Tyne oil pollution probed

REPORTS of oil pollution on the surface of the river Tyne prompted an investigation by the Environment Agency.

The agency was alerted via social media platform X, formerly Twitter, by the ‘Save the Staiths’ account, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of the Dunston Staiths in Gateshead.

The oil was discovered between the Straiths and the Quayside by Andy Smith, chair of the Friends of Dunston Staiths and administrator of the account, on Wednesday.

Mr Smith said: “It was quite extensive. It looked more like fuel and it’s not the first time. A worry when there’s so much birdlife and other wildlife along the river now, including the occasional seal and otters. It was settling on to the mud flats as the tide was going out, which is also not good.”

The investigation into the incident has blamed the recent heavy downpours flushing fuel oil into the river as the most likely culprit.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We’ve received a report of oil on the Tyne near the Quayside this morning and environment officers have been out to investigate.

“Initial enquiries suggest it to be older fuel oil which has started to break apart, suggesting it’s likely been caused by the intense rainfall over recent days which has flushed it into the river through surface water drains.

“We continue to work with local businesses to ensure fuel is well managed on sites.”

Dr Ceri Gibson, chief executive of the Tyne Rivers Trust said: “We will therefore be monitoring this incident and any opportunities to achieve a longterm solution.”