‘Fuel’ in Tavistock Canal sparks Environment Agency investigation

The Environment Agency is investigating after images circulating on social media appeared to show an unknown substance in the Tavistock Canal on Wednesday 1 April.

Reports emerged on Wednesday morning, with images shared online appearing to show a substance in the water. Members of the public commenting on social media suggested the substance looked like fuel, and said it appeared to be spilling from an outlet near the screening machine on the River Tavy, close to Abbey Place.

Onlookers urged others to contact the Environment Agency to report the incident.

The agency confirmed its officers had been dispatched to the scene and that investigations were underway to establish whether a pollution incident had occurred.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our officers are currently on site to assess the situation at the Tavistock Canal and establish whether a pollution incident has occurred. We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and will provide a further update once we have a clearer picture of the situation.”

The public has been advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area while the assessment continues.

The spokesperson added: “We would ask members of the public to avoid contact with the water in the affected area until further notice, as a precautionary measure.”

Anyone who witnesses pollution or environmental incidents is encouraged to report them to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.