Oil cleared from beach

     

Shepway staff have been out clearing oil from St Mary's Bay, near Dymchurch. We will be monitoring the shoreline to make sure no more oil is washed up. Anyone spotting oil should ring our customer services team on 01303 858 660.  More information is available here

OIL SPOTTED ON LOCAL BEACH

Oil has been spotted on a stretch of beach at St Mary's Bay, near Dymchurch.

Shepway Council staff put up signs warning people of the pollution after the oil was first seen and then checked the extent of the problem following the high tide.

Most of the oil is being found mixed with seaweed, debris and driftwood on the high-tide mark along a half-mile stretch of beach. A sample of the oil has been collected and will be analysed to try and pinpoint its source. One possibility is that it has come from Ice Prince which ran aground in Sussex in January or from a ship's tank that has been cleaned and illegally discharged into the Channel.

Although the high tide might carry some of the oil out to sea, Shepway staff were on standby to clear the beach and on Saturday morning were out early on the shoreline to clear oil-logged driftwood, seaweed and debris.
Cllr William Richardson, Shepway Cabinet Member for Technical Services, is urging people to heed the warning signs. "Because a lot of the oil is mixed with seaweed and driftwood it cannot easily be seen. It particular, dogs should be kept away from the beach. If any dog does get oil on its paws, it should not be allowed to lick the oil off. Paws should be cleaned with warm water and soapy detergent and then rinsed well."

He said a number of oiled birds had been rescued from beaches around the Kent and Sussex coastline over the past few weeks and 60 were now recovering at the RSPB sanctuary at Fairlight in East Sussex.

Two dead birds have so far been seen at St Mary's Bay.

The RSPCA has the following advice to anyone who sees an oiled bird:
• If it is safe to pick it up, ensure that you are wearing gloves because the oil could be hazardous to your health. The birds may peck too.
• Collected birds should be placed on their own in cardboard boxes with newspaper or a towel. DO NOT use hay or straw.
• Call the RSPCA 24 hour national cruelty and advice line 0300 1234 999 which can arrange collection or inform you of a nearby collection point.
• Please do not attempt to wash or feed the birds - please leave that to the experts.
ENDS