An oil spill from Perenco UK's Wytch Farm facility near Arne into Poole Harbour, one of the United Kingdom's most environmentally sensitive harbors, has led to a multimillion-pound compensation deal, with part of the money earmarked for wildlife projects, including support for threatened puffins on the Dorset coast.
Here's what to know
According to Swanage News, Perenco UK agreed to pay £6.1 million ($8.1 million) after reservoir fluid containing oil escaped.
The spill happened March 26, 2023, when an underground pipe, corroded internally by bacteria, failed and released about 200 barrels of reservoir fluid into Ower Bay. The fluid was 85% water and 15% crude oil.
The pipeline was shut off, and booms were put in place, but high tides carried the pollution into the main harbor, leaving oily sheens on the water around Studland Bay, Swanage News reported.
For several days, swimmers were advised to stay out of the water in Studland and Poole Harbour, and several dozen birds were found with oil on their feathers.
Of the package, £2.6 million ($3.4 million) was allocated for the emergency response, £2.4 million ($3.2 million) for cleanup costs, £115,000 ($151,857) for ecological surveys, and £620,000 ($818,708) for affected businesses, including local oyster farms, Swanage News noted.
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£400,000 ($528,199) was assigned to wildlife and access projects led by local charities. This includes funding for Birds of Poole Harbour to protect puffins at Spyway and Dancing Ledge from predators and to support the reintroduction of the red-billed chough.
"A significant amount of oil leaked into the Poole harbour area, which includes sensitive habitats and species such as seagrass and saltmarsh," Environment Agency officer Tom Fowler said, per Swanage News. "We accepted Perenco's offer due to the significant costs the company had already spent making right the environmental damage caused, and the measures taken to prevent a reoccurrence of the incident.
"This commitment allows Perenco to put things right in a way that directly benefits the environment and local communities. We are pleased that the money will go towards worthwhile wildlife initiatives and the local harbour."
More background
Poole Harbour supports marine life, birds, recreation, and local businesses.
Swanage News said the payment was made through an enforcement undertaking. Perenco UK decommissioned the leaking pipe and lined its remaining pipes after an independent review found that internal microbial corrosion caused the leak.
What's being done?
Part of the settlement will pay for projects intended to improve the health of the harbor.
"We will deliver a range of projects which will support the quality of water flowing into Poole Harbour, including an enclosed beaver trial, the Dorset Peat Project, Brownsea Island lagoon restoration, and Lyscombe Nature Reserve wetland restoration," Dorset Wildlife Trust chief executive Brian Bleese said, per Swanage News.
Funding is also going to The Friends of Dolphin for a new boat for people with disabilities along with Wild Bird Rescue Dorset and Poole Harbour Commissioners. Swanage News said the commissioners' share will support the Poole Harbour aquatic management plan.
Perenco previously said it had taken steps to reduce the risk of another spill. "After a thorough independent review into the cause of the leak, we have taken on board the appropriate lessons and clear measures have been taken to ensure that this will not happen again," Wytch Farm general manager Franck Dy said in March 2024, according to Swanage News.
Bleese said the payout should not reduce public pressure on the company.
"As long as there is drilling and oil extraction in the area, we need to keep an eye on it while doing our best to improve the water quality," he said. "We will continue to keep pressure on Perenco — this is not letting them off the hook; it is making sure that they are compensating effectively."
Where can I learn more?
These stories look at oil spills in rivers and coastal habitats.
• Singapore agencies moved after a massive oil spill off Changi fouled nearby shores.
• In the Gulf of Mexico, scientists found a massive quieting as BP's spill harmed whales and dolphins.
• Scientists found improperly cleaned spills can damage freshwater ecosystems for years.
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