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SEPA update 19 January: Finnart Ocean Terminal pipeline, Argyll and Bute

Date published: 19 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 continue to attend the spill location and the wider Fruin Water catchment. This has included specialist water regulation officers and scientists from our chemistry, ecology and water resources functions.

“Based on our assessments we are satisfied that there are no significant concerns with respect to the Fruin Water at this point in time. No issues with the containment measures have been observed by SEPA staff to date. While minor, localised environmental impacts have been recorded, these are within the containment area.

“Through our onsite attendance and regular with Petroineos and their contractors we are providing ongoing advice 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 and relevant environmental stakeholders, to monitor the response and clean up for as long as needed. Our staff will continue to attend site as required.”