Environment Agency continues clean-up operation at Billing after 25 birds die

The Environment Agency is still finishing cleaning up a huge diesel spill at Billing Marina which has killed about 25 birds, a local animal rescue charity has said.

On Sunday, April 26, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Environment Agency and the RSPCA were first called to the scene to reports of a diesel leak in Crow Lane at about 7.40am.

The fire service repaired broken 'nozzles' on a diesel storage tank before the RSPCA officers and Animals in Need, in Little Irchester, have been working to rescue 85 birds affected by the oil spillage, which includes 42 swans.

Chairman of Animals in Need in Little Irchester, Roy Marriott, was one of the first people on scene to rescue the swans before taking them back to his centre to clean the oil off them.

He said: "I think all in all, when I spoke to the RSPCA, they said about 25 birds had died that includes swans, ducks, goslings and grebes.

"We not putting any birds back there until we get the all clear from the Environment Agency.

"I have been told that it's pretty clear up there now and swans are returning to the area without oil on them. It's really sad, it could have all been stopped."

The rescued birds have been taken to wildlife centres in the region where they will be cleaned and will then be released back into the wild.

If oil is not removed from waterbirds it reduces the natural waterproofing in their plumage, leaving them at risk of dying from hypothermia - so it is vital that they are treated as soon as possible.

If birds with oil on their feathers preen and try to clean themselves, they ingest the contaminants. Also while they are preening they are not feeding and may become weak so we have to act fast before this happens.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency added: “The clean-up of the oil spill is ongoing and most of the pollution has now been removed from the Marina.

"Contractors are working round-the-clock to ensure it is done efficiently and thoroughly.

"It Is not yet possible to say the size of the spill and investigations continue into the cause. We are working closely with the RSPCA, Public Health England and the Fire and Rescue Service.”