Investigation continues into ‘black sludge’ pouring into Felixstowe sea
The black oily substance which leaked out of a water pipe at Felixstowe beach on April 6, 2017. Picture: ANGLIAN WATER - Credit: Archant
The ‘mysterious black sludge’ was spotted by a local tourist earlier this month.
A mystery substance was spotted leaking into the sea at Felixstowe. Picture: CONTRIBUTED - Credit: Archant
The witness, who spotted the liquid back on April 6, described the substance as ‘oil-like’ with an ‘unpleasant smell’.
Anglian Water sent a team of investigators to find the source of the substance, as well as a team of scientists who have been testing samples of the mysterious liquid to discover its identity.
An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “The oily substance found coming from a surface water pipe at Cliff Road East in Felixstowe has now dispersed in the sea. Prior to this our scientists took samples to identify the source of the third party pollution.
“Surface water outfalls are ‘rain-drains’ designed to take rainwater only. In this case the drain flows directly out to sea, so ultimately what someone puts down it, ends up at the beach.
AW says the beach has now been cleaned after an oil-like substance poured out of an outfall pipe on Felixstowe beach. Picture: CONTRIBUTED - Credit: Archant
“Chemicals like oils and paints should be taken to proper disposal sites and never put down the drain.
“Anyone who sees them being tipped into road gullies should report it to us on 03457 145 145.
“We will be speaking to local businesses to see if any recent work they’ve had done has led to this pollution.”
