Getting river pollution investigated like 'pulling teeth'

Residents of Bristol have been complaining for years about an oil-like substance bubbling up in the River Avon, causing environmental damage and health issues, according to the Environment Agency (EA). Nicola Irvine, a local resident, said it felt like "pulling teeth" to get the EA to investigate the pollution, despite her repeated reports.

Toby White, Irvine's partner, described the smell as "like living on a petrol station" and experiencing headaches. The EA visited the site and confirmed that the pollution was linked to contamination from the former tar works that operated in the area from the mid-19th century to the 1980s. However, the EA stated that the environmental impact was limited to the area where contamination enters the watercourse and that there were no wider effects downstream.

Irvine and others have reported finding dead wildlife, including ducks, fish, and ducklings, in the river. The EA is investigating the source of the contamination and working with landowners, the local authority, and partner organizations to take action to protect the local environment. Wessex Water and Bristol City Council are also supporting the EA's investigation, but have found no issues with their assets.

Local residents continue to express frustration with the slow response from the EA to address the pollution and its impact on wildlife and human health.