31 Mar POOLE HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS – PRESS RELEASE NO.7 – 31 MARCH 2023
The clean-up operation has continued overnight. An estimated 100,000 litres of oily/water mix has now been recovered. A cofferdam has now been constructed and excavation of the oil pipe is due to commence today, weather permitting. An estimated 2 tons of contaminated sediment has been recovered to the waster reception facility on the Port Estate. Flushing and skimming operations continue daily in Ower Bay. Despite the overnight rain the containment measures in place are proving very successful.
We are aware that there is speculation online regarding the leak and the suggestion that oil is still leaking from the original source. Perenco have confirmed that at the time of the leak the source of the leak was shut down and pressure was removed. There is product in the immediate area around the leak source and some oil remains within the contaminated area. Whilst some contaminated oil remains in the pipe, Perenco have taken mitigation measures to minimise the risk of further oil going into Poole Harbour.
If you are visiting our area this weekend, the advice from the UK Health Security Agency remains that people should avoid using the beaches and water in the Poole Harbour area for any recreational use until further updates become available. This includes, but is not limited to, hand gathering of shellfish, swimming, bathing, watersports, fishing and angling.
Pets should also be kept away from the water in the Poole Harbour area.
Please note that a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) restriction is in place in Poole Harbour until the 9th April.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has raised signage at Rockley Park, Lake Pier, Hamworthy Park, Baiter Slipway, Whitley Lake (Kite Beach) and the slipway at Lake Road to advise visitors not to swim in these areas until further notice.
Signage has been put up by Dorset Council along the Studland beaches, Knowle Beach, South Beach, Ferry Road and Shell Bay advising visitors not to not to swim in these areas until further notice.
Dorset Council have confirmed that nearby beaches in the Dorset Council area at Swanage, Kimmeridge Bay, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door remain safe to use, and offer alternatives for visitors and water-users to enjoy.
BCP Council’s seafront welcomes visitors this weekend, and whilst their Poole Harbour beach locations advise no recreation in the water, BCP confirm that there are other areas outside the Poole Harbour area where activities can be enjoyed.
The slips at Swanage and Mudeford are open as an alternative for those that would normally choose to launch from a Poole Harbour slip.
Anyone wishing to fly drones or model aircraft should adhere to the drone code and seek the relevant permissions and ID before flying.
Flight mapping can be found on the following website: https://notaminfo.com/ukmap
PHC have a FAQ section on its website https://www.phc.co.uk/oil-spill-frequently-asked-questions-faqs/.
We continue to ask that members of the public do not try and help with the clean-up at Poole Harbour, specialist trained teams are working hard on the ground.
It is unlikely that there will be any long-term health effects from short exposures (eg days). Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water for ten minutes. If eyes have come into contact with the spill, they should be rinsed with water. Anyone who has been exposed to fuel oil and is feeling unwell please contact NHS 111 or seek medical attention from your GP.
Jim Stewart, CEO Poole Harbour Commissioners.