Quick action by Environment Agency Wales officers has contained a pollution incident which is affecting a tributary of the River Alyn, near Mold.
Officers rushed to a culverted section of the tributary following a tip-off from a local business on the Bromfield Industrial Estate. They found the stream covered with a light, oily sheen and detected a strong smell of petrol.
The officers used a specialist boom and absorbent pads to contain and soak up the pollution. Samples have been taken for analysis, but early indications are that it is a fuel-based substance.
Without the containment steps taken by the Agency, the pollution would eventually end up in the River Alyn, which is a very popular river for anglers. Any pollution incident can have a damaging effect on the ecology of the river harming the fish population.
Officers have conducted an extensive investigation in the area to find the source of the pollution. They inspected manholes, nearby businesses, surface water drains and drainage systems.
Investigations are still ongoing as the pollution continues to get into the water, but the steps taken by the Agency have contained and minimised the damage. Detailed drainage plans are now being examined to track down the source.
But the Agency is keen for people to check their oil or diesel tanks for any leaks as the pollution continues to affect the stream.
Chiara Caserotti, leading the investigation for Environment Agency Wales, said:
“We want to thank the local business for alerting us to this pollution. We managed to respond really quickly and have deployed absorbent pads and booms to contain it.
“But we still don’t know where it comes from. We are getting more useful information from local landowners, and this will help us find the source. But if anyone has any information that they think will help should call our hotline.
“At the moment, it isn’t causing any problems thanks to the quick thinking of the local business and our officers. But we need to stop the pollution at source.
“We want everyone in the area to check their oil or diesel tanks for leaks, or if they have had any problems recently with their oil supply or pipes, to contact us.
“If they have any information they should contact our hotline on 0800 807060. It is free, confidential and manned 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“We also want to thank the businesses on the Bromfield Industrial Estate, Broncoed Industrial Estate and Mold Business Park who have been really helpful in our initial investigations
