Untraced oil in chalk stream sparks frustration

The oil created a sheen on the surface of Gaywood River in February last year

An investigation has failed to find the source of oil that polluted a rare chalk stream, sparking frustration from campaigners trying to protect it.

Oil entered the water at Gaywood River, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, and covered a half-mile stretch with a surface sheen for several days in February last year.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it had tried to find the source but had since closed its investigation, with no enforcement action taken.

Rob Colwell, the Liberal Democrat county councillor for Gaywood South and a member of Gaywood River Revival, said he was "annoyed" at the outcome, adding: "I am confused as to why they (EA) were unable to trace it back."

Gaywood River flows about 13km (8 miles) before joining the Great Ouse in King's Lynn

At the time, the pollution prompted an emergency response to contain it, with environmental campaigners warning it could harm wildlife.

Video evidence which appeared to show the source of the pollution was submitted to the agency, which initially stated it believed it had identified "potential sources of the oil", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Unanswered questions'

"Many residents tell me they have lost faith in the Environment Agency and their ability to properly investigate and litigate environmental issues," added Mr Colwell.

He said he feared the EA did not have enough resources to "properly safeguard" chalk streams like the Gaywood River, which is among only 200 of its kind in the world.

Gaywood River Revival describes the waterway as "Norfolk's forgotten chalk stream" and wants it fully restored.

"There are still unanswered questions as to wider pollution problems in the Gaywood River catchment," added Mr Colwell.

"These must be addressed before any restoration can be considered."

The Environment Agency said officers attended the Bawsey area in response to reports of oil in the watercourse made to its national incident reporting system.

"However, officers were unable to identify the source of pollution from their investigations and no further enforcement action was taken," a spokesman added.