Diesel spill at much-loved South Ribble pond - here's what's happening
Immediate action has had to be taken after diesel entered a much-loved neighbourhood pond.
Walton-le-Dale Councillors Damien Bretherton and Matt Campbell have thanked the Environment Agency for their swift action, following the contamination at Walton Park Pond last week.
The main pond - sandwiched between Preston Junction Nature Reserve and Walton Park housing estate in Carrwood Way/The Vale - was dug around an existing stream to manage water run-off from the housing estate and now attract a wide variety of wildlife, especially newts, frogs and dragonflies.
But concerns were raised with Councillors Bretherton and Campbell after signs of fuel were spotted in the water - which could have come from a household or highway surface drain - and they have now shared South Ribble Borough Council’s response to their social media page.
Absorbant socks
It reads: “Unfortunately, an amount of diesel has entered the main pond, which serves as the attenuation pond for the Walton Park estate surface water drainage system. It is currently believed that the contaminant entered the system via a surface water gully.
“Our team (SRBC) attended the site to carry out an initial assessment to determine the extent of the contamination. The situation was assessed and it was deemed that it required immediate action.
“Yesterday afternoon (February 25), we began the clean-up process by installing oil‑absorbent socks at the outfall to prevent further downstream impact. Later this week we will also have marine‑grade oil‑absorbent boom socks, which will be installed to strengthen containment and clean-up efforts.Over the coming weeks, we will continue to monitor the site closely. We have also informed and spoken with contacts at the Environment Agency for advice.”
SRBC and The Environement Agency have both been approached for further information.
Support your Lancashire Post and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.