£6m sanction following Poole oil spill

A £6.1m environmental package has been agreed after the major Poole Harbour oil spill incident.

The Environment Agency confirmed that Perenco UK Ltd will be sanctioned following the pollution event in March 2023, when oil leaked from a pipe carrying a mix of oil and water at Ower Bay into the harbour.

The funding includes £2.6m on the immediate response to the incident, £2.4m on clean up work and £115k for ecological surveys, alongside £620k paid to affected groups including commercial seafood beds that had to close during the initial assessment.

An additional £400k will support wildlife and access projects across the harbour, with Environment Agency officer Tom Fowler saying the commitment allows the company to “put things right in a way that directly benefits the environment and local communities”.

Organisations including Dorset Wildlife Trust, Wild Bird Rescue Dorset, Birds of Poole Harbour and the Friends of Dolphin will receive funding, with projects ranging from wetland restoration and conservation work to improving access for people with disabilities and upgrading bird recovery facilities.

Brian Bleese, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: Poole Harbour is one of the UK’s most important places for wildlife and people. Dorset Wildlife Trust will use this funding to deliver a suite of high-impact conservation projects that improve water quality, restore wetlands, and support nature’s recovery across Poole Harbour and its wider catchment.”

Captain Brian Murphy, Pool Harbour Commissioners’ Chief Executive, added: Poole Harbour is a highly designated, protected site of international and national importance. Poole Harbour Commissioners promote safe and sustainable use of the harbour.

“The funding, being directed towards conservation, improved access to the harbour and environmental initiatives, will deliver lasting benefits for Poole Harbour and the communities that use it for both business and leisure.