ENVIRONMENT experts are investigating an oil leak which polluted a stream.
Environment Agency officers have placed a boom across the stream and used absorbent material to soak up escaping oil from a tank on a construction site near Vines Cross Road, Horam.
The oil coated a moorhen and bankside vegetation. Officers have installed an extra boom to protect sheep which drink from the stream.
Chris Wicks, environment protection officer, said: "The right equipment is in place and the oil in the stream has been successfully contained.
"Leaks from oil tanks are a common occurrence.
"Anyone storing oil should ensure that tanks and pipelines are suitable for the purpose and will not allow oil to escape."
"It is an offence to cause, or knowingly permit, oil to escape to groundwater, rivers or streams. The Environment Agency will prosecute offenders and recover costs, which can reach thousands of pounds."
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article