Fuel leak at Sunderland council depot

Sunderland City Council say they're dealing with a fuel leak at the South Hylton depot

They say the red diesel has run into a culvert at Pottery Lane and they are working with partner agencies on the containment and clean-up

We're told there's no threat to public health though.

Statement from Sunderland City Council:

A tank containing red diesel at the City Council’s South Hylton depot has leaked and fuel has run into a culvert exiting at Pottery Lane, South Hylton.

This happened overnight on Monday 8 November and yesterday Tuesday 9 November.

The council is working with partner agencies on responding to the incident, this includes the containment, clean-up and monitoring.

No threat to public health has been identified although the public may notice the smell of fuel in the South Hylton riverside area.

Alongside the public’s wellbeing and the protection of the river’s wildlife, we are continuing to work with local and national partner agencies.

This includes the Environment Agency and we would ask the public to report any sightings of dead fish or fish and wildlife in distress to their incident hotline on 0800 8070 60.

The council have also issued the following health advice:

Public health advice:

• Avoid the affected culvert area where possible

• Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with any spills of diesel or affected river water - do not just rely on hand gels but wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water

• If you have been doing water sports in the affected area please make sure equipment used in the water is thoroughly washed after use

• If you have been near the affected site please take extra care when returning home when removing outer garments such as shoes and wash hands thoroughly afterwards

• Follow general hand hygiene practices – do not just rely on hand gels but wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water

• Do not touch your face without washing hands first or whilst washing hands

• If you have existing health conditions e.g. asthma or chest problems, make sure that you have your medications handy and if you develop symptoms you are concerned about contact NHS 111 or your GP in the usual way.

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