Post by Hoppy on Apr 20, 2006 15:31:29 GMT -1
Dee Estuary Oil Pollution
Environment Agency Wales is investigating an oil spill that occurred yesterday on the Dee Estuary. The spill affected the canalised section of the estuary causing a 7km long slick. The oil entered the estuary from the Thornleigh Cut, which drains the Sealand area of Chester and is heavily contaminated. The cleanup operations are underway.
Various organisations and users of the estuary have been informed of the situation so that they can take appropriate action. So far the impact on the Dee has been limited and much of the oil has been dispersed by the tides. The freshwater Dee, above Chester weir, has not been affected.
Alan Winstone, North Wales Coast Environment Manager said ' We are closely monitoring the situation, it seems that the impact of the spill on the estuary has been limited by our quick response and the dispersion of the oil by the tides. We are continuing our efforts to trace the source of the spill, which could have had a disastrous impact on the wildlife of this very special estuary. We don't know yet whether this was an accidental or deliberate spillage, but if anyone has any information about the spill we would be pleased to hear from them via our 0800 80 70 60 hotline. Any calls will be treated in confidence.
'This incident highlights the need for everyone to take great care when storing and handling oil and fuel. Oil is one of the most common types of pollution reported to us with most problems caused by oil leaking from tanks either during storage or delivery. For example last year there were just under 4,000 oil pollution incidents - almost 11 every day! There are regulations which require industrial and commercial sites to provide the correct storage and handling facilities to protect the environment and there is plenty of good practice and advice available on our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk’
Environment Agency Wales is investigating an oil spill that occurred yesterday on the Dee Estuary. The spill affected the canalised section of the estuary causing a 7km long slick. The oil entered the estuary from the Thornleigh Cut, which drains the Sealand area of Chester and is heavily contaminated. The cleanup operations are underway.
Various organisations and users of the estuary have been informed of the situation so that they can take appropriate action. So far the impact on the Dee has been limited and much of the oil has been dispersed by the tides. The freshwater Dee, above Chester weir, has not been affected.
Alan Winstone, North Wales Coast Environment Manager said ' We are closely monitoring the situation, it seems that the impact of the spill on the estuary has been limited by our quick response and the dispersion of the oil by the tides. We are continuing our efforts to trace the source of the spill, which could have had a disastrous impact on the wildlife of this very special estuary. We don't know yet whether this was an accidental or deliberate spillage, but if anyone has any information about the spill we would be pleased to hear from them via our 0800 80 70 60 hotline. Any calls will be treated in confidence.
'This incident highlights the need for everyone to take great care when storing and handling oil and fuel. Oil is one of the most common types of pollution reported to us with most problems caused by oil leaking from tanks either during storage or delivery. For example last year there were just under 4,000 oil pollution incidents - almost 11 every day! There are regulations which require industrial and commercial sites to provide the correct storage and handling facilities to protect the environment and there is plenty of good practice and advice available on our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk’