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Work to limit environmental damage after harmful substance tipped into Banbury sewer
14/05/2024
Work is underway to identify potential perpetrators
Thames Water is working hard to manage the impact on the environment following the suspected fly tipping of a harmful substance into the sewer system in Banbury.
The company is having to deal with high levels of ammonia at their sewage treatment works in Grimsbury.
Ammonia is toxic and can harm and kill aquatic life, including fish. Output from the Grimsbury treatment works, once processed, goes into River Cherwell.
Local people reported odours from the site at the weekend when heightened levels of ammonia were first noticed.
Thames Water says it is working with the Environment Agency to track down the source of the problem.
Extra tankers will be seen around the treatment works whilst they try to deal with the issue and manage the impact on the environment.
A Thames Water spokesperson told Banbury FM: “On Saturday 11 May, we observed high levels of ammonia leaving our Banbury sewage treatment works. Our teams investigated straight away and suspect a harmful substance may have been fly tipped into the sewer system. This substance has impacted the biological process, which helps us to treat ammonia arriving at our sewage treatment works. We are working closely with the Environment Agency on our investigations to identify the potential perpetrators.
“Over the weekend, members of the public may have noticed odours coming from the site or within Banbury, if anyone has any information relating to this we would encourage them to get in contact with us on 0800 316 9800.
“We’ve begun work to regrow the bacteria needed for the process by taking flows from other sites and expect to see improvements over the coming days. During this time customers may see increased tankering activity around the site as we aim to try and manage the impact to the environment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam