River pollution in Wellesbourne remains a mystery after four weeks
The smell of petrol polluting the River Dene is said to be “overwhelming” one month on from when it was first reported that the water was contaminated.
Last Wednesday (24th August) the Environment Agency confirmed that an oil-type substance had been detected in the water, and barriers were erected in an attempt to contain the spillage.
Residents slammed the ongoing leak into the river an “environmental disaster”.
Some speculated that it might be caused by a household oil tank bursting or even that there might be a problem with petrol storage at the Warwick Road Shell Service Station, which is approximately 250m from the river.
However, this week owner Karan Thanam told the Herald that the garage was categorically was not the source of the pollution leak. “All of our storage tanks have gauge monitoring so we can regularly check fuel levels and any variants of the tank,” he said. “We have proper processes in place and check the tanks on a weekly basis and if there were any problems we would raise the alarm. We have changed all the nozzles on the forecourt to reduce any excessive smell and we had an inspection last week which was fine.”
Peter Vale-Humphreys lives in Wellesbourne and walks along the river most days. He said: “The pollution flows underneath the White Bridge area of the Dene where the spill is at its worst.
“I’m concerned the spill will spread to the River Avon and affect the swan population and other birds.”
Peter intends to contact Stratford swan welfare warden Cyril Bennis about the threat posed by the pollution and also the possibility of water tests which he has previously commissioned on the River Avon in Stratford.
The Dene meets the Avon at Charlecote, but so far the contaminant has not spread that far.
Mr Bennis said: “The swans and the condition of the Avon are fine at the moment. I’m happy to work with residents in Wellesbourne on the pollution issue if they need me to. There are lots of challenges on the rivers to protect humans and wildlife and I will be arranging a meeting with Severn Trent and the Environment Agency shortly. Our priorities are to guard against avian flu and pollution contamination of the water.”
Cllr Penny-Anne O'Donnell, county councillor for Wellesbourne, said: "It would be appreciated if the Environment Agency could update us on the latest and re-assure residents as to what action needs to take place. The petrol smell is overwhelming and we need to protect wildlife and biodiversity."
The Environment Agency said if people have environmental concerns about the spill they should call its hotline on 0800 807060.
