Latvian environment agency samples oil pollution washed up on Kurzeme coast
Latvia's State Environmental Service surveyed the coastline from Užava to Liepene and found oil product pollution along the entire stretch, taking samples to trace its origin. Ventspils has begun beach cleanup work.
Latvia's State Environmental Service (VVD), working with the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), has surveyed the Baltic Sea coastline between Užava and Liepene and collected samples of oil pollution washed ashore, the LETA news agency reports.
The survey found oil product contamination along the entire inspected stretch of coast. The VVD says the amount of pollution currently identified is not large, but it has affected a wide coastal area. Samples were taken to determine the origin of the pollution and the circumstances behind it.
Possible slick spotted at sea
Coast guard drone surveillance detected a possible pollution slick at sea. A Latvian Naval Forces patrol vessel is heading to the suspected location to verify the situation. The VVD continues investigating the source of the pollution and will decide on further measures if necessary.
Pollution also reported in Ventspils
The Ventspils municipal utility service reported on social media that oil pollution has washed up along the entire length of the city's beach. According to a notice on the municipality's website, residents and visitors are asked to avoid the beach and refrain from walking along the shore until the contamination is cleared.
The Ventspils municipality says the oil products may have come from a ship or could have been carried ashore by sea currents. The municipal company "Ventspils labiekārtošanas kombināts" began beach cleanup work on Monday, September 28, to remove the pollution as quickly as possible.
