Locals in a UK town are becoming concerned over a “stinking” substance that’s leaking from a pipe on the beach.
An investigation has been launched, with officials now testing the pungent liquid, which is said to look like oil. Despite the foul odour, it’s understood that the liquid is harmless. The dark liquid has collected in deep puddles along Long Rock Beach, which sits between Penzance and Marazion in Cornwall. Locals have been documenting the spill by taking photographs and sharing them on social media.
Taking to the comment section, one reported that it was “absolutely stinking” and looked like oil. They added that it could be a hazard to the environment. Another man said the issue had been reported to South West Water (SWW)on June 19. “Guess they thought all was fine. Gah!” he added.
Cornwall Council told us it is an issue for the Environment Agency (EA). The EA in turn said it was made aware of the pipe spillage on Monday (October 7) after a contractor was undertaking works on behalf of South West Water cleaning surface water drainage routes. The EA says the reported substance appears to be organic in nature, likely rotten seaweed, and is not suspected to be a pollutant. South West Water is carrying out testing of the substance to confirm. The EA added that it is awaiting SWW’s report.
SWW verified that it is still awaiting the results of samples taken at the scene, but agree with the EA that is appears to be rotten seaweed and nothing more sinister. In March last year, photographs showed the scale of devastation after an oil spill in Poole, Dorset, left a huge black mass spreading through a river.
Members of the public were urged to avoid using the water and beaches within Poole Harbour, Dorset as a leak led to a major incident being declared. Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), which regulates activities in the harbour, confirmed that a leak had occurred at an underwater pipeline operated by gas company Perenco on Sunday.
Perenco, who operate the large onshore oil field at Wytch Farm, said that a “small” amount of reservoir fluid (which consists of 85% water and 15% oil) had escaped from its pipeline. Approximately 200 barrels of the fluid were accidentally released into the harbour and surrounding area. One picture taken nearby at Owers Bay showed the clean-up operation still underway , with dark fluid visible within the water at the important local wildlife spot.