Oil spill causes water pollution in English river

An oil spill has caused water pollution in the River Lark in the English town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, affecting 2.5km of the waterway.

A team from the Environment Agency of England and Wales went out on November 21st to distribute absorbent pads in the river to try and prevent the spread of oil, with more materials added the day after to soak up as much as possible.

The body noted that damage to the environment seems to be limited so far, although the clean-up efforts will likely continue for a few days.

Kevin Rutterford, environment manager, said the accident emphasises just how polluting oil can be, as well as the importance of ensuring it is stored safely.

This comes after the organisation prosecuted United Utilities for two incidents that saw crude sewage overflow into waterways near Keswick towards the end of December last year and the beginning of 2011.

Posted by Lauren Steadman