Illegal dumping of Oil into Ease Drain
Environment Agency update - 6 November 2026
Further to our recent communications, we wanted to provide a short update regarding the pollution incident in Long Bennington. We continue to investigate the source of this pollution, however as it is an active investigation we are not able to provide any specific updates. Our national teams are assisting us where possible.
National Highways have reported they are making good progress with the cleanup. We have received no further reports of pollution and visual inspections have suggested that mitigation measures have been successful in limiting the spread of the oil.
The RSPCA were notified of the wildfowl covered in oil and attended the incident on 20 October 2026 to recover the swans.
If we can be of further help please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Kind Regards
The Environment Agency
Environment Agency update - 30 October 2026
The Environment Agency continues to monitor the oil pollution incident affecting the Ease Drain at Long Bennington and remains in regular contact with National Highways, which is leading the clean-up operation.
Environment Agency officers attended the site on 27 October 2026 to assess the condition of the River Witham. Water quality readings taken during the visit were within normal ranges, and no visible signs of oil were observed in the river.
Containment measures within the Ease Drain continue to perform effectively. Specialist contractors working on behalf of National Highways are recovering oil from the watercourse and replacing absorbent booms where required to prevent further spread. The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation and provide support, as necessary.
The initial report of pollution was received on 16 September 2026, relating to a rainbow sheen affecting approximately 50 metres of the Ease Drain. At that time, no impacts to wildlife were reported and, in line with established incident response procedures, the incident was assessed as presenting a low environmental risk. Following further reports indicating that the extent of the pollution had increased, Environment Agency officers attended the site on 9 October 2026.
No further incident reports have been received since 21 October 2026.
The Environment Agency will continue to work closely with National Highways and other partners to ensure the situation remains under review and that any necessary actions are taken to protect the local environment.
Environment Agency Briefing (23 October 2026)
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
