is expected in early April.
Poole Harbour Commissioners, who regulate the harbour, believe the "surface slick" is already dispersing.
The UK Health Security Agency urged the public not to swim in the harbour or surrounding area, while PHC said the beaches within the harbour should also be avoided for now.
Anyone who comes into contact with the fluid - made up of 85% water and 15% oil - is being advised to wash immediately with soap and water.
Some environmental groups have claimed the incident will have a "devastating impact".
Following the leak, the pipeline affected was shut down and booms put on either side to try to contain it.
Perenco said it had recovered some of the "small" leak by Sunday night.
Read more:
Wytch Farm oil leak raises important questions about UK regulation
Franck Dy, Perenco's site 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."
Dorset Police said the incident was being "overseen by a number of local agencies" and reiterated the warning not to swim "until further notice".
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Council leader Philip Broadhead said officials were liaising "with a variety of parties" but stressed the leak had been contained.
Alice Harrison, fossil fuels leader at the Global Witness campaign group, said: "Whilst the extent of the damage is still unknown, there is no doubt that a huge spill like this will have a devastating impact on the local population and environment in Dorset."