UK Environment Secretary assures investigation into Poole Harbour oil leak

UK Environment Secretary Rebecca Pow has given her ‘absolute assurance that a full investigation is under way’ into the Poole Harbour oil spill.

Pow was speaking in response to a question in Parliament from Richard Drax MP, of South Dorset constituency where the spill occured on 26th March from Wytch Farm.

She said, ‘It is critical for that investigation to be carried out so that we can have the full details of what occurred – exactly where the leak started and exactly which bit of the pipeline was involved – and also the full details of how we should react in future and what will need to be done about cleaning up.

'The pipe has been shut off and depressurised to prevent any further discharges.

'I also give my hon. Friend an absolute assurance that I, as the Minister, will be following the investigation very closely to ensure that all the correct procedures are carried out, so that that can inform what we do in future when it comes to regulation and the regulators.’

Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) led the response to the oil spill incident that took place in Poole Harbour, activating its emergency Oil Spill Response Plan.

Drax in his comments to Parliament yesterday (27th March) said: 'I spoke to Perenco, which estimates that nearly 5,000L of fluid leaked from the pipeline. The fluid is 15% crude oil and 85% water. The leaking underground pipe is located in a very sensitive, marshy, low-lying area in the south of the harbour. The contamination was exacerbated by a high tide and a river that runs through the site into the harbour. A large operation to combat the spill using helicopters, drones, and vessel and onshore patrols continues today. Specialist clean-up companies have been called in to give advice, and that operation will start as soon as possible.'