Environment agency work to reduce impact of accidental chemical spill

Environment Agency officers are continuing to investigate and monitor the impact on the local environment, following a chemical spill at an industrial unit on Adams Close, Heanor, Derbyshire

The incident

On Tuesday 6^th February, a chemical spill of around 400 litres of liquid cyanide, caused a small amount to leak into a nearby pond.

Resolving the chemical spill

Environment Agency officers are now in their third day at the scene and are continuing to take water samples to assess any potential environmental impacts the chemical spill has had on the local watercourses and ponds.

Penny Thorpe, Area Duty Manager at the Environment Agency said:

“Our officers have been on site since the incident occurred and have worked alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Derbyshire County Council to contain the spillage to minimise any effects on the environment and wildlife in the surrounding area.

A temporary dam has been created in order to stop the spillage leaving the pond and to prevent any further contamination.

Our officers will continue to monitor the environment for any other impacts from this spillage.

We have taken water samples from Adam’s pond and the brook further upstream to help us establish the best way to clear the environment of any contaminates that may remain, we will also be investigating the cause of this spill and following up with action as necessary.”

Environment Agency officers were immediately on the scene along with colleagues from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, Severn Trent Water and Derbyshire County Council to manage the chemical spill and to minimise the risk to the environment.

Agency officers work 24/7

Since the accident, Environment Agency officers have been working around the clock to rectify the issue. The agency has assured their officers are doing their utmost to protect people and wildlife from all pollution incidents.

If you notice any pollution in your local rivers, call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.