THE chief of Dorset Wildlife Trust has expressed concerns over the impact an oil rig in Poole Bay could have on surrounding wildlife.

Dr Simon Cripps has said he is worried about the “potential risk of pollution to wildlife, people and local businesses from a range of chemicals that will purportedly be discharged into the sea, in such a highly sensitive and valuable natural environment.”

The rig ENSCO 72 arrived some four miles from the coast of Studland on Saturday morning, and drilling started today.

Campaigners Save Our Shores Bournemouth said the chemical permit issued by government regulator OPRED would allow “up to 6753 tons of chemicals to be discharged, including eight tons of biocide.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust, which has been a consultee to the proposal for drilling in Poole Bay since last February, said it had made “numerous comments on concerns over impacts to our important habitats and wildlife.”

It said: “Following Dorset Wildlife Trust’s calls for changes to the drilling operation, the most contaminated cuttings will now be disposed of onshore and the 38 days of exploratory drilling will now occur during the winter to reduce impacts on migratory species, spring and summer spawning of fish and on foraging seabirds.”

The charity said it was also concerned drilling may overrun as recommended 38 days of drilling between November 1 and February 28 would have passed by the time drilling starts.

Marine Conservation Officer Emma Rance said: “Despite our requests, Dorset Wildlife Trust continue to be worried about the remaining drill cuttings that will be discharged onto the seabed with the potential to impact species within the vicinity. Studland Bay which is only 4km away from the drill site is a known breeding ground for seahorses. Short-snouted seahorses (protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981) are recorded within the licensed drilling area in Poole Bay.”

Dr Cripps added: “Poole Bay is not the place for such activities. The time, effort, money and research necessary to conduct such a project would be better used on renewable energy alternatives and not drilling in such a sensitive area.”

Oil exploration firm Corallian said previously: “The majority of mud chemicals used during the proposed drilling operations will comprise naturally occurring products (such as barite and bentonite) that are either biologically inert or readily dispersible or biodegradable, posing little or no threat to the environment,”