Test samples from Elgin leak show minimal environmental damage

Test on fish from water samples near the Elgin leak have found that there has been minimal environmental damage yet, which will be a relief for oil companies operating in the area.

Oil companies may be subject to new environmental legislation if leaks are found to have caused damage to the North Sea, which could accumulate to billions of pounds in investment.

However, the Scottish government have revealed that there has been minimal impact to the environment so far, after tests were conducted on fish close to the gas leak platform, which is operated by Total.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The environmental impact of this gas leak has been minimal so far, however it's important we take precautions and analyse all available data.

"Therefore it's reassuring that sensory testing of the fish samples gathered by the Alba na Mara have found they are untainted by hydrocarbons."

Total is currently working on plans to stop the leak, which led to an evacuation of the platform over two weeks ago.

Posted by Joseph Hutton