Boom time - mock oil spill shows how Thames would cope

From the archive, first published Friday 9th Mar 2007.

ENVIRONMENTAL teams swarmed on to an area of south Essex marshland to deal with an oil spill.

Fortunately, the exercise was simply a mock-up to allow an emergency plan to be tested, west of Two Tree Island, near Benfleet Creek.

A team launched an inflatable boom into the water to surround the fake slick.

The booms are sent into the water to stop any spilt oil from spreading, and ensure the problem can be easily contained before a clean-up operation begins.

With several industrial sites lining the Thames estuary, particularly in areas such as Thurrock and Canvey, it is important to be prepared.

Keith Holden, Southend Council's emergency planning officer, said: "It's important we have effective damage limitation procedures in place in case we are affected by oil leakages.

"By working with our partners we can make sure there will be minimal damage to the coastline's ecology."

Ray Howard, chairman of the environment committee at Castle Point Council, added: "It was an exercise that was carried out to prepare for any accident that may take place in the Thames.

"It helps us prepare for the effect any such spill could have on the foreshore."

The exercise was carried out by a team from the Thameside Partners Group and the Maritime Coastal Agency.

The Thameside Partners group, which organised the event, consists of members from several local authorities and agencies including BP, the Port of London Authority, Essex County Councils and from Basildon, Castle Point, Southend and Thurrock councils.