POLLUTION watchdogs have launched an investigation after oil leaked from a pipe at Fawley refinery and contaminated part of Southampton Water.
Experts from the Environment Agency want to know how and why the incident occurred at Fawley Marine Terminal, which boasts the longest privately-owned jetty in Europe.
Vessels could be seen spraying Southampton Water as part of a clean-up operation.
An Agency spokesperson said: "We received a report from Fawley refinery that approximately 100 litres of residual gas oil had escaped from pipework.
"Fortunately the majority of the oil has been contained onsite and their recovery contractors are also mitigating any potential pollution impacts to the local environment.
"Our regulatory teams are in contact with the site operator to ensure that environmental impacts are minimised and to fully understand how and why this incident occurred."
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An ExxonMobil spokesperson said the incident involved a "small release" of oil from a pipe, adding: "The release was stopped quickly and contained within the area of Fawley jetty.
"We have informed and engaged with the relevant authorities in relation to this release."
Fawley is the largest refinery in the UK and one of the most complex in Europe, processing about a fifth of the UK’s daily crude oil requirement.
Each year, the 1.5km-long jetty at the terminal handles around 2,000 ship movements involving 22 million tonnes of oil and other products.
Several boats could be seen taking part in a clean-up operation after the spillage occurred on Thursday.
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Speaking at the time an ExxonMobil spokesperson said: "We are responding to a small release of oil that was contained at the Fawley Marine Terminal.
"As a precaution, we have observation boats in the area while we take necessary remedial work."
Associated British Ports added: "As the relevant port authority, we understand the oil spill at Fawley Marine Terminal has been contained.
"We will provide support to the terminal operator, as they work to investigate the cause of the incident."
In 2011 Esso, which is part of ExxonMobil, was fined £10,000 after pleading guilty to allowing 400 gallons of vacuum gas oil to escape into Southampton Water the previous year.
Southampton magistrates also ordered the company to pay costs totalling £2,586.
Oil was spotted near a vessel at the terminal and a small corrosion hole was discovered in the pipeline carrying oil from the ship.
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