Oil spill in lake leads to wildlife fears
Workmen busy during the clear up after the oil spillage in the lake at Dungannon Park.INTT4012-372SR
AN OIL spill at a Dungannon beauty-spot has raised fears for the safety of the wildlife there.
Residents and people visiting Dungannon Park Lake were shocked to see thick oil forming an unsightly orange scum on the surface of the water. It could also be seen on the banks of the lake and the surrounding vegetation.
It is believed the oil leaked into the river course which runs from Eskra Lough.
Dungannon Council staff were busy on Thursday and Friday using booms to clear up the mess.
UUP Councillor Walter Cuddy said the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency will be investigating the spill, which could have a ‘catastrophic effect’ on fish and wild fowl.
“Unfortunately, this is a regular occurrence giving the fact that the river runs through the industrial sector of the town, and is liable to pollution”, he said.
“Cleaning it up is a costly exercise, and the council will be seeking to put in place preventative measures so this will not happen again.
“We need to improve safety measures and ensure that if a spill does occur, the council will be alerted as quickly as possible.”
Councillor Cuddy proposed that the river should be piped reducing the risk of pollution.
“Someone along the open river has poured oil, and if we piped it and filled it in we would prevent them from doing this in the future.”
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Weather for Dungannon
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
