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SEPA update 12 January: Finnart Ocean Terminal pipeline, Argyll and Bute

Date published: 12 January 2024

Environmental incident

SEPA continues to support the multi-agency response following a small quantity of light crude oil surfacing from an underground pipeline in the area local to Finnart Ocean Terminal, Argyll and Bute.

Shona McConnell, SEPA Senior Manager – Environmental Performance, said:

“SEPA staff have visited the site of the Finnart Ocean Terminal pipeline spill several times over the last week. This has included specialist water regulation officers and scientists from our chemistry and ecology functions. We are also having regular meetings with Petroineos.

“We continue to have no significant concerns with respect to environmental impact on the Fruin Water. Additional containment measures were put in at our request and are performing well. Very slight amounts of oil have been detected within the containment area but results of water sampling show that these are not currently impacting water quality.

“Through our onsite attendance and regular meetings we are providing ongoing feedback to Petroineos and their contractors on the work being carried out on site to contain and clean up the oil.

“We will continue to work closely with partners, including Argyll and Bute Council, to monitor the response and clean up for as long as needed. Our staff will continue to attend site as required.”