Emergency services are attending a leak from an effluent pipe at an oil handling facility on the Firth of Forth. The leak has been described by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) as ballast water from terminal tanks.
A spokesman for BP who own the terminal confirmed that the leak was not oil or chemical in nature but was water from an effluent pipeline.
A precautionary zone has been placed around the area which is close to the Forth Bridge, BP have apologised for any inconvenience.
A Sepa statement said: “At this time we do not know what, if any, environmental impact there may be, but we are working as part of a multi-agency group to investigate the incident.”
Ballast water is used by empty oil tankers in order to ensure stability during voyages. The water, that contains biological material, is discharged prior to taking on an oil cargo.
