A cleanup operation is underway today after an oil spill at the Fawley oil refinery in Southampton Water.

Around 20 barrels of heavy vacuum gas oil leaked from a
shore-side pipeline at Esso’s Marine Terminal at around 9.20pm on Sunday night. 

The Environment Agency has been called in and special
booms and absorbent pads have been deployed in a bid to contain the
spill. Traces of the refined product – in the form
of a sheen of oil – have already been discovered on the shore between
Warsash and Solent Breezes.

An Esso spokesman said in a statement: “The incident happened whilst a ship was being
unloaded. The offloading was immediately stopped and the pipeline valve
closed.

“We are collecting any residual oil from the leak site until the pipe
can be drained completely. 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.

“Checks were immediately conducted around the shoreline of Southampton
Water and into the Solent and further checks will be taking place
throughout the day.

“We regret to report that some oil was found on the shore at Warsash
and we have informed Fareham
Borough Council of the situation.
Arrangements are currently underway to initiate a clean up. We continue to work with the Harbour Master and are diligently
checking surrounding areas.”

A boom is on standby near the entrance of the River Hamble and another
boom is already in place at Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve,
with pumps on standby. 

Any members of the community with concerns should telephone Fawley
Refinery Community Affairs on 023 8089 2511.