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Published:
February 23, 2006
Pollution
scare hits River Parrett near Burnham-On-Sea
A
turquoise-coloured substance floating on top of a
river near Burnham-On-Sea sparked fears of a pollution incident
this week.
 But
the Environment Agency insisted that the vibrantly-coloured material
is harmless and poses no risk to people or the environment.
It
was spotted about three miles south of Burnham in the River Parrett
on several days - prompting fears of a chemical spillage.
However,
Environment Agency spokeswoman Bridget Norris told Burnham-On-Sea.com:
"One of our officers has been investigating and has found
the blue substance is a harmless dye that has no adverse affects
on the environment."
"It's
a non-toxic, regulated substance that is a by-product used in
the making of cleaning cloths," she said.
 She
added that the Environment Agency would continue monitoring the
area in coming weeks.
Members
of Burnham's hovercraft crew spotted the substance while out training
in the river earlier this week.
Pilot
Pete Emery said: "The substance was spotted on two separate
days and seemed to be coming from a pipe leading from a nearby
factory."
"Given
its bright colour and the quantity, we thought it was best to
contact the Environment Agency."
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