Warning signs erected on Southport beaches after oil spillage off North Wales

ENI statement following the oil spill

 “We confirm that a limited hydocarbons release of less than 500 barrels occurred on Monday, February 14 from its pipeline between the Conwy and Douglas Installations, approximately 33km from the North Wales coast.

“Details of the incident are still being confirmed.

“The Conwy to Douglas line was shut immediately and remains off.

“All the relevant authorities have been promptly informed and we are working in full collaboration with them.

“There is no impact to any personnel on the installations.

“An Incident Management Team has been mobilised and is working closely with the relevant authorities and response contractors to understand the situation and minimise any effect to the environment.

“A further statement will be made as soon as more information becomes available.”

Sefton Council.

An oil release offshore means small tar balls may wash up on the Sefton coastline in the coming days and weeks.

A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a limited quantity of hydrocarbons (oil) being released off off the North Wales coast.

“Owing to currents and weather forecasts in the next 24 hours, we may see deposits, in the form of ‘tar balls’ washing up on our coastline as a result of this incident.

“We would also stress that removal of this waste should only be carried out by professionals, and we ask that members of the public do not attempt to remove any ‘tar ball’ deposits.

“While this type of incident is rare, Sefton Council and its partner agencies have robust plans in place to ensure any contamination or disruption to our coastline is minimal.

“We will be supporting ENI UK Limited’s clean up teams in the coming weeks to remove any potential contamination.

“Posters have been erected along our coastline to inform visitors to our beach of this issue and we would ask that dogs are kept supervised at all times.

“If you come across these deposits, in the first instance please call 0151 934 2961 to report this to the Rangers at Green Sefton.”