Environment Agency issues update after over 40 spill kits placed in Derbyshire pond after oil leak contaminates water

Environment Agency has issued an update after an oil leak, which has left Osborne’s Pond at Shipley Country Park contaminated.

In a comment issued for the Derbyshire Times this afternoon, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency : “Our officers responded to this incident and have been on site this morning to assess the situation.

“We have deployed booms and pads to limit the environmental impact and to protect local wildlife.

“We are investigating the source of this incident and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if appropriate.

“If anyone witnesses a pollution incident, please report it to us via our 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

This comes after rangers were made aware of an oil leak at Osborne’s Pond by a member of the public at lunchtime on Sunday, 28 June.

Emergency services were called and the area was cordoned off and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene to assist with containing the spillage, which was entering the pond through an inlet pipe.

Two booms were placed in front of the outlet to help contain the oil and rangers put dams in place across two streams to limit the flow of water.

Up to 40 spill kits from the county council, fire and rescue service and local fishing club were placed in the pond to absorb as much oil as possible.

Further works to absorb the remaining oil are being carried out today (Monday 29 June) and members of the public are asked to avoid touching the water and keep dogs away from the pond.

Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Shipley Country Park remains open to walkers and other visitors but users are being urged to keep clear of Osborne’s Pond as a precautionary measure.

“To ensure everyone’s safety, we’re warning people not to enter the water for any reason, keep children well away from the pond and make sure dogs are kept on a lead in the area to prevent them swimming in or drinking the water.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved yesterday for their quick actions and we’ll continue to work alongside partner agencies in the coming days to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

The source of the spill is not yet clear and the incident has been reported to the Environment Agency.

Preparation was due to start today for construction work to improve the stability of the dam on the other side of Osborne’s Pond.

The water level will not be lowered at the pond until the oil has been completely contained, Derbyshire County Council confirmed.

Water is not currently over-topping the pond’s spillway, reducing the risk of the oil travelling further downstream.

Derbyshire Countryside and Derbyshire County Council have issued a warning to members of the public over contaminated water at Osborne’s Pond at Shipley Country Park.

Derbyshire Countryside and Shipley Country Park have shared the following online appeal: “We have had an oil leak into Osborne’s Pond.

“Most of the water is now contaminated.

“Emergency Services have responded and we are awaiting a response from the Environment Agency.

“Please refrain from accessing/touching the water and please keep dogs out of the water.

“Thank you for your co-operation.”