Mark Whitehead 27 March 2023

Council leader ‘angry’ about Poole oil leak

Council leader ‘angry’ about Poole oil leak image
Image: allouphoto/Shutterstock.com.

‘Serious questions’ need to be asked about a leak from a pipeline at an onshore oil field into Poole Harbour in Dorset, the local council leader has said.

About 200 barrels of reservoir fluid, including oil, leaked from a pipeline which led to a major incident being declared.

People were urged not to swim at the harbour or surrounding areas and a team of 60 with a helicopter and drones responded.

The leak came from Wytch Farm, an oil field and processing facility that produces about 14,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council leader Philip Broadhead said: ‘When I first heard about this yesterday I was angry and disappointed.

‘From what we are hearing it is a small leak of reservoir fluid which was caught fortunately quite quickly – they've stopped any further leaks, they've got booms up, so one hopes at the moment that we have avoided any real disaster here.

‘We won't know more until this morning but the early indications are that the surface slick is already dispersing. You want it out to sea and dispersing as quickly as possible.

‘It's unacceptable. The operator has already said there will be an investigation, but some serious questions need to be answered.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner