A mysterious white effluent which has been released into a brook is killing wildlife around the Joseph Wilson Business Park in Whitstable.
Investigators from the Environment Agency are attempting to trace the source of the milky white fluid, which has been discharged into Swalecliffe Brook which borders the park.
The Kent Ornithological Society say the pollutant has killed animals living in and around the water course, which flows through Chestfield and Swalecliffe where it enters the sea at Long Rock.
Eels and shrimp are among the victims, and the society, who reported the problem, has raised concerns over the implications for insect and plant life which may have a knock on effect further up the food chain.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Environment officers have worked closely with Southern Water Services to thoroughly investigate the drainage pipe work in an effort to locate the source of the substance.
“The pollutant appears to be a mixture of chemicals used for a range of commercial purposes, the majority of which are of moderate to low toxicity to aquatic life.
“The substance is likely to be a mixture of commercial waste products.
“A hazardous waste audit and pollution prevention campaign has been conducted at every business on the trading estate but the exact source has yet to be located. Investigations are still underway and are getting closer to resolving this incident.”
The ornithological society say the pollution has happened before, yet the Environment Agency have previously been unable to identify the culprit.
A spokesman said: “The brook is heavily polluted again and has a disgusting impenetrable milky appearance. Similar incidents have happened not infrequently in the past.
“Last time there were many dead eels and shrimps by the sluice, but the Agency has previously failed to discover the culprit despite there being a milky trail presumably leading right back to their door.”
The agency say that as soon as they discover who is responsible, they will prosecute the firm involved.
The Joseph Wilson Business Park is a mixed use industrial estate which is home to a number of businesses, who mainly carry out light industrial manufacturing work.
Don Taylor, Chairman of the Kent Ornithological Society, said: “Any pollution is bound to be detrimental. In this situation probably removing the insect life on which so much survives.
“If companies think they can get away with it I would suggest in many cases it is total ignorance of what they are doing, though with all the media hype they should certainly be aware and take responsibility to eradicate it.”
Anybody who wishes to report any information regarding this matter can do so 24 hours a day using the Environment Agency Hotline 0800 807060.
POSTED: 27/08/2008 08:00:00
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