Illegal dumping of Oil into Ease Drain
Environment Agency Briefing
Pollution Incident Affecting the River Witham
The Environment Agency is aware of concerns regarding a significant pollution incident affecting the River Witham and wishes to provide the following update.
Current Position
Our officers responded swiftly to this incident, which was first reported on 9 October. As the pollution came from a drain connected to the A1, we are working closely with National Highways, who are leading the clean-up operation. Given the scale of the spill, recovery work is expected to take some time, and we will continue to monitor for environmental impacts.
National Highways contractors are actively using pumps to extract the pollution from the water and tanker it away for safe disposal. Specialised containment booms (as shown in the image) have been deployed to help contain the remaining oil and are being replaced regularly by contractors as part of the response.
With heavy rainfall forecast, a rainbow sheen may continue to travel downstream on the River Witham. Whilst this is expected to disperse over the coming days, the overall clean-up operation is likely to take considerably longer. Based on experience from a similar incidents, recovery and remediation works could continue for a number of months.
We are treating this as a serious environmental incident, thought to have been caused by the illegal fly-tipping of oil into a layby off the A1. We have dedicated staff focussed on the response and investigation, working closely with National Highways and our National Crime Teams.
The Environment Agency has also notified the RSPCA regarding wildlife reported to have been affected by the pollution.
We are grateful to members of the local community who initially reported the incident and for the continued support and assistance of local residents and stakeholders.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who wishes to report worsening environmental impacts, should contact the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Environment Agency Briefing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the water turned milky in appearance?
The oil has emulsified, meaning it has mixed with the water and formed very small droplets. This can make the pollution appear milky and can cause it to spread through the water rather than remain as a distinct layer on the surface.
How long will the clean-up take?
The initial response and recovery operation is already underway. However, due to the scale of the pollution, clean-up activities are likely to continue for several weeks, with environmental recovery potentially taking several months.
What is the pollutant?
Current indications suggest the substance is likely to be used engine oil. It has been confirmed that it is neither petrol nor diesel, but investigations and sampling work are continuing to confirm preceisely what substance it is.
How serious is the incident?
This is being treated as a serious environmental incident. The Environment Agency has dedicated staff focused on the response and is working closely with National Highways and partner organisations. The incident is also being investigated by our Environmental Crime Team.
Is there any risk to residents?
There is currently no indication of any immediate danger to local residents. However, members of the public should avoid direct contact with contaminated water where possible and wash their hands thoroughly if they have been near the affected area.
Do we know who is responsible?
At present, no details can be shared regarding those potentially responsible. The Environment Agency's Environmental Crime Team is investigating the incident and is working with partners to establish the circumstances surrounding the pollution.
Published 23 October 2026
