THE Environment Agency has responded to concerns about an oil leak in the River Avon, assuring that the issue is being resolved and damage to nature will be minimal.
Further concerns were raised recently about the continuation of pollution in the river.
Christine Hinton of Melksham said, “Oil booms have been placed in front of the water pipe to help stop the flow, but oil is still drifting across our lovely river. You can see a film of it down the length to the weir.”
In response to residents’ complaints, Melksham Independent News contacted the Environment Agency whose spokesperson Mike Dunnings said, “There is an ongoing investigation into the source of the leak, and the absorbent pads are being changed every couple of days to help clean it up.
“We are almost certain we know the source, and are teaming up with the Highways Agency and Wessex Water to check CCTV surveillance.
“The sheen on the river is the result of a residual leak. It is unsightly but the amount is so small that it doesn’t go much below the surface. This is not heavy pollution. We are very conscious of the nearby nature reserve, but due to the size of the spillage, it will have a very minimal impact on the surrounding environment.”
