Environment Agency tackles two Pollution Incidents

Environment officers attended incidents in Oxfordshire and Surrey after reports of pollution in two separate watercourses.

The Environment Agency has investigated two pollution spills after reports of pollution in two separate watercourses in Oxfordshire and Surrey.

In Surrey, staff investigated reports of pollution along a two km stretch of the River Blackwater in Camberley, where more than 100 dead fish were seen by members of the public. Officers investigated the cause of the pollution and have advised on the clean up and are helping to mitigate the impacts of the pollution.

In Oxfordshire, environment officers are assessing the impacts of pollution reported along a 2.5 km stretch of an unnamed stream that runs through the village of Cassington.

The EA advise that emergency response to both incidents will continue for as long as necessary to ensure that fish affected by the incidents are moved where possible.

Mark Tucker from the Environment Agency, speaking on Friday 07 September when the incidents were first reported, commented:

“Environment Agency officers have been sent to both of these incidents to assess and reduce the impact of the pollution in the rivers and to begin a full investigation into what has happened.

We will remain onsite to ensure that all action is taken to prevent any further risk of harm to the rivers and will oversee the clean-up operation. A full investigation into the incidents is currently underway as well as all efforts being focussed on reducing the risk of pollution to the rivers.”