3km oil slick threatened local beauty spot

A serious pollution incident last week led to a 3km oil slick near the Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Doncaster.

Environment Agency officers contained the oil slick with oil absorbent booms and pads, and are now starting the clear up process. As oil floats on the surface of the water, these booms prevent the oil from spreading and the pads soak it up, without interfering with wildlife or the flow of the river.

Whilst the exact source of the oil has still not been established, it has been narrowed down to the nearby Balby Carr Industrial Estate area. There is no further oil coming from the drain, but protective measures stayed in place over the weekend in case the rain washed more through the system.

Rosie Foster, Area Incident Controller at the Environment Agency, said: “We look to have contained the pollution for now with the booms we put out across the river so we can now concentrate on the clean-up.

“It is hard to judge the environmental impact at this point, but as oil generally sits on top of the water the aquatic life below should be ok. Although we will be keeping a close eye for wildlife that has come into contact with the oil and the riverbanks for any effects.

“Investigations are ongoing to find the exact source of the oil and we have taken samples to allow us to identify the exact type of oil involved. If anybody has information about where the oil came from or if a local business has had an accident that they have not yet reported to us could they please contact our helpline.”

If you see pollution or fish in distress, please call the Environment Agency Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Alternatively, if you suspect illegal waste activities, call the Environment Agency or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.