An oil release offshore means small tar balls may wash up on the Fylde coastline in the coming days and weeks.
Allan Oldfield, Chief Executive of Fylde Council, said:
“We have been made aware of a quantity of oil being released 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 coast in the near future.
“We would 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, Fylde Council and its partner agencies have robust plans in place to ensure any contamination or disruption to the coastline is minimal.
“We will be supporting ENI UK Limited’s clean-up teams in the coming weeks to remove any potential contamination.
“If you come across these deposits, in the first instance please contact Fylde Council at listening@fylde.gov.uk to report the location and number of deposits.”
Further information will be published via our social media channels as it becomes available.
FAQs
We encourage our residents and visitors to the Fylde coast to familiarise themselves with the information provided below.
- Is the Council prepared for this type of incident?
While this type of incident is rare, Fylde Borough Council and its partner agencies have robust plans in place to ensure any contamination or disruption to our coastline is minimal.
- Who will clean up the oil spillage?
We will be supporting ENI UK Limited’s clean up teams in the coming weeks to remove any potential contamination.
- What should I do if I come across any washed-up oil spill?
We urge all visitors to Fylde’s coast to avoid contact with any suspected spill wash up or ‘tar ball’. This is a potentially hazardous substance, so we also advise that dogs are kept on a lead and under control to prevent contact or ingestion.
Please report any suspected deposits to listening@fylde.gov.uk, noting the location and quantity of deposits.
- Can I volunteer to help with the clean up?
We would like to stress that removal of this waste should only be carried out by professionals wearing PPE, and we ask that members of the public do not attempt to remove any ‘tar ball’ deposits.
- What should I do if my dog has come into contact with it?
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service have provided the following advice:
‘We would recommend that dog walkers avoid beaches until clear up is complete. If walking in areas where material has washed up dogs should be walked on the lead. If owners suspect their dog has eaten some crude oil they should not attempt to make their dog sick and if concerned should seek advice from their vet. Owners should contact their vet if their dog is vomiting or coughing. If there is any oil on the skin it should be washed off promptly using a detergent such as shampoo or washing up liquid. If the dog has significant contamination of skin and hair owners should seek advice from their vet.’
In cleaning your pet, we advise wearing gloves and avoiding contact with your skin. It is very unlikely that anyone exposed to crude oil for a short period of time will have any long term health effects. If you touch the tar balls and get oil on the skin, remove affected clothing and wash with soap and water for 10 minutes. If you feel unwell seek medical attention.
- Can I continue to fish?
The UK Health Security Agency state they are not in a position to comment on safety of food potentially contaminated as part of this incident.
Any individuals using the shoreline should avoid any contact with the material if they see any. If you touch the tar balls and gets oil on the skin, remove affected clothing and wash with soap and water for 10 minutes as short term exposure to skin may result in irritation. If you feel unwell seek medical attention. It is very unlikely that anyone exposed to crude oil for a short period of time will have any long term health effects. The material may smell, the human nose is very sensitive to odour, many substances that are perceived as odorous or smelly are usually present at levels at which there is no direct harmful effect.
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