Pollution deposits on Bispham beach.

Blackpool Council has fully cleared up a number of oil deposits and tar balls that washed up on the beach earlier this week. Cleaning of any remaining oil stains on the seawall will take place over the weekend



The Council is now sharing 12 beach cleaners with Wyre Council to help the clean up operation over-Wyre.

In total, Blackpool Council staff, working with specialist pollution removal contractors Braemer Howells, collected 153 (72 on Tuesday , 23 on Wednesday, 58 on Thursday) bags of waste, totalling (3,825kg) from the beach. Despite the beach being cleared of oil, monitoring to ensure no further oil washes in with the tide will take place today.

What is it?

The pollution appears as oil and tar balls. It is black and smells like diesel. Energy Company ENI hve accepted responsibility for the spill.

Where is it?

Reports so far include the pollution appearing on the beach at Bispham, up to Cleveleys. We are also checking the beaches further south down to Harrowside, while Wyre Council is examining and cleaning areas in Cleveleys, Fleetwood and over Wyre.

What is being done?

Cleaning teams from Blackpool and Wyre Councils are working with specialist oil pollution contractors, Braemer Howells, to clean the tar off the beach. Removal of this pollution is being undertaken with specialist contractors and as such, members of the public should not attempt to remove the pollution by themselves. The cleaning team should not be hampered in their removal of the pollution. As part of the removal, the cleaning teams will be wearing specialist equipment to remove the pollution. This is purely a precaution and people should not be alarmed when they see the cleaning teams. This cleaning could take several days to complete.

Can I go on the beach?

As a precaution, bathing is not advised at Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Bispham, Blackpool North, Blackpool Central and Blackpool South bathing waters. Members of the public can still go on the beach but should keep clear of the pollutants. Members of the public are being advised not to touch, or pick up the pollutants.

Can I take my dog on the beach?

Similarly, dog owners are being advised to keep their dogs away from the pollutants. Given the summer, dogs are generally excluded from beaches between Harrowside and North Pier in Blackpool, as well as on Cleveleys and Fleetwood beach.

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.

What should I do if I’ve touched it?

Public Health England has issued the following advice:

“It is very unlikely that anyone exposed to crude oil for a short period of time will have any long term health effects. Short term exposure to skin may result in irritation so as a precaution we would advise members of the public to avoid contact with the material. If you touch the tar balls and gets oil on the skin, remove affected clothing and wash with soap and water for 10 minutes. If you feel unwell seek medical attention.

“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.”

Can I continue to fish?

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.

Anglers in the affected area should be safe to consume any catch as any hydrocarbons, including PAHs, are likely to be metabolised. The main risk would be taint, which is quality rather than safety. As such, it may taste unpleasant.

What is being done to protect marine wildlife?

An Environment Group has been established to support response organisations. The Environment Group consists of representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, Marine Management Organisation, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Public Health England, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Inshore Fisheries Conservation Agency, Food Standards Agency and Local Authorities. The Environment Group identifies wildlife and habitats that are vulnerable or particularly sensitive to the pollution and also to the response activities being carried out. Aerial Surveillance flights from fixed wing aircraft and helicopter, as well as surveys on foot are being conducted to determine the presence of any wildlife being affected by the incident, or at risk of becoming affected. The RSPCA have also been notified of this incident and are ready to provide a response to deal with oiled wildlife.

What should I do if I see some?

First of all, avoid touching it. If you do spot any outside of the above mentioned areas then please contact 477477.