A SUSPECTED spill has been spotted in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with walkers saying a strong smell of petrol has been emanating from the area for days.
Chris Walton said he noticed the pollution on Saturday February 20, as he was taking a walk along the canal in Blackburn close to the Harwood Street bridge near Tesco.
Mr Walton contacted the Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust.
He said: “The spill seemed to be in a small area and smelled strongly of petrol.”
A week later Mr Walton said the spill had spread and was now contaminating a two kilometre-long stretch from the Gorse Street bridge in Blackburn down to Lower Audley.
The suspected chemical spill in the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Blackburn
He also expressed concerns over the lack of wildlife on the canal in the last week, adding: “The whole stretch has a strong smell of petrol, a rainbow sheen can be seen, and in places, a build-up of scum.
“Usually, there are wild birds along here, including ducks, geese and swans.
“On Sunday, I only saw a single goose which appeared to have come in contact with the spillage as its feathers were dirty and matted.
“I have reported this animal to the RSPCA to check on it.”
Mr Walton said he wanted to know what action was being taken as the canal needed to be cleared.
Environment boss at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Jim Smith said it was a matter for the waterway authorities to deal with, but from previous knowledge of such spillages said it was more than likely someone had thrown an oil drum in the water.
The suspected chemical spill in the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Blackburn
He said: “A little oil can go a long way, and it’s very stupid to dump oil drums in the canal. It’s also very dangerous. There’s fish in that canal too and that oil can affect everything.”
A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said: “We are aware of a pollution incident on the Leeds and Liverpool in Blackburn.
“Our experienced local team attended site and installed booms to contain the pollution at this location as it has good access for removing the oil as it moves downstream.
“We are still investigating the source of the pollution but as it is dispersing, it is difficult to locate.
“Fortunately there have been no adverse effects on wildlife identified at this time.
“The Canal and River Trust take pollution incidents very seriously and works closely with the Environment Agency to respond to issues affecting our network.
“The Environment Agency is aware of this pollution and is happy for the Trust to resolve the incident.
“We will continue to respond and monitor the situation.”
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