FAO Kelsale – cum Carlton Residents with Domestic (or Agricultural) Fuel Oil Storage:
The Environment Agency are investigating the source of oil pollution to The Gull watercourse.
However, this oil has also caused and is continuing to cause significant damage to residential
properties and garden ponds. At least one property has already lost all its fish and have oil
contamination which they are concerned could additionally present a fire hazard. This has caused
quite a lot of distress.
We are getting close to finding the source. However, it would be extremely helpful if ALL Carlton
residents, especially those within proximity to the Carlton Road, could check their domestic fuel oil
tanks (and or agricultural fuel oil if applicable) for any leaks or loss of fuel, ASAP. If you do find or
suspect a spill, please contact our ‘Incident hotline on 0800807060’ and quote ‘Reference NIRS02220946’.
You can also email our local office at AN-EPR-LandandWater-Suffolk@environment-
agency.gov.uk, and one of our Suffolk team will get back to you as soon as they can. This will help us to reduce the impact on the environment.
The following link, will help you to know what to look for: http://oilcare.org.uk/look-after-your-
oil/regular-tank-checks/
Please note, a leak can also occur to pipework underground and so may not be immediately obvious.
If your tank gauge has reduced unexpectedly or you seem to be using more than usual without reason,
then you should contact your fuel provider for advice. They may be able to pressure test your system
and determine any potential leak underground.
Leaks and spills from a domestic heating tank can be difficult and expensive to clean up and the quicker
you react, the better. Leaked oil can end up in groundwater supplies and drains, many of which lead
directly into rivers, streams, lakes and (as in this case) garden ponds. Our vital drinking water can also
come from the same surface and groundwater supplies, so protection is very important.
If oil is getting into the Gull and Sandy Lane ditch system via drains, it will pollute the watercourse,
harming livestock, wildlife, and plants. Although the leak could be small and slow, over time any
residue entering the Gull can build up in the soils and banks, making cleaning up more difficult and
costly. This is why it is so important to rule out your own tanks and keep a regular check on their
condition. Ask your fuel provider to pressure check your pipes during oil delivery and ensure the tank
is never overfilled.
To report an oil spill people should contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on
0800 80 70 60. Visit Gov.uk for guidance on the regulations that apply to storing oil:
https://www.gov.uk/oil-storage-regulations-and-safety
Visit the Oil Care Campaign for website for further guidance: http://oilcare.org.uk/
