Environment Agency investigates Norfolk river pollution
An investigation is under way after oil and other pollutants flowed into a rare Norfolk chalk stream for several days
An investigation is under way after oil and other pollutants flowed into a rare Norfolk chalk stream for several days.
The Environment Agency says it's attempting to identify the source of the issue and is currently analysing samples taken from the Gaywood River in the Bawsey area of West Norfolk.
Locals have said the problem has continued throughout the week and an absorbent boom has been placed downstream to contain the flow of the pollution.
A spokesman for Gaywood River Revival, a group campaigning to protect the waterway, said:
"This could have serious repercussions to the river’s ecosystem.
“The pollution is entering the river over a half mile stretch east of the Bawsey ruins.
“It could be oil, diesel or petrol and it is washing into the river, coating the surface with a film of oil that will cut off vital oxygen supplies to fish as well as contaminating the river banks and silt for years to come.”
Environment Agency visit
Environment Agency officers visited the site last week – three days after it was first spotted.
A spokeswoman said: “At the time of their visit the officers noted that an oil sheen was present on the water and took samples to be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
“An absorbent boom was later deployed across the watercourse by our operations team. Further water samples were also taken downstream and sent for analysis.
“We believe we have identified potential sources of the oil and are continuing with our investigations.”
"Absolutely disgusting"
Norfolk County councillor Rob Colwell, who represents Gaywood South, feels frustrated more isn’t being done to protect the river.
“This is absolutely disgusting,” he said.
“it is not the first time there have been pollution events here. People want reassurance that the Environment Agency will take action. It is just awful.”