A BOROUGH stream has been polluted by what is believed to be multiple culverts that feed off various industrial estates near Hillfield Nature Reserve.
The Environment Agency (EA) was reported to an incident on Friday (April 22) where a representative has since inspected the stream and lake at Hillfield Local Nature Reserve in Monkspath.
Blythe Ward Councillor Ken Hawkins was alerted to the condition of the stream and lake whilst walking his dog in the park.
Coun Hawkins discovered black deposits in and around the stream, on the bank and at the mouth of the lake.
Though Mr Hawkins found the quality of water further upstream to be good, he believed the pollution to have come from an outlet pipe from a nearby business park.
He added: “The area near to the outlet pipe was very discoloured with a large amount of black deposits floating on the water and on the bank of the stream – there was also a nasty smell.
“I spoke to a representative from the environment agency who has inspected the stream and the lake.
“Due to the relatively ‘small’ amount of pollution he has been unable to determine the exact origin of the pollution.
“On his inspection he noted isolated pockets of residue on the stream bank .
“He feels these will soon disperse and will not have any adverse effects on the stream course or lake.”
Hannah Annison-French, Land and Water Team Leader with the Environment Agency said: “We were alerted to a pollution at Hillfield Local Nature Reserve and we’ve been out to see what is happening.
“Although there had been a pollution, when we visited there was no ongoing pollution visible, so we were unable to trace the source.
“We’re urging anyone who sees pollution happening, to contact our 24 hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 so we can investigate and work with partners to trace the source.”
A Council officer will meet with an EA officer on site this Tuesday (May 3) to undertake a full site visit.
Solihull Council’s environmental contractors, Amey, will clear some of the residue between now and then with a larger clean-up to be undertaken following next week’s inspection.
