ConocoPhillips, the operator of the Penglai 19-3 oil field in China's Bohai Bay, said Monday that it plans to establish a second fund to deal with environmental issues amid a continuing oil spill.

Dead scallops and shrimp in the area near the leak indicate that the pollution may be greater than reported, according to an energy expert. [sohu.com]?

The U.S. oil giant didn't elaborate on the size or scope of the fund, which was announced on Sept 6 to pay compensation for damages caused by the spill.

Conoco said a statement that it will work with its partner, China National Offshore Oil Corp. or CNOOC, to work with government departments and take efforts to clean up the spill will continue until the leak is plugged.

The spill started at the Penglai 19-3 oilfield on June 4. The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said on Sunday fresh spots of oil can still be found near the oilfield.

The spill has polluted more than 5,500 square kilometers of Bohai Bay with more than 700 barrels of oil released into the sea, according to statistics released by the company.

The contaminated area is seven times the size of Singapore.

Dead scallops and shrimp in the area near the leak indicate that the pollution may be greater than reported, according to an energy expert.

Hundreds of fishermen are waiting for a lawsuit to be filed by the SOA, but no timetable has been released so far.

Marine experts and lawyers are also targeting the SOA for the delay in filing a lawsuit against ConocoPhillips China.

The SOA ordered the energy company to suspend all production from Sept 2 at the Penglai 19-3 oilfield.