Small oil spill in the Solent

23/06/2010 22:36:54 Titchfield Haven getting special protection
On Sunday 20 June at 9.20pm, there was a release of oil from a pipeline at Esso's Marine Terminal at Fawley, and subsequently oil has been detected on a stretch of coastline from Hill Head to Solent Breezes.
This occurred whilst a ship was being unloaded. The offloading was immediately stopped and the pipeline valve closed. The amount of oil released is estimated at 20 barrels.

Esso have implemented their local oil spill response procedures and informed the Harbour Master and the relevant environmental agencies. Booms were deployed to contain the spill within the vicinity of the Marine Terminal and all efforts are being made to recover and disperse the oil as soon as possible. Esso are working with the local council and the Harbour Master to clear up the oil as quickly as possible.

The section of beach between Hill Head Sailing Club and Meon Shore is currently closed to the public, whilst the clean-up operation is in progress. Members of the public are advised not to use or walk their dogs along the area of beach between Hill Head and Solent Breezes until further notice. Efforts are now being concentrated on cleaning up the shoreline area between Hill Head and Meon Shore. Monitoring of the area will continue and further checks will be made from the air, on the water and on land.

Titchfield Haven
Particular attention is being paid to protecting environmentally sensitive sites in Southampton Water and the Solent including the saltmarshes and Titchfield Haven.

Any members of the community with concerns or who spot oil in other areas, please telephone Fawley Refinery Community Affairs on 023 8089 2511.