Oil Spill in Basingstoke Canal
Cleaning efforts are underway after 650 litres of oil spilled into the Woking waterway
Last updated 14th Mar 2023
Clean-up efforts are taking place after an accident led to a significant oil spillage into the Basingstoke Canal.
The incident took place on Thursday, after a delivery truck ruptured its fuel tank. It's said that 650 litres of fuel spilled into the Basingstoke Canal.
"I think it's inevitable that wildlife will be affected."
Surrey County Council has asked people to avoid using the stretch of the canal between St John's Locks and Sheerwater Locks.
They're also specifically asking dog walkers to not let their dogs swim in the river.
A clean-up operation is currently taking place. Paul Deach, who's the Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, for Surrey County Council. He says that wildlife will likely be affected.
"I think it's inevitable that wildlife will be affected. The fortunate thing, if there can be any fortunate thing out of this incident, is that it did happen in a highly urbanised area - as such there isn't as much wildlife there."
Paul also explained how the river is being cleaned up.
"The Environment Agency, who are the lead agency when environmental incidents like this occur, were on scene very quickly on Thursday afternoon. Not just to assess the damage, but also contain it. They used very specialist oil booms to put across the canal in strategic locations to stop the spread."
"The polluter in this case, the truck company, are responsible for paying for the clean up operation, and it's their insurers that have engaged these specialist consultants that have got on the ground. They have put across the canal these highly specialised absorbent mats that basically absorb the diesel."
Paul suggested that the process could take time, but that it's important to get it right.
"They're hoping that it's going to be completed this week - but these things do take time. We don't want to rush them, we want to make sure it's done properly."
Surrey County Council are encouraging people to call the Basingstoke Canal Authority 01252 370073, if they spot any wildlife affected by the diesel.