The oil leak from a pipeline in Glen Fruin is still continuing – two weeks after the pollution was first reported.
The leak from the Petroineos pipeline, which links the Finnart terminal on Loch Long with the refinery at Grangemouth, was reported on January 2.
A multi-agency response including police, SEPA, NHS Highland Public Health, Scottish Water and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority was put into effect that night.
SEPA inspectors are still involved and the pipeline remains depressurised, but the amount of oil that has leaked is still unknown, while a public road remains closed.
Residents in the area have returned to their homes and SEPA says measures are in place to contain the leak.
Asked how much oil had been released and when the clean-up would be complete, a SEPA spokesperson said today: “Petroineos has located the leak, but work is ongoing to repair this and quantify the amount of oil that has been released.
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“There is no set timeframe for site clean-up. A robust site investigation will be commissioned by the operator (Petroineos) to determine the extent of the contamination and then an appropriate site remediation plan will be developed and implemented.
“SEPA will continue to work closely with partners to monitor the response and clean up for as long as needed.”
Oil has leaked into a section of Fruin Water where wild salmon spawn, but SEPA say the extra containment measures which contractors put in place have been effective.
Asked about potential prosecution, she said that the investigation was still ongoing.
Shona McConnell, SEPA senior manager – environmental performance, said staff visited the ite several times 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,” she added.
“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.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said an emergency temporary traffic regulation order closing the single-track road through Glen Fruin had been put in place today.
“The road through from the A818 to the A814 remains closed as work continues on site,” she added.
“The route is open for local access where the MoD link road can be used to join the A817.
“The road will remain closed until work is complete.”
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