Serious fears of pollution have been raised after water in a brook was turned blue.
The stream and brook runs at the back of Fold Croft and through the Canons Brook Golf course, near to Fourth Avenue in Harlow.
Epping Forest Guardian understands the Environment Agency is on scene investigating the water and change of colourless.
Councillors took to Twitter to hit out at the people and or firm responsible.
Whoever has caused this in Canons Brook #Harlow you should hang your heads in shame and I hope you have to pay a considerable amount for this Environmental damage! pic.twitter.com/poHGnWUpCy
— Andrew Johnson (@HarlowTory) August 15, 2021
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our specialist officers are investigating how Canons Brook in Harlow turned blue over the weekend, but thankfully have no current evidence of harm to wildlife or the environment.
“If members of the public have information that might help our investigation, or suspect pollution in any rivers or streams, they should contact our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”
Robert Halfon MP for Harlow said he's alerted the Government environment minister.
He said: "It is really awful to see the spillage at Canons Brook. I have alerted the Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow. I have also had discussions with the Environment Agency this afternoon and representatives have assured me that they are carrying out an investigation.
"This is the latest information that I have received from the Environment Agency: “Our specialist officers are investigating how Canons Brook in Harlow turned blue over the weekend, but thankfully have no current evidence of harm to wildlife or the environment.
"Members of the public with information that might help our investigation, or if they suspect pollution in any rivers or streams should contact our incident hotline on 0800 807060.
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"Outdoor drains are designed to carry only rainwater, usually to the nearest river or stream. As the water is 100% natural rainwater there is no requirement to send it with the dirty water that comes from our homes to a waste treatment works, instead it travels directly into our rivers and seas.
"It’s important that pollutants such as engine oil, cooking oil, paints, chemical wastes, and detergents are never poured down the drain. Instead, take unwanted items to your household recycling centre to be disposed of safely, remember only rain down the drain.”
Harlow Council has been contacted for comment.
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