Ventspils crews collect about 10 tonnes of oil pollution

Cleanup crews have collected about 10 tonnes of oil pollution from the Ventspils coast, where the work is now in its fourth day, LSM reports. The pollution stretches for more than 50 kilometres and is moving towards Liepaja.

Municipal workers and State Fire and Rescue Service staff are collecting the material by hand and putting it into sacks. On Thursday, 44 volunteers joined the effort. The State Environmental Service estimates the pollution is among the largest on the Kurzeme coast in about 20 years.

The pollution was first detected on September 26, but cleanup began on Monday. The collected oil products are bagged together with sand and will be sent for specialised disposal. Officials estimate that 600 to 700 sacks have been filled so far, each holding around 30 kilograms because heavier bags are difficult to lift and move.

Workers can use rakes and shovels on sandy stretches, but cleanup is considerably harder in areas covered with stones. Seventeen people from Ventspils municipality have also joined the work. Officials have called for more volunteers, saying there is a lot to collect.