ENVIRONMENT groups have claimed that an oil spill off the coast of Shetland is evidence BP should not be allowed to drill a new oil well in the same waters.
Around 23 tonnes of crude oil have been discharged from a Tern platform, owned by TAQA Bratani, in the North Sea, due to a fault in the production process.
The Department for Energy and Climate Change, and Marine Scotland have been informed about the leak, which occurred around 300 miles from Aberdeen.
Friends of the Earth Scotland claimed it was strange that news of the spill, which occurred on Tuesday, only came after the announcement that the UK Government had granted permission for exploratory work by BP at the North Uist well, just 80 miles north-west of the Shetland Isles.
Stan Blackley, chief executive of the campaign group, said: "This significant oil spill happened off the north-east of Shetland just two days before the UK Government gave consent to BP for oil exploration in the deep waters off the north west of Shetland.
"How strange that we should only hear about it after that announcement, even though it happened beforehand and the UK Department of Energy was aware of it. Only yesterday we were warning that Scotland should be seeking to end its addiction to oil and instead be investing in clean, renewable energy solutions, and today we see yet more evidence of why this really must be the case."
A Marine Scotland spokesman said: "Due to the remote location of the rig, and the fact it was very rough weather at the time, we understand the oil dispersed quickly. We do not believe there are any environmental concerns at this time."
Derek Howden, TAQA health, safety, and environment manager, added: "We immediately put into action our response plan which outlines the steps to be taken in the case of any hydrocarbon release."
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