Dave
Ferguson - 4-Sep-2006 - Officers from the Environment
Agency are investigating the possibility that
chemicals may have leaked into the River Coln
near Cheltenham.
Numerous dead fish have been
found in the river near Andoversford, in Gloucestershire.
Two environment officers have
been at the site throughout the day assessing
the impact of the chemicals on the environment,
which are believed to contain chlorine amongst
other chemicals.
The chemicals are now being
contained in a bunded area on site and arrangements
are being made to remove the liquid off site.
Barry Russell, Environment Manager
at the Environment Agency, said: "After being
alerted to this incident by the fire service,
we were quickly on the scene to minimise the potential
effect of the pollution. We have also been able
to gather information about the extent of any
environmental impact caused by the event. Our
investigations into the cause are continuing and
we have staff on site to ensure that we respond
quickly to any change."
Members of the public
can report pollution incidents by calling the
Environment Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800
807060.
