Coastline near Ventspils inspected after oil pollution found on shore

Latvia's State Environmental Service (VVD), working together with the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), has carried out an inspection of the coastline stretching from Užava to Liepene, near Ventspils, after oil pollution was found washed up on the shore.

Teams from both services walked the affected stretch of coast to assess the extent of the contamination. During the inspection, samples were taken from the polluted areas to help determine the origin and composition of the substance.

Why it matters

Oil products reaching the coastline can harm the local ecosystem, including birds and other coastal wildlife, and can also cause inconvenience for residents and visitors using the beaches. A prompt inspection by the responsible services is therefore an important step in assessing the risks and planning any further response.

Cooperation between the Environmental Service and the Fire and Rescue Service is standard practice in such situations — rescue teams often assist with physical work along the shore, while the Environmental Service is responsible for identifying the source of pollution and monitoring environmental conditions.

No information has yet been made public about the scale or source of the pollution; this may become clearer once the collected samples have been analysed. Residents and visitors heading to beaches in the Ventspils area are advised to remain cautious and to report any suspicious signs along the coast to the relevant services.