Geoff George from the GSPCA outside the Torrey Canyon Quarry, where many birds are dying due to the oil which is still there after it was deposited 42 years ago. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0785022)

HUNDREDS of birds are still dying from ingesting oil at Torrey Canyon Quarry, according to the GSPCA.

The quarry has been filled with oil for more than 40 years since the tanker disaster, and has now become a serious hazard for local wildlife.

GSPCA Animal Collection Officer Geoff George has been lobbying the States to solve the issue for more than 10 years.

‘It is distressing and is so avoidable,’ he said.  ‘The oil should not still be here after 40 years.  It shouldn’t have just been left here.’

Mr George has had to travel to the quarry at least once a week following reports of oil-covered birds, but it is often too late to help them.

The Public Services Department attempted to clean up the problem last summer using a bio-remediation process, which helps to break down the oil.

But Public Services Department minister Bernard Flouquet says the pumping has stirred up more oil.  The department therefore plans to use the bio-remediation method again to clean up the remaining oil.